Blue Jays win 19-inning marathon, face King Felix Monday
By STEPHEN CAMPBELL
The Toronto Blue Jays and the Detroit Tigers played a marathon of a ball game north of the border Sunday, with the Jays finally coming out on top thanks to a Jose Bautista opposite field single in the bottom of the 19th inning to give them a well-earned 6-5 walk-off victory.
The game was the longest in Blue Jays history, lasting an incredible six hours and 36 minutes. The Jays used eight pitchers in the contest, including starter Marcus Stroman as a pinch runner in the 10th inning.
Toronto won't have much time to catch their breath as Canada's lone baseball club will have to travel five hours westward to Seattle for their date with the Mariners Monday evening at 10:10 pm ET. The news only gets worse for the blue birds since they'll have to face M's ace Felix Hernandez (12-3, 1.97 ERA) on tired legs and a depleted bullpen.
The scrambled trip to the West Coast, general fatigue and a date with King Felix - a nightmare for opposing teams on a good day - creates a recipe for disaster for Toronto. At the time of publication, the Mariners were -197 faves on the moneyline with a total of 6.5.
This pitcher is lights out on the Under
Stephen Campbell
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Bud Norris continues to be a fantastic bet for Under bettors. In Norris' last eight outings, the O/U is 1-7.
He'll get the ball when the O's host the New York Yankees Monday. BetOnline.com presently has the Birds as -135 faves on the moneyline with a total of 8.5 for the AL East matchup.
Road teams loving this ump behind the plate
Stephen Campbell
Umpire Mark Wegner has been a boon for bettors backing the road team lately, with visiting teams winning eight of the last 10 games he's called.
That's good news for the New York Mets as Wegner will be behind the dish when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies in Pennsylvania Monday. For more information on the men behind the plate.
Triple Perfect Monday has the Highest Rated 7* MLB Game of the Year from a Perfect system with a Perfect Angle, a 100% Road Warrior Blowout system and a Dog system that is undefeated since 2004. There is also a One Day Only 75% Discount on the NFL Seasonal Pack. Free MLB Totals System Below.
On Monday the free MLB Totals system is on the Under in the Toronto at Seattle game at 10:10 eastern. Seattle has Felix Hernandez going and he has pithced under in 6 straight games and has a 1.97 era this year. In August 9 of his last 12 home starts have stayed under. His counter part D. Hutchison has a fine 3.17 road era. The Jays come in off a 6 hour and 37 minute marathone win over Detroit in a game that last 19 innings. The Jays are scoring just 2.7 runs the past week. Seattle has played under in 10 of 14 vs winning teams. The Most powerful reason for this selection is a totals system that has won 91% and plays under for road dogs at +140 or higher like Toronto that are off a 1 run home dog win that scored 5+ runs, vs an opponent off a home game. Look for this one to stay under tonight. On Monday the 7* Highest Rated MLB Game of the Year takes Center Stage along with a 75% off one Day only early Bird NFL Season pack discount. The Card also has a 100% Road warrior System Blowout and a Dog with a system that has not lost in over 1o seasons. Data like this wont be found any where else. The 7* is backed with a Rare and Perfect system and a 100% power Angle. Jump on now and start the week big with a World Champion analyst. For the free play take the Toronto and Seattle to go under tonight. GC
MLB
National League
Mets-Phillies
Niese is 0-4, 6.48 in his last four starts.
Buchanan is 5-2, 3.43 in his last seven starts.
Mets are 3-5 in their last eight games.
Phillies won seven of their last ten home games.
Over is 17-9 last 26 Philly games.
Cardinals-Marlins
Miller is 1-0, 2.07 in his last couple starts.
Koehler is 1-3, 5.29 in his last six starts.
Cardinals lost four of their last six road games.
Marlins lost seven of their last eleven games overall.
Four of last five Miller starts went over the total.
Dodgers-Braves
Haren is 1-5, 8.22 in his last six starts.
Teheran is 4-0, 1.24 in his last seven home starts.
Dodgers won six of their last eight road games.
Braves won five of last six at home.
Four of last five Dodger games stayed under total.
Brewers-Cubs
Gallardo is 1-1, 1.93 in his last three starts.
Arrieta is 2-0, 2.14 in his last five home starts.
Milwaukee won three of last four games, but lost six of last eight on road.
Cubs are 6-9 in their last fifteen home games.
Five of last seven Brewer games stayed under total.
Rockies-Padres
Lyles is 1-1, 6.66 in his last five starts.
Hahn is 6-2, 2.17 in his last eight starts.
Rockies lost 11 of their last 14 games.
San Diego won eight of its last eleven games.
Under is 11-3-1 in last fifteen Colorado road games.
American League
Bronx-Orioles
Capuano is 1-1, 3.32 in three starts for Bronx.
Norris is 2-1, 3.00 in his last four starts.
Bronx is 5-7 in its last twelve road games.
Baltimore won ten of its last fourteen games.
Six of last seven Bronx games stayed under total.
Rays-Rangers
Smyly is 0-2, 5.06 in his last three starts.
Lewis is 2-0, 1.13 in his last couple starts.
Rays won three of their last four games.
Texas lost 12 of last 18 games (3-2 in last five).
Under is 4-1-1 in Tampa Bay's last six games.
A's-Royals
Gray is 5-2, 2.72 in his last seven starts.
Ventura is 2-0, 2.77 in his last two starts.
A's won five of their last seven games.
Kansas City won ten of its last eleven games.
Under is 8-4 in last twelve Kansas City games.
Twins-Astros
Milone is making first Minnesota start; he was 6-0, 2.70 in his last eleven starts for Oakland.
Peacock is 0-3, 18.00 in his last three starts.
Minnesota lost four of its last five games.
Astros won five of their last six home games.
Seven of last ten Minnesota games went over total.
Blue Jays-Mariners
Blue Jays won last three Hutchison starts (2-0, 3.44).
Hernandez is 4-1, 1.61 in his last nine starts. Seattle scored 17 runs in his last seven starts.
Toronto lost six of last nine games, but won last two in last at-bat.
Mariners won six of their last eight games.
Four of last five Hutchison starts went over the total; under is 9-1-1 in last 11 Hernandez starts.
Interleague games
Tigers-Pirates
Verlander is 1-2, 2.86 in his last three starts.
Locke is 1-2, 6.03 in his last five starts.
Detroit is 10-14 since the All-Star break.
Pirates are 5-6 in last eleven games; they scored three runs in last two games.
Last five Verlander starts stayed under the total.
Teams' record when this starting pitcher starts:
-- Niese 10-11; Buchanan 6-5
-- Miller 10-12; Koehler 10-13
-- Haren 11-12; Teheran 14-10
-- Gallardo 10-13; Arrieta 10-7
-- Lyles 7-6; Hahn 7-3
-- Capuano 1-2; Norris 11-8
-- Smyly 6-12/0-1; Lewis 10-10
-- Gray 15-8; Ventura 11-10
-- Milone 9-7/0-0; Peacock 6-10
-- Hutchison 12-11; Hernandez 16-8
-- Verlander 13-10; Locke 7-5
Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Niese 6-21; Buchanan 2-11
-- Miller 4-22; Koehler 4-23
-- Haren 11-23; Teheran 8-24
-- Gallardo 7-23; Arrieta 5-17
-- Lyles 5-13; Hahn 2-10
-- Capuano 1-3; Norris 6-19
-- Smyly 6-19; Lewis 7-20
-- Gray 7-23; Ventura 6-21
-- Milone 7-16; Peacock 6-16
-- Hutchison 5-23; Hernandez 3-24
-- Verlander 7-23; Locke 6-12
Baseball Betting: Streaks, Tips, Notes
Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs August 11, 08:05 EST
It's been a rough stretch for Milwaukee with hurler Yovani Gallardo. Brew Crew have lost seven of his last eight starts. He'll get the ball when Milwaukee squares off against Cubbies on the North Side of Chicago Monday. A reversal in fortune may be in the making. Brewers have won Gallardo last four when tossing in Chicago's back yard and they've won ten of his last eleven starts in the month of August.
Toronto Blue Jays at Seattle Mariners August 11, 10:10 EST
The Seattle Mariners have been an 'Under' bettors dream lately with Hernandez, evidenced by nine of the last eleven games playing 'Under' posted totals (1-9-1 O/U). Seattle will host Toronto Monday night with Drew Hutchison on the mound. The Jays have played 'Under' in twelve of Hutchinson's last fifteen (3-12 O/U) starts against a team with a winning record.
Hondo
Hondo, who should have his head examined for laying 8 with the ’Stros, crashed in Houston Sunday when the homies were thumped by the Rangers. Add that to his losses with Fowler and Garcia in the PGA and the deficit is now at a beefy 1,445 maxvills.
Monday: It’s Miller time in Miami so Mr. Aitch will put 10 units on the Cards to flush Koehler. Also, Hondo hears the Smyly-Lewis matchup knockin’ but it can’t come in.
Preview: Blue Jays (62-55) at Mariners (60-55)
Game: 1
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: August 11, 2014 10:10 PM EDT
The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off their longest game ever, but the pitcher they'll face in the opener of an eight-game road trip is certainly capable of balancing that out.
Felix Hernandez will try to extend his MLB-record run of 15 starts of seven innings or more with two runs or fewer Monday night as the Seattle Mariners host the taxed Blue Jays. If any club is particularly likely to end the streak, though, it might be Toronto.
Hernandez (12-3, 1.97 ERA) is 8-2 with a 1.42 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and .168 opponents' average in those starts, the latest of which resulted in a 4-2 home win over Atlanta on Tuesday. The Seattle ace allowed a run and four hits while striking out eight over eight innings for his first victory in four starts.
Manager Lloyd McClendon elected to remove Hernandez after just 97 pitches as he tries to keep his staff fresh for a push at an AL wild-card spot.
"I'll continue to protect my pitchers," McClendon told MLB's official website. "I'm trying to play meaningful games in September, not have a pitcher throw a complete game in the first week of August. My objective is to try to get this team as far as I can and hopefully that's the playoffs. We have our eyes set on it, I don't know if we can get there or not, but I want Felix healthy, strong and moving forward in September."
Hernandez has been roughed up by Toronto more than any other team in 11 starts, going 4-5 with a 4.95 ERA. It gets even worse at Safeco Field, where the Blue Jays have tagged him with two losses and a 10.80 ERA in three outings.
Colby Rasmus is 5 for 7 against Hernandez and Jose Reyes is 3 for 5 with a home run.
While Toronto (63-56) might not have had much of a break as it flew to Seattle, the team has had no respite from elite pitching. Hernandez is the third straight Cy Young winner the Blue Jays will face after Detroit's David Price and Max Scherzer. However, they should have some confidence after getting victories out of the first two.
Sunday's 6-5 win in 19 innings ended when Jose Bautista singled in Munenori Kawasaki and sparked a celebration that was 6 hours, 37 minutes in the making.
"It was a long day today and coming out on top is the only thing that matters," said Bautista, who has reached base in 19 straight games.
Melky Cabrera reached eight times Sunday alone, going 3 for 5 with five walks to become the first player to reach eight-plus times in one game since Rod Carew had five hits and three walks for Minnesota on May 12, 1972. Cabrera is batting .388 with a .488 on-base percentage over his last 17 games.
As if facing Hernandez isn't a tall enough task, Toronto starter Drew Hutchison is the recipient of added pressure knowing his bullpen is drained. But Hutchison (8-9, 4.39) was actually more impressive than Hernandez in his last start, allowing one hit - a solo homer - while striking out eight in 8 2-3 innings of Wednesday's 5-1 win over Baltimore.
That followed a start in which he was chased after three innings, and his manager was quick to remind after the dazzling performance that the 23-year-old is still growing.
"He's still a young kid. He's not physically where he's going to be," manager John Gibbons said.
Hutchison hasn't faced Seattle (62-55), which enters the series 1 1/2 games behind Kansas City for the second wild card.
The Mariners have won five of six after Sunday's 4-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Logan Morrison extended his hitting streak to 11 games, though just one has been a multihit effort.
Dodgers decide to play it safe with SS Ramirez
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE
MILWAUKEE -- The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't taking any chances with shortstop Hanley Ramirez.
An MRI exam performed Saturday revealed a strained right oblique, prompting the Dodgers to place Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list Sunday.
Ramirez said he felt tightness in his right side during batting practice Friday but attempted to play through the pain. He aggravated the injury during a first-inning at-bat and gave way to a pinch runner after drawing a walk.
"We're probably being a little cautious," manager Don Mattingly said. "He could be ready in 10 games, but we don't want to bring him back in seven and then have something worse happen and maybe lose him the rest of the year. We want to assure ourselves he'll be available down the stretch"
Infielder Darwin Barney was called up to replace Ramirez. Barney, acquired July 28 from the Chicago Cubs, has only played 17 of his 542 career games at shortstop. However, he played the position regularly in high school and college and will see time there with the Dodgers while Ramirez is on the mend.
"He's a guy we know is a Gold Glove caliber second baseman but he grew up playing short," Mattingly said. "Third is probably his least-comfortable position, so we'll probably see him at short and second and we'll see how that mix works."
Justin Turner and Miguel Rojas, who had three hits Sunday, also will see action at short.
The Dodgers will make another roster move before their game Monday. Los Angeles acquired right-hander Kevin Correia from the Minnesota Twins late Saturday night, and he will be added to the roster to start the series opener in Atlanta against the Braves.
Correia will work primarily out of the bullpen, but he will make a spot start Monday as Mattingly looks to give his rotation an extra day of rest during a stretch of 20 games in 20 days.
Brewers' Garza still sore, won't be back soon
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE
MILWAUKEE -- When Matt Garza went on the disabled list Tuesday with a strained left oblique, the general consensus was that the move was strictly precautionary and the Milwaukee Brewers right-hander would be ready to return in 15 days.
That is no longer the case.
Manager Ron Roenicke said Sunday that Garza was still experiencing discomfort and hasn't resumed throwing.
"It's not looking good," Roenicke said before the Brewers' 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Garza sustained the injury a week ago on his second-to-last pitch in a six-inning, one-hit effort at St. Louis. While he showed improvement during workouts last week, he reported soreness Saturday, which led to his rehab plan being placed on hold.
"He didn't have a setback, but until he is completely pain-free in a bunch of different motions, they're not going to let him throw," Roenicke said.
Signed to a four-year, $50 million contract in January, Garza is 7-7 with a 3.58 ERA in 23 starts. In seven starts before the injury, Garza was 3-2 with a 2.62 ERA -- numbers that were inflated by a nightmare outing against Washington in which he allowed five runs in one-third of an inning.
Milwaukee recalled right-hander Mike Fiers to start in place of Garza.
Milone set to make Twins debut
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Former Oakland A's left-hander Tommy Milone will be called up from Triple-A Rochester and make his Twins debut Monday night in the opener of a three-game series at Houston.
Twins catcher Kurt Suzuki, Milone's teammate at Oakland in 2012, knows what to expect.
"Same old Tommy; same old, same old," Suzuki said Sunday before the Twins' 6-1 victory against Oakland. "Just kind of hit his spots, work his fastballs both sides, cutter, curveball, changeup. Obviously everybody knows his changeup. Just try and mix it up"
The A's traded Milone to Minnesota on July 31 for outfielder Sam Fuld. Despite winning six straight decisions for the A's, Milone had been demoted to Triple-A Sacramento on July 5 when they acquired right-handers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel from the Chicago Cubs. Not long after he was sent down, Milone requested a trade.
A's manager Bob Melvin said he was happy to hear that Milone was returning to the major leagues.
"He's meant a lot to us around here over the last few years," Melvin said. "Not only in the clubhouse but production wise. He's won upwards of 30 games for us. Anybody that is giving those kind of contributions and is a guy that really from the beginning here was a younger guy that kind of set an example for work ethic, professionalism here, which was very important in getting to the point where we are now.
"So we wish him the best. It's nice that he is called up because I believe he is a big leaguer."
Days before the Twins traded for Milone, Suzuki gave him high praise when his name came up while talking to manager Ron Gardenhire, bench coach Terry Steinbach and pitching coach Rick Anderson.
"I kind of threw out the idea a little bit earlier," Suzuki said. "Tommy Milone was in Triple-A and I've had pretty good success with him as a teammate. The only thing I told them was how great of a guy he was. He works hard, he does everything the right way, he's a professional, let alone really good at what he does.
"I said, 'Hey, he'd be a perfect fit here,' just kind of joking around. The next thing you know we traded for Tommy Milone."
Milone has a career record of 32-22 with a 3.84 ERA with 339 strikeouts and 105 walks.
Mets closer Mejia pitching through injuries
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE
PHILADELPHIA -- The New York Mets could have a problem at closer.
On Sunday, ninth-inning man Jenrry Mejia allowed three hits and two runs for his third blown save, resulting in the Mets' 7-6 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
In his last four appearances, Mejia is 0-2 with a 9.84 ERA. But struggles aren't the biggest issue.
After the loss, Mejia, already dealing with a calf injury, admitted that he's been pitching through a hernia injury, as well, that will require surgery after the season.
"Doctors say if it bothers me too much to let him fix it, but I don't want to let him know because I want to keep pitching," Mejia said. "I keep trying and throw my ball normal. It doesn't affect me."
Mejia said he's known about the hernia for three weeks and is receiving treatment.
"(Doctors) gave me some pills and some medication," he said. "If I don't feel normal, too much pain, they're going to make an operation. But I want to keep pitching. I want to take some pills and keep pitching. I think I can keep going. I'm ready to go."
Mets manager Terry Collins still has faith in his closer.
"He's done a great job. He's done an absolutely great job," Collins said. "The breaking ball is a little tumble-y right now. It's not as crisp as it normally is. That could be from wear and tear. There's nothing wrong with him physically. He's fine."
Mejia plans on gutting through it.
"Every time I come to the game I feel I want to keep going, do some treatment and keep pitching," he said. "Everything's OK. There's no excuse."
Injuries, marathon game take toll on Tigers' staff
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE
TORONTO -- The Detroit Tigers have some shuffling to do.
It was bad enough that starter Anibal Sanchez (pectoral strain) and reliever Joakim Soria (oblique strain) were placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday. However, the Tigers then played 19 innings before losing their second extra-inning game in a row to Toronto, falling 6-5 in the longest game in Blue Jays history.
It was so bad that starter Rick Porcello pitched the final two innings and took the loss Sunday. Manager Brad Ausmus suggested that he might have used a position player to pitch had the game gone longer.
"It's very possible it would have been a position player at that point," said Ausmus, who was ejected in the third inning. "We were talking about it, but it never got to that point."
Justin Verlander will start Monday against Pittsburgh. Left-hander Robbie Ray is scheduled to fill Sanchez's spot against the Pirates on Wednesday. In between, some moves will be made. Ray does not have to be officially called up until Wednesday.
Porcello, who was scheduled to start Tuesday, had a light bullpen session Saturday and a more strenuous outing Sunday.
"We're going to have to do some shuffling," Ausmus said. "Other than Verlander pitching tomorrow, I can't tell you anything."
Despite the injuries to Sanchez and Soria, there were no call-ups for Sunday's game.
"We didn't think we could get them here," Ausmus said. "Of course, if we knew we had until 7 o'clock to get them here, maybe we would have."
Today's MLB Picks
Oakland at Kansas City
The Royals head into tonight's matchup with Oakland carrying a 4-1 record in Yordano Ventura's last 5 starts as an underdog. Kansas City is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Royals favored by 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+110). Here are all of today's MLB picks.
MONDAY, AUGUST 11
Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. ESTGame 951-952: NY Mets at Philadelphia (1:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 16.109; Philadelphia (Buchanan) 13.640
Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 2 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: NY Mets (-125); 8
Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-125); UnderGame 953-954: St. Louis at Miami (1:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: St. Louis (Miller) 14.320; Miami (Koehler) 15.794
Dunkel Line: Miami by 1 1/2; 7
Vegas Line: Miami (-115); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Miami (-115); UnderGame 955-956: LA Dodgers at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: LA Dodgers (Correia) 16.899; Atlanta (Teheran) 15.743
Dunkel Line: LA Dodgers by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Atlanta (-170); 7
Dunkel Pick: LA Dodgers (+150); OverGame 957-958: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 17.442; Cubs (Arrieta) 15.598
Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 2; 6
Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-115); No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-105); N/AGame 959-960: Colorado at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Colorado (Lyles) 15.402; San Diego (Hahn) 14.313
Dunkel Line: Colorado by 1; 8
Vegas Line: San Diego (-155); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Colorado (+135); OverGame 961-962: NY Yankees at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: NY Yankees (Capuano) 16.599; Baltimore (Norris) 15.671
Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1; 9
Vegas Line: Baltimore (-145); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (+125); OverGame 963-964: Tampa Bay at Texas (8:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tampa Bay (Smyly) 17.322; Texas (Lewis) 14.862
Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 2 1/2; 10
Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-135); 9
Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-135); OverGame 965-966: Minnesota at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota (Milone) 14.512; Houston (Peacock) 13.611
Dunkel Line: Minnesota by 1; 8
Vegas Line: Minnesota (-120); 8 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-120); UnderGame 967-968: Oakland at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Oakland (Gray) 16.772; Kansas City (Ventura) 18.398
Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Oakland (-130); 7
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (+110); OverGame 969-970: Toronto at Seattle (10:10 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Hutchison) 17.122; Seattle (Hernandez) 16.321
Dunkel Line: Toronto by 1; 7
Vegas Line: Seattle (-220); 6 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Toronto (+185); OverGame 971-972: Detroit at Pittsburgh (7:05 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Verlander) 16.976; Pittsburgh (Locke) 14.520
Dunkel Line: Detroit by 2 1/2; 8
Vegas Line: Detroit (-120); 7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit (-120); Over
Arthur Ralph Sports
Free play Mon
Tigers w/ Verlander -125
Game of the Day: Tigers at Pirates
Detroit Tigers at Pittsburgh Pirates (+102, 7.5)
The Pittsburgh Pirates own the best home record in the National League but have lost two in a row at PNC Park as they prepare to host the Detroit Tigers on Monday in the opener of a four-game, home-and-home set. The Pirates scored five runs in dropping two of three to San Diego over the weekend and continue to struggle with injuries to reigning National League MVP Andrew McCutchen and second baseman Neil Walker. The Pirates won three of four versus Detroit in 2013 - two by 1-0 shutouts.
Adding left-hander David Price at the trade-deadline to give Detroit three consecutive Cy Young Award winners has yet to yield the expected results. The Tigers have dropped five of seven after blowing a five-run lead in Sunday's 19-inning marathon loss in Toronto. Detroit's lead has dwindled to one-half game over surging Kansas City atop the American League Central and its vaunted pitching staff took a hit when starter Anibal Sanchez and reliever Joakim Soria went on the disabled list Sunday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, ROOT (Pittsburgh)
LINE HISTORY: Pinnacle Sports opened the Pirates as +109 home dogs, but that has since moved to +102. The total has held at 7.5.
INJURY REPORT: Tigers - RP Joakim Soria (Day-to-day, oblique), LF Andy Dirks (Indefinitely, back). Pirates - 2B Neil Walker (Indefinitely, back), CF Andrew McCutchen (Indefinitely, ribs)
POWER RANKINGS: Tigers (-196), Pirates (-182)
WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "It appeared former Detroit ace, Justin Verlander, was over the hill with a poor start this season, however he has actually started to pitched better recently. Verlander has a mediocre 4.57 ERA in his 24 starts this season, but it is misleading as Verlander had two awful outings in mid-June in which he allowed 14 runs in just 11.2 innings (10.80 ERA). Since then, Verlander has allowed three runs or less in seven of his past nine starts with a more respectable 3.90 ERA during that span." Steve Merril.
WHAT BOOKS SAY: "We opened Detroit a -125 favorite. Verlander is starting to pitch much better recently posting a 2.86 ERA during his last three appearances. Locke, on other hand has 6.16 ERA his last 3 starts." Mike Perry.
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Justin Verlander (10-10, 4.57 ERA) vs. Pirates LH Jeff Locke (3-3, 3.78)
While Verlander's days as a dominant ace appear to be over, he has turned in four consecutive quality starts but has alternated wins and losses in that span. A pair of solo homers were the only runs Verlander allowed over seven innings in a loss at the New York Yankees on Wednesday. He has an overpowering track record against the Pirates, tossing a pair of complete games and winning all four of his starts while compiling a 1.97 ERA.
Locke rebounded from back-to-back losses - both on the road - to beat Miami last time out, surrendering three runs (one earned) in seven innings for his first win in a month. He has been victimized by the long ball of late, yielding eight in his last four starts after giving up only three in his first eight turns. Locke, who held Detroit scoreless for 5 1/3 innings last year, is 2-1 with a 0.93 WHIP in seven home starts.
TRENDS:
* Tigers are 2-8 in the last 10 meetings in Pittsburgh.
* Under is 5-1 in the last six meetings in Pittsburgh.
* Tigers are 4-0 in their last four interleague games.
* Over is 4-1-1 in Locke's last six starts overall.
CONSENSUS: 59.15 percent of wagers are backing the Detroit Tigers.
Mets hot versus Phillies when Niese gets the start
Andrew Avery
The New York Mets have posted a 4-0 record versus the Philadelphia Phillies when pitcher Jonathon Niese gets the start for the Mets.
Three of those starts have come this season, where Niese brings a personal record of 1-0 and a 2.57 ERA into Monday's start versus the Phils. The Mets have won those three starts by scores of 6-1, 5-4 and 4-3.
Niese and the Mets are currently -118 road faves for the afternoon game. David Buchanan will get the start for the Phillies.
Weather info you should know for Monday
Andrew Avery
Monday's weather forecast does not look promising for a couple of cities as both Pittsburgh and Atlanta could be hit with some thunderstorms.
Forecasts are calling for a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms, which will increase to 70 percent as the game progresses. The Pirates open an interleague series versus the Detroit Tigers from PNC Park Monday.
Elsewhere, Atlanta could be hit by some rain as well. Forecasts are calling for a 50 percent possibility of thunderstorms which dampen the meeting between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers.
MLB roundup: Tigers place Sanchez, Soria on DL
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE
The Detroit Tigers placed right-handed starter Anibal Sanchez and reliever Joakim Soria on the 15-day disabled list Sunday.
Sanchez has a right pectoralis major strain. The move is retroactive to Saturday.
Soria has a left oblique strain.
The club will call up Robbie Ray to start Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates in place of Sanchez, who is 8-5 with a 3.53 ERA this year.
Sanchez could miss at least three weeks. He left Friday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth inning with a strained muscle in his right side.
Soria, who was recently acquired from the Texas Rangers, left Saturday's game with a strained muscle in his left side after warming up before the 10th inning. He is 2-4 with a 3.58 ERA with 17 saves (all with the Rangers). He was the Rangers' closer but is in a setup role with the Tigers. Soria is 1-1 with a 10.38 ERA in six games with Detroit.
---The Los Angeles Dodgers placed shortstop Hanley Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right oblique. The move was made retroactive to Saturday.
The Dodgers recalled infielder Darwin Barney from Triple-A Albuquerque.
---Los Angeles Angels left-hander Tyler Skaggs will have Tommy John surgery and may be sidelined through the 2015 season, the team announced.
Skaggs was recently placed on the disabled list with a flexor strain.
This year, the 23-year-old is 5-5 with a 4.30 ERA in 113 innings. Skaggs was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a three-team trade involving the Chicago White Sox that sent outfielder Mark Trumbo to Arizona.
---The Cleveland Indians placed outfielder David Murphy and first baseman/outfielder Nick Swisher on the 15-day disabled list. Murphy has a right abdominal strain and Swisher has right knee soreness.
The club recalled outfielder Tyler Holt and infielder/outfielder Zach Walters from Triple-A Columbus.
---Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez was placed on the 15-day disabled list with left knee tendinitis and a right ankle sprain. He was removed in the seventh inning of Friday's game and did not play Saturday.
Left-hander Brett Anderson will see a spine surgeon in Phoenix on Monday after an MRI performed on his lower back found a bulging disk between the L4-L5 vertebrae, the team announced. Surgery is a possibility and it seems certain Anderson will not pitch again this season.
---Minnesota Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe was out of the lineup after fouling a ball off his left ankle in the first inning off Saturday night's game against Oakland. X-rays were negative, and he is day-to-day.
"He's really sore," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.
---The Chicago White Sox optioned left-hander Eric Surkamp to Triple-A. Surkamp had an ERA of 7.11, and right-hander Matt Lindstrom is scheduled to come off the disabled list this week.
---The Boston Red Sox recalled left-hander Edwin Escobar from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned right-hander Heath Hembree to Pawtucket.
---The Chicago Cubs made a couple of roster moves before the game, activating right-hander Jacob Turner (acquired from the Miami Marlins on Friday) and right-hander Neil Ramirez (15-day DL with triceps soreness).
To make room, the Cubs sent left-hander Chris Rusin to Triple-A Iowa and put right-hander Brian Schlitter on the 15-day DL (retroactive to Aug. 9) with right shoulder inflammation. The Cubs haven't yet settled on a plan for Turner, although he figures to be used in relief for now.
---The San Francisco Giants recalled first baseman Adam Duvall, who leads the Pacific Coast League with 26 home runs and 84 RBIs.
The Giants optioned outfielder Juan Perez to Triple-A Fresno.
---Texas Rangers right-hander Derek Holland pitched three scoreless innings in his third rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Saturday night, allowing three hits while striking out four on 49 pitches. Holland has allowed four runs in six innings over three rehab starts for Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock.
---Houston Astros outfielder George Springer remains in a holding pattern regarding his reinstatement from the 15-day disabled list. Springer felt discomfort in his left quad following a workout Saturday, and his status remains day-to-day.
---Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said injured right-hander Matt Garza has not resumed throwing and likely will need more than 15 days on the disabled list. Garza landed on the disabled list retroactive to Aug. 4 because of a strained left oblique.
---The Philadelphia Phillies claimed right-hander Jerome Williams off waivers. Williams pitched for the Rangers and Astros this season, going 2-5 in 28 games (two starts) with a 6.71 ERA.
Right-hander Sean O'Sullivan was designated for assignment to make room for Williams on the roster.
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