9-2-14

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MLB roundup: Astros fire Porter
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The Houston Astros fired manager Bo Porter on Monday after a 59-79 record in his second season.

General manager Jeff Luhnow named Tom Lawless as the interim manager for the remainder of the 2014 season. Luhnow also fired bench coach Dave Trembley.

"This was not an easy decision to make. We wish Bo nothing but the best in the future," Astros owner Jim Crane said in a statement. "Jeff has my full support moving forward. Our goal to bring a championship to Houston remains."

Porter, 42, had been the Astros manager since the start of the 2013 season after being named to the position on Sept. 27, 2012, while serving as third base coach for the Washington Nationals. He compiled a 110-190 record (.367 winning percentage) in parts of two seasons as Astros manager.

Adam Everett will join the coaching staff, replacing Trembley as bench coach. The remaining coaches will continue in their current roles.

---The Seattle Mariners' suspended catcher Jesus Montero for the remainder of the season following an altercation with a team scout last week.

Montero was on a rehab assignment with short-season Everett when he went after a cross-checker scout with a bat during Thursday's game when the scout heckled him.

Montero went into the stands with a bat after the scout ordered him to hustle off the field in Spanish and had an ice cream sandwich sent to him in the dugout.

---The Philadelphia Phillies traded outfielder John Mayberry Jr. to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league third baseman Gustavo Pierre.

The trade was made before Sunday's midnight waiver trade deadline

Mayberry, 30, batted .213 with six home runs and 21 RBI in 63 games (29 starts) for the Phillies this season and had recently been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley for left wrist inflammation.

---St. Louis Cardinals right hander Michael Wacha threw 34 pitches in a rehab game Sunday night for Double-A Springfield at Tulsa. He allowed a hit and a walk with a strikeout.

Cardinals right hander Jason Motte pitched the eighth inning of that game and threw 12 pitches in a 1-2-3 inning. The organization hasn't decided the next step for either pitcher yet.

---The Cleveland Indians activated designated hitter Jason Giambi off the disabled list. The 43-year-old Giambi had been on the DL since June 12 with an inflamed knee.

He also has missed time this season because of a broken rib and strained calf.

In 47 at-bats this year, Giambi is hitting .128 with two home runs and five RBIs.

---With rosters eligible to be expanded up to 40 players as of Sept. 1, Miami activated LHP Dan Jennings and RHP Carter Capps off the disabled list.

Capps, who has hit 100 mph with his fastball, has a 4.78 ERA in 96 career innings in the majors, including 3.00 in nine innings this season.

Capps, 24, hasn't pitched in the majors since May 25.

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MLB

National League

Phillies-Braves
Kendrick has a 7.25 RA but no losses in his last four starts.
Minor is 2-0, 1.66 in his last three starts.

Phillies won eight of their last eleven games.
Atlanta won four of its last six games.

Under is 6-2-2 in last ten Atlanta games.

Mets-Marlins
Niese is 2-6, 5.37 in his last eight starts.
Marlins won both Penny starts (1-0, 5.40).

Mets lost four of their last six games.
Marlins lost six of their last nine games.

Under is 3-1-1 in last five Miami games.

Pirates-Cardinals
Locke is 4-0, 2.90 in his last five starts.
Wainwright is 1-3, 5.19 in his last four starts.

Pirates won four of their last six games.
St Louis won seven of its last nine home games.

Nine of last ten Cardinal home games went over.

Brewers-Cubs
Gallardo is 2-1, 2.77 in his last four starts.
Arrieta is 2-1, 1.98 in his last four Wrigley starts.

Milwaukee lost its last six games, outscored 42-13.
Cubs won their last four home games.

Five of Cubs' last seven games went over total.

Diamondbacks-Padres
Cahill is 1-1, 6.61 in his last three starts.
Ross is 5-2, 2.10 in his last eight starts.

Arizona lost 11 of its last 15 games.
Padres won five of their last six games.

Five of last six San Diego games stayed under.

Giants-Rockies
Petit is 1-2, 6.89 in his last six starts.
Lyles is 0-1, 5.32 in his last four starts.

Giants won six of their last seven games.
Colorado lost five of their last seven games.

Six of last eight games at Coors Field went over the total.

Nationals-Dodgers
Fister is 0-2, 6.94 in his last couple starts.
Kershaw is 5-1, 1.55 in his last seven starts.

Washington lost four of its last six games.
Dodgers won three of their last four home games.

Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Washington games.


American League

Red Sox-Bronx
Kelly is 0-1, 3.86 in five starts for Boston.
Greene is 2-0, 2.42 in his last four starts.

Red Sox lost 11 of their last 15 games.
Bronx lost three of last four games, but won four in row at home.

11 of last 16 Bronx games stayed under total.

Blue Jays-Rays
Dickey is 1-2, 4.99 in his last five starts.
Hellickson is 0-1, 5.17 in his last three starts.

Blue Jays won three of their last four games.
Tampa Bay lost six of its last nine home games.

Five of last seven Toronto games stayed under total.

Tigers-Indians
Lobstein allowed two runs in six IP in his first MLB start.
Carrasco is 3-0, 0.73 in his last four starts.

Detroit won seven of its last ten games.
Cleveland won 13 of its last 19 games.

14 of last 18 Cleveland games stayed under total.

Angels-Astros
Wilson is 2-0, 2.63 in his last four starts.
Peacock is 0-0, 1.74 in his last couple starts.

Angels won their last six games, allowing seven runs.
Houston fired its manager yesterday; they've won three of last four games.

Four of last five Wilson starts stayed under the total.

White Sox-Twins
Noesi is 1-1, 5.21 in his last three starts.
Milone is 0-1, 13.09 in his last three starts.

White Sox lost five of their last six road games.
Minnesota lost seven of its last nine games.

'Eight of last eleven Minnesota games went over.

Mariners-A's
Paxton is 2-1, 2.31 in his last four starts.
Gray is 1-4, 4.85 in his last six starts.

Mariners lost five of their last seven games.
Oakland lost seven of its last nine games.

Four of last five Oakland games stayed under the total.

Rangers-Royals
Holland is making first '14 start; he is 49-38, 4.36 in 123 career starts; he was out until this point with an injury.
Guthrie is 2-0, 4.29 in his last three starts.

Texas lost 12 of its last 18 games.
Royals lost five of their last eight games.

Five of last six Kansas City games stayed under.


Interleague games

Reds-Orioles
Latos is 3-0, 2.72 in his last six starts.
Norris is 1-1, 6.00 in his last three starts.

Reds lost seven of their last eight road games.
Baltimore won six of its last eight games.

Four of last five Oriole games went over total.

Teams' record when this starting pitcher starts:
-- Kendrick 13-13; Minor 11-10 (won last 3)
-- Niese 12-13; Penny 2-0
-- Gallardo 12-15; Arrieta 12-9
-- Locke 10-6; Wainwright 18-9
-- Petit 4-3; Lyles 9-8
-- Miley 12-16 (0-6 last 6); Despaigne 6-6
-- Fister 14-6; Kershaw 18-4 (15-1 last 16)

-- Lobstein 1-0; Carrasco 4-4
-- Kelly 3-4/2-3; Greene 7-2
-- Dickey 12-16; Hellickson 3-5 (0-4 last 4)
-- Wilson 13-12; Peacock 7-13
-- Noesi 12-10; Milone 9-7/3-1
-- Holland 0-0; Guthrie 15-12
-- Paxton 5-2; Gray 16-11

-- Latos 6-8; Norris 14-9

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Kendrick 15-26 (4 of last 4); Minor 6-21
-- Niese 7-25; Penny 2-2
-- Gallardo 7-27; Arrieta 5-21 (0 of last 6)
-- Locke 8-16; Wainwright 4-27
-- Petit 2-7; Lyles 5-17
-- Miley 5-28 (0 of last 6); Despaigne 4-12
-- Fister 6-20; Kershaw 3-22

-- Lobstein 0-1; Carrasco 2-8
-- Kelly 5-12; Greene 2-9
-- Dickey 8-28; Hellickson 2-8
-- Wilson 5-25; Peacock 7-20
-- Noesi 6-22; Milone 10-20
-- Holland 0-0; Guthrie 12-27 (5 of last 5)
-- Paxton 2-7; Gray 10-27 (3 of last 4)

-- Latos 1-14; Norris 8-23

Umpires
-- Phil-Atl-- Nine of last eleven Meals games went over.
-- NY-Mia-- 16 of 21 Basner games went over the total.
-- Mil-Chi-- Eight of last eleven Barry games stayed under.
-- Pitt-StL-- Five of last six Hoye games stayed under.
-- SF-Col-- Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Vanover games.
-- Az-SD-- Underdogs won three of last four Eddings games.
-- Wsh-LA-- Favorites won 12 of last 16 TBarrett games.

-- Det-Cle-- Over is 10-4-1 in last fifteen Everitt games.
-- Tex-KC-- Underdogs won five of last six Drake games.
-- Sea-A's-- Underdogs are 14-10 in last 24 Bucknor games.

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Rangers LHP Holland finally ready to make season debut
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Left-hander Derek Holland will make his long overdue debut Tuesday for the Rangers.

Holland tore cartilage in his left knee while falling while playing with his dog in January. He would require microfracture surgery. Nearly eight months after the surgery and with the Rangers mired in last place in the American League West, Holland will make his 2014 debut against the Royals.

"Just to know where he is, really just finding out No. 1 his physical abilities," said Rangers manager Ron Washington, of the significance of Holland pitching in September. "To find out where he is in executing pitching. Those type of things."

"He'll go into the winter knowing that he's just got to do his winter stuff to be strong in spring training. He made his way back. He's healthy."

Holland won 16 games in 2011 and has been a double-figure winner the past three seasons.

Holland made six rehab starts with Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, going 2-1 with a 4.43 ERA, throwing 98 pitches on Thursday in his previous start, so he has progressed to throw 100-plus pitches Tuesday.

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Tuesday's Tip Sheet
By Kevin Rogers

Tigers at Indians – 7:05 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
DET: Lobstein (0-0, 3.09 ERA)
CLE: Carrasco (6-4, 3.01 ERA)

Series recap: The Tigers avenged a July home series loss to the Indians in Monday’s 12-1 blowout at Cleveland as +105 underdogs. David Price rebounded from an awful start against the Yankees in his previous outing as the former Cy Young Award winner tossed seven solid innings on Monday, while the Tigers won their fourth straight contest at Progressive Field.

What to watch for: Following a horrendous April, Carlos Carrasco has pitched terrific for the Tribe of late by allowing two earned runs in his last four outings (3-1 team record). The Indians are currently on a 16-3 run to the ‘under’ in the past 19 games, including seven consecutive ‘unders’ in Game 2’s of a series. Since the All-Star break, the Tigers own a 2-6 record in their past eight Game 2’s of a road set, including a 1-4 mark off a victory in an away series opener.

Pirates at Cardinals – 8:15 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
PIT: Locke (6-3, 3.51 ERA)
STL: Wainwright (15-9, 2.59 ERA)

Series recap: It took until the beginning of September, but the Cardinals finally made it back to the top of the NL Central after rallying past the Pirates on Monday, 5-4. St. Louis improved to 6-2 this season at home against Pittsburgh, while the Redbirds have won six of the past nine meetings with the Pirates.

What to watch for: The Cardinals are a perfect 6-0 in Adam Wainwright’s last six home outings against the Pirates since the start of last season. In three of those starts, Wainwright didn’t allow a run, while giving up a grand total of five runs in those six victories. Monday’s ‘over’ snapped a seven-game ‘under’ streak for the Pirates, while Pittsburgh has dropped eight of its past 10 contests away from PNC Park.

Mariners at Athletics – 10:05 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
SEA: Paxton (4-1, 1.83 ERA)
OAK: Gray (13-7, 3.03 ERA)

Series recap: The A’s bounced back from an awful series against the Angels this past weekend to pound the Mariners on Monday, 6-1 as -145 home favorites. Oakland plated five runs in the opening inning on Monday, as the A’s put up just four runs during the entire four-game series loss at Los Angeles.

What to watch for: Following a 5-0 record in July, Oakland right-hander Sonny Gray struggled in August by posting a 1-5 ledger in six starts. However, Gray has dominated Seattle this season with a 3-0 mark in three starts, while allowing just two earned runs in those outings. The Mariners have responded well off a road loss since late June, putting together an incredible 11-0 record in this situation.

Nationals at Dodgers – 10:10 PM EST

Probable Pitchers:
WSH: Fister (12-5, 2.55 ERA)
LAD: Kershaw (16-3, 1.73 ERA)

Series recap: The Nationals held off the Dodgers last night, 6-4 to cash as short favorites, while improving to 3-1 on its current West Coast swing. Washington has grabbed three of four meetings with Los Angeles this season, but the lone loss came against tonight’s starter Clayton Kershaw in an 8-3 defeat in mid-May.

What to watch for: Kershaw is in line for the National League Cy Young award, as the Dodgers own a spectacular 15-1 record in his past 16 trips to the mound. Doug Fister has stumbled of late for Washington by dropping his last two starts against Philadelphia and San Francisco, while allowing eight earned runs in those defeats. Fister has cashed the ‘over’ in his past five outings, while Washington is 4-1 to the ‘over’ in its last five road contests.

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Today's MLB Picks

Seattle at Oakland

The Mariners look to bounce back from yesterday's 6-1 loss to the A's as they come into today's contest with an 11-2 record in their last 13 games following a defeat. Seattle is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Mariners favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+130). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 951-952: Philadelphia at Atlanta (7:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Philadelphia (Kendrick) 14.466; Atlanta (Minor) 15.505 Dunkel Line: Atlanta by 1; 8 Vegas Line: Atlanta (-175); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-175); Over

Game 953-954: NY Mets at Miami (7:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: NY Mets (Niese) 15.558; Miami (Penny) 14.234 Dunkel Line: NY Mets by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: NY Mets (-120); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: NY Mets (-120); Under

Game 955-956: Milwaukee at Chicago Cubs (8:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Milwaukee (Gallardo) 14.968; Cubs (Arrieta) 13.531 Dunkel Line: Milwaukee by 1 1/2 by 1; 6 Vegas Line: Chicago Cubs (-110); No Run Total Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee (-110); N/A

Game 957-958: Pittsburgh at St. Louis (8:15 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Pittsburgh (Locke) 16.218; St. Louis (Wainwright) 15.077 Dunkel Line: Pittsburgh by 1; 8 Vegas Line: St. Louis (-155); 7 Dunkel Pick: Pittsburgh (+135); Over

Game 959-960: San Francisco at Colorado (8:40 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco (Petit) 16.164; Colorado (Lyles) 14.417 Dunkel Line: San Francisco by 1 1/2; 11 Vegas Line: San Francisco (-165); 10 Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-165); Over

Game 961-962: Arizona at San Diego (10:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Arizona (Miley) 15.459; San Diego (Despaigne) 14.582 Dunkel Line: Arizona by 1; 6 Vegas Line: San Diego (-130); 6 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+110); Under

Game 963-964: Washington at LA Dodgers (10:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Washington (Fister) 16.981; LA Dodgers (Kershaw) 15.889 Dunkel Line: Washington by 1; 7 Vegas Line: LA Dodgers (-200); 6 Dunkel Pick: Washington (+170); Over

Game 965-966: Detroit at Cleveland (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Detroit (Lobstein) 16.257; Cleveland (Carrasco) 14.889 Dunkel Line: Detroit by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Cleveland (-145); 8 Dunkel Pick: Detroit (+125); Under

Game 967-968: Boston at NY Yankees (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Boston (Kelly) 14.584; NY Yankees (Greene) 16.233 Dunkel Line: NY Yankees by 1 1/2; 9 Vegas Line: NY Yankees (-150); 8 Dunkel Pick: NY Yankees (-150); Over

Game 969-970: Toronto at Tampa Bay (7:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Toronto (Dickey) 13.863; Tampa Bay (Hellickson) 15.445 Dunkel Line: Tampa Bay by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Tampa Bay (-120); 7 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Tampa Bay (-120); Under

Game 971-972: LA Angels at Houston (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: LA Angels (Wilson) 16.837; Houston (Peacock) 15.255 Dunkel Line: LA Angels by 1 1/2; 9 1/2 Vegas Line: No Line Dunkel Pick: N/A

Game 973-974: Chicago White Sox at Minnesota (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: White Sox (Noesi) 15.693; Minnesota (Milone) 14.123 Dunkel Line: Chicago White Sox by 1 1/2; 8 Vegas Line: Minnesota (-125); 9 Dunkel Pick: Chicago White Sox (+105); Under

Game 975-976: Texas at Kansas City (8:10 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Texas (Holland) 14.029; Kansas City (Guthrie) 15.701 Dunkel Line: Kansas City by 1 1/2; 7 Vegas Line: Kansas City (-175); 8 Dunkel Pick: Kansas City (-175); Under

Game 977-978: Seattle at Oakland (10:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Seattle (Paxton) 15.407; Oakland (Gray) 14.598 Dunkel Line: Seattle by 1; 8 Vegas Line: Oakland (-150); 7 Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+130); Over

Game 979-980: Cincinnati at Baltimore (7:05 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Cincinnati (Latos) 16.409; Baltimore (Norris) 15.656 Dunkel Line: Cincinnati by 1; 7 Vegas Line: Baltimore (-130); 8 Dunkel Pick: Cincinnati (+110); Under

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Arthur Ralph Sports

Free play TUES: Royals w/ Guthrie -160

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STATSYSTEMS SPORTS MLB REPORT

***** Tuesday, 9/2/14 MLB Information *****
(ALL RESULTS VS. ML) - Against The Money-Line - and most recent, unless noted otherwise. Each and every day during the 2014 Major League Baseball season we will analyze all of your daily baseball action, featuring on hot and cold pitchers, hot and cold teams, over/unders and home plate umpire trends. We will also highlight some of our Highly-Rated (Situational & Match-up) Power Trends, along with some of our Situational Analysis (Betting Systems) that pertain to some of that days match-ups.
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MLB Betting News and Notes - Week #23
•The Dodgers Call Up Joc Pederson: Lots of minor leaguers will make their way to the bigs starting today as minor league seasons end and major league rosters expand. One of the better ones coming up is Joc Pederson, who was just called up by the Dodgers from Triple-A Albuquerque. Pederson won the Pacific Coast League MVP Award after batting .303/.435/.582 with 33 home runs and 30 stolen bases over 121 games this season. It’s an open question how much playing time he’ll get, but Don Mattingly now has good young player at his disposal who can handle all three outfield positions.

•Hamels, Phillies Bullpen Combine To No-Hit Braves: Wildness cost Cole Hamels a chance at his first no-hitter, but the Philadelphia Phillies left-hander got to share in a combined one. Hamels didn't allow a hit through six innings and the bullpen did the rest as the Phillies recorded their first shared no-hitter and 12th overall in a 7-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday afternoon before 34,178 at Turner Field. Hamels, who came in 3-0 with a 1.16 ERA in his past four starts against the Braves, walked five and hit a batter, but also struck out seven. He threw 108 pitches in the heat and humidity, with 66 of them strikes.

"It wasn't a hard decision," said Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg of removing Hamels. "He was pretty much spent ... and he wasn't going to go nine (innings)." Left-hander Jake Diekman struck out two in the seventh inning, right-hander Ken Giles fanned the side in the eighth and closer Jonathan Papelbon closed the no-hitter out in the ninth, getting second baseman Phil Gosselin to line out softly to first baseman Darin Ruf for the final out of the combined no-hitter. "I understood coming around the sixth inning that it was going to be a short game," Hamels said. "It was nice to see what we could do together. It was fun to watch them and create something very special."

•Mariners Suspend Montero For Rest Of Season: The Seattle Mariners' suspended catcher Jesus Montero for the remainder of the season on Monday following an altercation with a team scout last week. Montero was on a rehab assignment with short-season Everett when he went after a cross-checker scout with a bat during Thursday's game when the scout heckled him. Montero went into the stands with a bat after the scout ordered him to hustle off the field in Spanish and had an ice cream sandwich sent to him in the dugout. Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik called the behavior of Montero and cross-checker Butch Baccala "unacceptable" and "embarrassing."

"We are extremely disappointed in both of their actions. It is unacceptable," Zduriencik said. "This organization doesn't condone that type of behavior. It is being addressed as we speak. There are no excuses for either party. We have none. We don't intend to make any. It's something that is extremely disappointing and embarrassing for the organization and for those two individuals." Baccala, who was overseeing other Mariners scouts, was apparently teasing Montero about his weight. Montero had reported to spring training 40 pounds overweight. At the time of the incident, Montero was acting as first base coach.

After exchanging words, Montero had to be physically restrained when he tried to enter the stands where the scout was sitting while carrying a bat in his hands. Montero swore at the scout, threw the ice cream sandwich at him and then was pulled back by Everett pitching coach Nasusel Cabrera, according to the Boise official scorer. Montero was not ejected from the game. He remained in the Everett dugout until the end of the contest. Everett won 13-8. Montero, 24, is batting .286 with 16 home runs and 74 RBIs in 97 games with Triple-A Tacoma this season.

•Top prospect Norris Gets September Call-Up: Daniel Norris is the latest Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect to graduate to the big-leagues this season after becoming one of the club’s September call-ups, multiple industry sources told Sportsnet. The promotion caps a season of rapid progress for the 21-year-old, who began the campaign at single-A Dunedin, dominated there, before moving up to double-A New Hampshire and, later, triple-A Buffalo. In 26 games, 25 starts, at the three levels, the 2011 second-round pick is 12-2 with a 2.53 ERA in 124.2 innings, with 163 strikeouts against 43 walks. Norris joins Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez in breaking through with the Blue Jays this year. Kendall Graveman, another rapidly progressing prospect, is also being considered for a September callup, as is Sean Nolin, who made his big-league debut in an emergency start last year.

Anthony Gose, Ryan Goins and Dan Johnson, who’s been rehabbing a leg injury at Buffalo, are also expected to be among the Blue Jays’ additions as rosters expand to up to 40 men. Another new arrival will be John Mayberry Jr., acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday night for minor-league infielder Gustavo Pierre. Mayberry, 30, gives the Blue Jays another right-handed option in the outfield, at first base and designated hitter with his career .856 OPS against left-handed pitchers. Essentially, the next month will be a free look at him for the Blue Jays, who will have two spots available in the outfield next year with Melky Cabrera and Colby Rasmus headed for free agency. Mayberry has two years of arbitration remaining and is earning $1.59 million this year.

Around The League
--The Houston Astros fired manager Bo Porter on Monday after a 59-79 record in his second season. General manager Jeff Luhnow named Tom Lawless as the interim manager for the remainder of the 2014 season. Luhnow also fired bench coach Dave Trembley. "This was not an easy decision to make. We wish Bo nothing but the best in the future," Astros owner Jim Crane said in a statement. "Jeff has my full support moving forward. Our goal to bring a championship to Houston remains."

Porter, 42, had been the Astros manager since the start of the 2013 season after being named to the position on Sept. 27, 2012, while serving as third base coach for the Washington Nationals. He compiled a 110-190 record (.367 winning percentage) in parts of two seasons as Astros manager. Adam Everett will join the coaching staff, replacing Trembley as bench coach. The remaining coaches will continue in their current roles.

--The Brewers activate Matt Garza. For the first time since July 20, the Brewers wake up this morning with some company in first place. But now they’re getting a bit of a reinforcement: they’ve activated Matt Garza from the disabled list. Garza will return to the Brewers’ starting rotation on Wednesday against the Cubs. He missed about a month with a left oblique strain. Garza is 7-7 with a 3.58 ERA and a 104/43 K/BB ratio in 145 and two-thirds this season

--The Philadelphia Phillies traded outfielder John Mayberry Jr. to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league third baseman Gustavo Pierre. The trade was made before Sunday's midnight waiver trade deadline Mayberry, 30, batted .213 with six home runs and 21 RBI in 63 games (29 starts) for the Phillies this season and had recently been on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Lehigh Valley for left wrist inflammation.

--St. Louis Cardinals right hander Michael Wacha threw 34 pitches in a rehab game Sunday night for Double-A Springfield at Tulsa. He allowed a hit and a walk with a strikeout. Cardinals right hander Jason Motte pitched the eighth inning of that game and threw 12 pitches in a 1-2-3 inning. The organization hasn't decided the next step for either pitcher yet.

--The Cleveland Indians activated designated hitter Jason Giambi off the disabled list. The 43-year-old Giambi had been on the DL since June 12 with an inflamed knee. He also has missed time this season because of a broken rib and strained calf. In 47 at-bats this year, Giambi is hitting .128 with two home runs and five RBIs.

--With rosters eligible to be expanded up to 40 players as of Sept. 1, Miami activated LHP Dan Jennings and RHP Carter Capps off the disabled list. Capps, who has hit 100 mph with his fastball, has a 4.78 ERA in 96 career innings in the majors, including 3.00 in nine innings this season. Capps, 24, hasn't pitched in the majors since May 25.

--LA teams lead World Series odds as majors head into final month. We are now in the final month of the Major League Baseball season and as teams make a final push towards the post season, it looks like the two teams from Los Angeles have the inside edge when it comes to winning the World Series this October. According to LV Superbook, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels are the favorites to win the Fall Classic, currently they are both listed at 4/1. The Washington Nationals have the next best odds in the National League at 5/1, while over in the American League it's the Baltimore Orioles at 6/1. Check out the complete list below.
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Betting Notes - Tuesday

National League
•Phillies-Braves - 7:10 PM
--Kendrick has a 7.25 RA but no losses in his last four starts.
--Minor is 2-0, 1.66 in his last three starts.

--Phillies won eight of their last eleven games.
--Atlanta won four of its last six games.

--Under is 6-2-2 in last ten Atlanta games.

•Mets-Marlins - 7:10 PM
--Niese is 2-6, 5.37 in his last eight starts.
--Marlins won both Penny starts (1-0, 5.40).

--Mets lost four of their last six games.
--Marlins lost six of their last nine games.

--Under is 3-1-1 in last five Miami games.

•Brewers-Cubs - 8:05 PM
--Gallardo is 2-1, 2.77 in his last four starts.
--Arrieta is 2-1, 1.98 in his last four Wrigley starts.

--Milwaukee lost its last six games, outscored 42-13.
--Cubs won their last four home games.

--Five of Cubs' last seven games went over total.

•Pirates-Cardinals - 8:15 PM
--Locke is 4-0, 2.90 in his last five starts.
--Wainwright is 1-3, 5.19 in his last four starts.

--Pirates won four of their last six games.
--St Louis won seven of its last nine home games.

--Nine of last ten Cardinal home games went over.

•Giants-Rockies - 8:40 PM
--Petit is 1-2, 6.89 in his last six starts.
--Lyles is 0-1, 5.32 in his last four starts.

--Giants won six of their last seven games.
--Colorado lost five of their last seven games.

--Six of last eight games at Coors Field went over the total.

•Diamondbacks-Padres - 10:10 PM
--Cahill is 1-1, 6.61 in his last three starts.
--Ross is 5-2, 2.10 in his last eight starts.

--Arizona lost 11 of its last 15 games.
--Padres won five of their last six games.

--Five of last six San Diego games stayed under.

•Nationals-Dodgers - 10:10 PM
--Fister is 0-2, 6.94 in his last couple starts.
--Kershaw is 5-1, 1.55 in his last seven starts.

--Washington lost four of its last six games.
--Dodgers won three of their last four home games.

--Over is 7-2-1 in last ten Washington games.
____________________________________

American League
•Tigers-Indians - 7:05 PM
--Lobstein allowed two runs in six IP in his first MLB start.
--Carrasco is 3-0, 0.73 in his last four starts.

--Detroit won seven of its last ten games.
--Cleveland won 13 of its last 19 games.

--14 of last 18 Cleveland games stayed under total.

•Red Sox-Yankees - 7:05 PM
--Kelly is 0-1, 3.86 in five starts for Boston.
--Greene is 2-0, 2.42 in his last four starts.

--Red Sox lost 11 of their last 15 games.
--New York lost three of last four games, but won four in row at home.

--11 of last 16 Yankees games stayed under total.

•Blue Jays-Rays - 7:10 PM
--Dickey is 1-2, 4.99 in his last five starts.
--Hellickson is 0-1, 5.17 in his last three starts.

--Blue Jays won three of their last four games.
--Tampa Bay lost six of its last nine home games.

--Five of last seven Toronto games stayed under total.

•Angels-Astros - 8:10 PM
--Wilson is 2-0, 2.63 in his last four starts.
--Peacock is 0-0, 1.74 in his last couple starts.

--Angels won their last six games, allowing seven runs.
--Houston fired its manager yesterday; they've won three of last four games.

--Four of last five Wilson starts stayed under the total.

•White Sox-Twins - 8:10 PM
--Noesi is 1-1, 5.21 in his last three starts.
--Milone is 0-1, 13.09 in his last three starts.

--White Sox lost five of their last six road games.
--Minnesota lost seven of its last nine games.

--Eight of last eleven Minnesota games went over.

•Rangers-Royals - 8:10 PM
--Holland is making first '14 start; he is 49-38, 4.36 in 123 career starts; he was out until this point with an injury.
--Guthrie is 2-0, 4.29 in his last three starts.

--Texas lost 12 of its last 18 games.
--Royals lost five of their last eight games.

--Five of last six Kansas City games stayed under.

•Mariners-Athletics - 10:05 PM
--Paxton is 2-1, 2.31 in his last four starts.
--Gray is 1-4, 4.85 in his last six starts.

--Mariners lost five of their last seven games.
--Oakland lost seven of its last nine games.

--Four of last five Oakland games stayed under the total.

Interleague
•Reds-Orioles - 7:05 PM
--Latos is 3-0, 2.72 in his last six starts.
--Norris is 1-1, 6.00 in his last three starts.

--Reds lost seven of their last eight road games.
--Baltimore won six of its last eight games.

--Four of last five Oriole games went over total.

•Incredible Stat of the Day
Los Angeles Dodgers Clayton Kershaw is 36-9 in his team starts against the money line (80.0%) versus National League teams scoring 4.3 or less runs per game in the second half of the season since 1997. Kershaw has also been on an incredible 16-0 run versus the National League East over the last three seasons. The Left-hander looks to become Major League Baseball's first 17-game winner by earning a fifth consecutive victory over the Nationals on Tuesday night to keep the National League West leaders from a fourth loss in five contests.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Game of the Day: Nationals vs. Dodgers

Washington Nationals at Los Angeles Dodgers (197, 6)

After turning Dodger Stadium into their own launching pad in the series opener, the Washington Nationals face a tougher test Tuesday against Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw. The Nationals have blasted 14 home runs over their last four games, including four in Monday’s 6-4 victory that pushed their lead over Atlanta in the National League East to seven games. Leadoff hitter Dee Gordon is mired in a 0-for-18 slump for Los Angeles, whose lead over San Francisco is down to two games.

Gordon isn’t the only player struggling for the Dodgers, who moved outfielder Yasiel Puig to sixth in the batting order Monday. Puig went 0-for-3 and has two hits in his last 30 at-bats for Los Angeles, who added an extra player to their crowded outfield Monday with the promotion of top prospect Joc Pederson from Triple-A Albuquerque. Washington center fielder Denard Span is hitless in five career at-bats against Kershaw, but enters the contest with three home runs in his last five games.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, MASN2 (Washington), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

LINE HISTORY: The Dodgers opened as -200 home favorites and now sits at -197. The total is currently at 6.0.

INJURY REPORT: Nationals: 3B Ryan Zimmerman - out (hamstring). Dodgers: N/A.

WHAT CAPPERS SAY: "The Nationals have actually pulled away in the NL East, while the Dodgers are now fighting to hold off the Giants in the NL West. This is a more important game for the Dodgers for that reason. They will have their ace on the mound tonight and Clayton Kershaw is having one of the best seasons in recent history for a starting pitcher with an incredible 1.73 ERA and 0.84 WHIP. He is well on his way to easily winning another Cy Young Award." - Steve Merril.


PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Doug Fister (12-5, 2.55 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (16-3, 1.73)

Fister suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season Wednesday as he allowed five runs (four earned) on a season-high 10 hits over 5 2/3 innings against Philadelphia. The former Fresno State star has yielded four home runs over his last two starts after allowing 11 in his first 18 outings. Fister, who is making his first career start against Los Angeles, owns a 2.15 ERA over the past three September/Octobers.

Kershaw has recorded at least 10 strikeouts in three consecutive starts, including Wednesday when he held Arizona to one unearned run over eight innings. The two-time Cy Young award winner has pitched at least seven innings and allowed three runs or fewer while striking out at least six batters in 13 consecutive starts. Kershaw is 6-2 with a 2.79 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) against the Nationals, including seven shutout innings May 6.

TRENDS:

* Dodgers are 4-0 in Kershaw's last four starts versus the Nationals.
* Nationals are 6-20 in the last 26 meetings in Los Angeles.
* Under is 7-0 in Kershaw's last seven starts following five days of rest.
* Over is 5-0 in Fister's last five starts overall.

CONSENSUS: Almost 58 percent of the wagers are on the Dodgers at -197.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

WNBA Basketball Picks

Minnesota at Phoenix

The Mercury look to wrap up the series on their home court tonight and come into the contest with a 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 Tuesday games. Phoenix is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 609-610: Minnesota at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.184; Phoenix 121.722 Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 8 1/2; 155 Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 5 1/2; 160 Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-5 1/2); Under

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Gamblers Data

Free Plays Tuesday

Pirates +140

Rockies/Giants over 10

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations

WNBA | MINNESOTA at PHOENIX
Play On - Home favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points (PHOENIX) after allowing 70 points or more in 2 straight games against opponent after a win by 6 points or less
70-34 since 1997. ( 67.3% | 32.6 units )
8-6 this year. ( 57.1% | 1.4 units )

WNBA | MINNESOTA at PHOENIX
Play On - Home favorites vs. the money line (PHOENIX) off a loss against a division rival, in August or September games
245-88 since 1997. ( 73.6% | 0.0 units )
9-4 this year. ( 69.2% | 0.0 units )

WNBA | MINNESOTA at PHOENIX
Play Against - Home favorites vs. the 1rst half line (PHOENIX) an excellent offensive team (>=76 PPG) against a horrible defensive team (>=76 PPG) after 15+ games, after scoring 75 points or more in 4 straight games
46-18 over the last 5 seasons. ( 71.9% | 26.2 units )
7-4 this year. ( 63.6% | 2.6 units )

[Can'tPickAWinner]

'Blue Birds'

Toronto Blue Jays off a horrendous 9-17 (-$1032) month of August platting 3.3 runs/game head to the 'HOUSE OF HORROS' called Tropicana Field for a clash with Tampa Bay. For some reason the Rays bring their best to this series having won 66-of-98 encounters since '2009 including an impressive 37-16 at Tropicana Field. Knuckler R.A. Dickey toes the rubber for Toronto bringing a 10-12 record, 4.00 ERA to the hill. Dickey trades pitches with Jeremy Hellickson who is 1-2 with a 2.98 ERA over eight starts this season. Tough spot for the knuckler and the Blue Birds. Jays have won just 2 of their last 11 road games and hit the field 4-10 away w/Dickey this season, 1-4 with the hurler at the Trop since his arrival in 2013. A final betting nuggets working against Toronto. The Blue Jays have struggled opening a series of late posting a 3-13 skid including 3-6 in enemy territory.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

StatFox Super Situations

MLB | MILWAUKEE at CHICAGO CUBS
Play On - Road underdogs with a money line of +100 to +150 (MILWAUKEE) after having lost 5 or 6 of their last 7 games, a marginal winning team (51% to 54%) playing a losing team
42-22 over the last 5 seasons. ( 65.6% | 25.9 units )
9-7 this year. ( 56.3% | 3.4 units )

StatFox Situational Power Trends

MLB | CINCINNATI at BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE is 44-26 (+20.6 Units) against the money line vs. teams averaging 2.75 or less extra base hits per game this season.
The average score was: BALTIMORE (4.9) , OPPONENT (3.8)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Mighty Quinn

Mighty had no play on Monday and likes the Mets on Tuesday.

The deficit is 517 sirignanos.