Tuesday 7-24-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Braves at Marlins
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The Atlanta Braves look to cap a quick two-game road sweep Tuesday afternoon at the Miami Marlins, and Charlie Culberson hopes to keep making the most of his chance at second base. Culberson, who came into Friday’s game when All-Star Ozzie Albies suffered a minor right hamstring injury, recorded his first career four-hit game to help Atlanta race by the Marlins 12-1 in Monday’s series opener and is 9-for-15 with four RBIs in the two-plus games since Albies' injury.

Miami saw a familiar foe do his usual damage in Monday’s contest as Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman finished 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs, improving his marks in eight games against the Marlins this season to .469 with five homers, 10 RBIs and nine runs scored. The three-time All-Star brings a seven-game hitting streak into the series finale, while right fielder Nick Markakis extended his streak to 11 games with a double in the opener. The Marlins watched starter Jose Urena last just four innings Monday, one day after their bullpen melted down while blowing a three-run ninth-inning lead at Tampa Bay. The lone bright spot for Miami is first baseman Justin Bour, who continued his assault on Atlanta pitching with a solo shot in the opener to give him 13 career homers in 51 games against the Braves.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (7-6, 4.00 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (2-7, 5.75)

Teheran seeks his third consecutive solid outing after back-to-back strong performances entering the All-Star break, including 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a victory over Arizona on July 15. The 27-year-old either has shined or struggled in his starts since early June, allowing one run or fewer on four occasions while giving up five runs or more twice. Teheran allowed six runs on seven hits in his only appearance against Miami this season, getting a no-decision on May 20.

Chen capped the first half with a solid performance but lost yet again July 13 thanks to no run support, giving up one run on five hits with eight strikeouts in six innings of a 2-0 defeat to Philadelphia. The 33-year-old battled inconsistency in his final five starts before the break, giving up one run or fewer three times and allowing seven runs twice. Chen, who owns a 1.83 ERA at home but a 10.47 mark on the road, gave up two runs on five hits in a no-decision opposite Teheran on May 20.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami is expected to place 1B/OF Garrett Cooper on the disabled list with a right wrist injury sustained Friday against Tampa Bay, the same wrist that cost him three months earlier this season.

2. The Braves said Albies likely will miss the series finale, but he is expected to return after an off-day for Thursday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

3. Marlins SS Miguel Rojas is hitting .341 across his past 30 games with four doubles and 13 RBIs.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Red Sox at Orioles
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

Heavy rain is in the forecast Tuesday for the Baltimore area, threatening the middle contest of a three-game series between the Boston Red Sox and the hometown Orioles. Much of the East Coast is being plagued by stormy conditions this week and the mid-Atlantic area is experiencing a particularly rainy situation.

There were multiple rain delays during Boston's 5-3 win in the series opener Monday, which gave the Red Sox nine straight victories at Camden Yards. Mitch Moreland homered, Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs and Rick Porcello tossed six scoreless innings for Boston, which has opened up a season-high six-game lead in the American League East. Drew Pomeranz (biceps tendinitis) is scheduled to come off the 10-day disabled list and make the start for the Red Sox opposite righty Yefry Ramirez. The Orioles are 0-4 since trading away All-Star shortstop Manny Machado.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (1-3, 6.81 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Yefry Ramirez (0-3, 3.09)

Pomeranz gave up 14 runs (13 earned) in 12 1/3 innings over his last three starts prior to going on the DL. One of those outings was a loss to Baltimore, which got to the big lefty for five runs over four frames. The 29-year-old Pomeranz has a 1.80 ERA in four career games (two starts) at Camden Yards.

Ramirez struck out seven and yielded two hits over five scoreless innings against Texas in his last start before the All-Star break. The 24-year-old rookie began his career in the majors with 4 1/3 innings of three-run ball versus Boston on June 13. Ramirez is holding opponents to a .224 average and has 24 strikeouts through his first 23 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston's record for consecutive wins in Baltimore is 10, accomplished during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

2. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop boasts three homers in his last four games.

3. Benintendi has multiple hits in nine of his last 11 contests.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Dodgers at Phillies
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies staged their own version of Home Run Derby during their series opener before a passed ball led the way for a two-run uprising in the ninth inning for the visitors. The red-hot Dodgers vie for a series victory over the Phillies on Tuesday when the teams reconvene at hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park.

Joc Pederson, who belted one of Los Angeles' four solo homers, scored the eventual winning run on Matt Kemp's RBI single in the ninth inning of a 7-6 win on Monday. Kemp improved to 8-for-17 with two homers, three RBIs and five runs scored during his four-game hitting streak, although he is a woeful 0-for-11 with three strikeouts in his career versus Tuesday starter Aaron Nola. While the National League West-leading Dodgers have won seven of their last nine, the Phillies fell a percentage point behind Atlanta in the NL East after losing for the fourth time in six outings. Home Run Derby participant Rhys Hoskins, who belted a three-run shot on Monday for his third homer in as many games, has eight RBIs and five runs scored in his last four contests.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SportsNet Los Angeles, NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (7-5, 3.12 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (12-3, 2.30)

Maeda pitched in relief his last time out and posted his second straight win despite hitting one batter and striking out another to strand the bases loaded in the seventh inning of a 5-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The 30-year-old Japanese star owns a 3-1 mark in his last five trips to the mound, surrendering just four earned runs and 15 hits in the process. Maeda yielded two runs on three hits before departing with a hip injury after 1 2/3 innings of a 6-1 setback versus Philadelphia on May 29.

Nola distinguished himself nicely at the All-Star Game, striking out his first two batters before inducing Mike Trout to pop up to end the inning. The 25-year-old saw his four-start winning streak halted on July 14 despite permitting two runs on four hits in six innings of a 2-0 setback at Miami. Nola handcuffed the Dodgers over seven strong innings on May 31, yielding one run on two hits while striking out seven to improve to 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA and 0.714 WHIP in two career starts against the club.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco belted a pair of solo homers in the series opener after going just 2-for-12 in the previous set versus Los Angeles.

2. Dodgers 1B Max Muncy has six multi-hit performances in his last 10 games.

3. Los Angeles owns a 15-8 mark against NL East representatives this season.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Dodgers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Twins at Blue Jays
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler has flustered the Toronto Blue Jays this season, going 6-for-16 with four extra-base hits and four RBIs with as many runs scored. Kepler looks to continue to torment the Blue Jays on Tuesday as the Twins vie for a series victory at Rogers Centre.

Kepler launched a two-run homer in Monday's 8-3 romp and Joe Mauer recorded his fourth three-hit performance over the last 2 1/2 weeks for Minnesota, which snapped a three-game skid after winning nine of its previous 11. The 35-year-old Mauer has collected nine RBIs and 10 runs scored during the hot stretch while raising his batting average from .254 to .285. Toronto's Lourdes Gurriel Jr. continued his torrid stretch -- sandwiched around a trip to the seven-day concussion disabled list -- with a solo homer to extend his hitting streak to six games. The 24-year-old Cuban is 13-for-25 during that stretch to raise his batting average from .226 to .288 for the Blue Jays, who saw their three-game winning streak halted.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), Sportsnet (Toronto), TVA Sports

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jose Berrios (9-7, 3.68 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (0-1, 3.52)

Although Berrios has six quality starts in his last eight trips to the mound, the 24-year-old All-Star allowed a season-worst six runs on six hits for the second time in four outings on July 14 in a no-decision versus Tampa Bay. Berrios has struggled on the road, posting a 2-5 mark with a 4.78 ERA while permitting the opposition to bat .251 against him as opposed to .186 at Target Field. Berrios has limited the current crop of Blue Jays to a .143 batting average, with Kendrys Morales going 1-for-9 versus him.

Borucki will be called up from Triple-A Buffalo to make his fifth major-league start. The 24-year-old recorded his third straight no-decision at Boston on July 13 despite getting gashed for seven runs on eight hits with four walks in three innings. Borucki previously permitted just five runs while issuing six free passes in his previous three outings (20 innings).

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto 1B Justin Smoak collected two singles and a double in the series opener to increase his total to 18 hits over his last 13 games.

2. Minnesota 1B Logan Morrison, who went deep on Monday, has three homers in his last seven contests.

3. Morales has recorded back-to-back multi-hit performances on the heels of an 0-for-9 stretch.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Twins 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Yankees at Rays
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The New York Yankees continue to sink further out of first place in the American League East, but they at least get a break in the pitching matchup for Tuesday's middle contest of a three-game series at the Tampa Bay Rays. All-Star right-hander Blake Snell was scheduled to start the contest for the Rays but was placed on the 10-day disabled list Monday due to shoulder issues, setting up another bullpen day for the hosts.

Tampa Bay raced to a 7-3 lead after six innings in the series opener and then escaped a bases-loaded, one-out situation in the ninth thanks in part to a lack of hustle by Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez running out the last out of the 7-6 final. New York has dropped four of its last six to fall six games behind Boston in the division, its largest deficit since April 21. The Rays received a three-run homer from Jake Bauers on Monday, winning their fifth straight over the Yankees and improving to 16-3 at home since June 11. They will turn to right-hander Yonny Chirinos in place of Snell on Tuesday while New York gives the ball to Masahiro Tanaka.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (7-2, 4.54 ERA) vs. Rays RH Yonny Chirinos (0-1, 3.71)

Tanaka was scheduled to go Sunday at home against the New York Mets but a rainout prompted the Yankees to shuffle the rotation. He allowed two runs in 6 1/3 innings in his last start July 15 in Cleveland, the 29-year-old's second outing since coming off the disabled list. Kevin Kiermaier is 7-for-15 with a home run against Tanaka, who has a 5.96 ERA in five career starts at Tropicana Field.

Chirinos opened the season with Tampa Bay and tossed 14 1/3 scoreless innings over his first three appearances (two starts). He then was lit up for 11 runs in 12 1/3 frames through his next three outings and was sent to Triple-A Durham, where he went 0-2 with a 5.28 ERA in eight starts. The 24-year-old is facing the Yankees for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees OF/DH Giancarlo Stanton was 4-for-4 on Monday and is batting .378 in July.

2. Tampa Bay INF Daniel Robertson is 4-for-5 with two homers and five RBIs over the last two games.

3. The Rays optioned LHP Adam Kolarek to Durham to make room for Chirinos.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Rays 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Pirates at Indians
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates hope to build on their longest winning streak in 14 years when they visit the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians for the second of a three-game interleague series Tuesday night. Josh Harrison returned from a hamstring injury to launch a three-run homer in the second inning Monday as the Pirates pushed their total to 47 runs over the last six of their 10-game winning streak with a 7-0 rain-shortened win.

Starling Marte is riding a career-best 16-game hitting streak for Pittsburgh, recording 17 RBIs during the run, while teammate Josh Bell has seven hits in 12 at-bats over the last three contests for the red-hot offense. Joe Musgrove will try to help the Pirates add to their impressive run when he takes the mound Tuesday against Indians rookie Shane Bieber, who has received strong backing from his offense in his first seven major-league starts - five of them wins. Cleveland scored 25 runs in its first two games after the All-Star break but have been blanked in the last two contests after managing four hits in Monday’s setback. Slugger Edwin Encarnacion, who went 6-for-13 with a homer and five RBIs in his last three games, could return to the lineup for the Indians Tuesday after missing the past two contests with a sore hand.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (3-4, 4.08 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (5-1, 3.53)

Musgrove managed just one victory over his last seven starts after opening his season with two impressive victories in which he allowed one run in 14 innings. The 25-year-old California native has given up seven runs on 12 hits and five walks across 12 2/3 innings in his two July starts with 14 strikeouts. Yan Gomes is 2-for-2 with a homer and four RBIs versus Musgrove, who yielded seven runs over three innings in his only meeting with the Indians last season.

Bieber rebounded from the first loss of his major-league career when he limited the New York Yankees to four runs (three earned) over seven innings in a 6-5 win July 13. The 23-year-old Californian has been able to win despite permitting 50 hits across 43 1/3 innings, striking out 42 and issuing eight walks. Bieber, who is 6-1 in the minors this year, won his only interleague start on June 27 - holding St. Louis to one run over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 3B/DH Yandy Diaz is 7-for-14 with two RBIs and three runs scored in his first four games since being recalled.

2. Pittsburgh RF Gregory Polanco is 9-for-32 with four homers and nine RBIs during his current eight-game hitting streak.

3. Indians 3B Jose Ramirez, who leads the majors with 30 homers, is 0-for-3 with three walks in his last two contests.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Pirates 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Padres at Mets
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The New York Mets and San Diego Padres are vying for the dubious honor of owning the worst record in the National League this week, but only one of their four meetings have reflected how close each one is to the other in the win-loss column. The Padres look to guarantee themselves their first series victory since June 11-13 on Tuesday when they visit the Mets for the second of a three-game series between NL cellar-dwellers.

San Diego (42-61) took two of three from St. Louis last month but is 0-9-1 in series play since, leaving the club with the worst record in the NL. The Padres took their first step towards correcting that problem with Monday's 3-2 victory over the Mets (40-57), who haven’t won any of their last 17 series dating back to a sweep of Arizona from May 18-20. The opener marked the first time this season the teams played a game against each other decided by fewer than four runs, yet the Padres were able to even up the season series despite scoring three runs or fewer in three of the meetings. The Mets gifted San Diego all of its runs Monday, including Amed Rosario's misplayed grounder in the sixth inning that allowed the eventual game-winning run to score.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Eric Lauer (5-6, 4.87 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (3-6, 4.44)

Lauer's eight-game streak of holding the opposition to three earned runs or fewer came to an end in his last start of the first half against the Chicago Cubs on July 15 after he surrendered five runs and recorded only six outs. Prior to that poor performance, the 23-year-old rookie won four of his six previous decisions while posting a 2.33 ERA. Lauer is allowing opponents to bat .310 against him through 16 major-league outings entering his first career start versus the Mets.

Wheeler is unbeaten in his last four starts, but he received some uncharacteristic help from his offense in a July 14 win against Washington after giving up four runs across 7 2/3 frames. The Georgia native has limited the opposition to two earned runs or fewer in half of his 18 outings and struck out at least seven in five of his last six turns. Wheeler fanned nine in a win at San Diego on April 29, allowing two runs over five innings to improve to 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA in four starts against the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres SS Freddy Galvis has scored 33 runs against New York since the start of the 2015 season, good for the fourth-most for any player versus the Mets over that span.

2. Mets OF Brandon Nimmo was hit by a pitch for the third time in two games and 16th time this season Monday, extending his own single-season club record.

3. San Diego INF Carlos Asuaje went 0-for-4 in the opener to end a seven-game hitting streak in starts, although he is still batting .313 in July.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Padres 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Cardinals at Reds
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The Cincinnati Reds staged a dramatic rally to halt a four-game slide in the series opener and look to ride the momentum when they host the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. The Reds were one out away from being blanked before recording a 2-1 victory on Monday.

Cincinnati notched just one hit through 8 2/3 innings in the opener before Eugenio Suarez belted the tying homer before pinch-hitter Dilson Herrera delivered a bases-loaded single to complete the comeback. All-Star Scooter Gennett is expected back in the starting lineup after an illness limited him to pinch-hitting duties on Monday. Reliever Bud Norris' failure to hold the lead in the opener leaves St. Louis with seven setbacks in its last 10 games. Yadier Molina recorded a run-scoring single while the hot-hitting Matt Carpenter registered two of the Cardinals' five hits.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (0-0, 3.77 ERA) vs. Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-7, 6.68)

Gomber is making his first major-league start following 15 appearances out of the bullpen earlier this season. The 24-year-old was 7-3 with a 3.42 ERA in 12 appearances (11 starts) at Triple-A Memphis, and his victory on July 17 was his fifth in a row - one of which came in relief. Gomber has worked 1 2/3 scoreless frames in two appearances against Cincinnati this year, allowing one hit and three walks while striking out one.

Bailey will be activated from the 10-day disabled list to make his first start since May 28. The 32-year-old was experiencing a poor campaign before being sidelined with a knee injury and went 2-2 with a 4.78 ERA in seven rehab outings for Triple-A Louisville. Bailey is just 6-14 with a 5.71 ERA in 25 career starts versus the Cardinals, including an 0-1 mark and 4.26 ERA in two outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Carpenter was named National League Player of the Week after going 9-for-17 with six homers, two doubles and three walks in a five-game series against the Chicago Cubs.

2. Cincinnati INF Alex Blandino (knee) underwent season-ending reconstructive surgery on Monday - three days after being injured against Pittsburgh.

3. St. Louis 2B Kolten Wong (knee) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and the team reached down to Triple-A Memphis to recall RHP Daniel Poncedeleon, who pitched seven perfect innings on Monday in his major-league debut.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 9, Reds 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Athletics at Rangers
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The Oakland Athletics showed in the series opener why they're the top home run-hitting team on the road this season, taking advantage of a pitching staff that has been struggling mightily. Oakland hopes to continue both trends on Tuesday, when it visits the Texas Rangers for the second contest of their four-game series.

The Athletics had eight players with multiple hits and launched four home runs in Monday's 15-3 victory, raising their total of blasts on the road to a major league-leading 89. Jonathan Lucroy began the power display with a grand slam in the first inning while Matt Chapman went 3-for-5 with a homer and four RBIs to improve to 10-for-22 over his last five contests. While Oakland posted its 12th win in 16 games, Texas fell to 1-5 over its last six as its pitchers were battered for the third time in four outings. Rougned Odor, who was named the American League Player of the Week after batting .615 on the strength of three straight multi-hit performances, doubled and scored for the Rangers, whose staff has allowed a total of 40 runs in the team's last three setbacks.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Frankie Montas (5-2, 3.35 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (6-6, 4.89)

Montas is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Nashville and make his first start for Oakland since July 9, when he scattered three hits over six scoreless innings in a win at Houston. The 25-year-old Dominican has worked at least five frames in seven of his eight turns this year and allowed fewer than three runs on five occasions. Montas, who is 3-0 with a 2.66 ERA in four road outings, has given up four hits over 4 1/3 scoreless innings in three career relief appearances against Texas.

Minor lasted only 2 2/3 innings in a loss at Baltimore on July 15, when he was tagged for six runs - five earned - and four hits. The 30-year-old Tennessean is winless in three turns this month, going 0-2 while surrendering 12 runs on 17 hits and five walks over 14 frames. Minor, who owns a 3.54 ERA at home against a 7.04 mark on the road, is 1-1 with a 3.72 ERA in four career appearances (one start) against Oakland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers OF Joey Gallo (ankle) was kept out of the starting lineup in the series opener.

2. Oakland RHP Daniel Gossett (elbow) suffered a setback during his rehab and has been shut down.

3. Texas claimed RHP Chris Rowley off waivers from Toronto on Monday and will assign him to Triple-A Round Rock.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Rangers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Cubs
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

It might have provided some levity in a game that went against them from the start, but the Chicago Cubs would prefer to refrain from using position players to pitch for the foreseeable future. The Cubs look to Kyle Hendricks to get their rotation back on track when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game series.


The Diamondbacks scored five runs in the first inning and chased spot starter Luke Farrell early in Monday’s 7-1 win, as Cubs manager Joe Maddon put position players on the mound for the second time in four days. Victor Caratini and Anthony Rizzo combined to record the final four outs to help the Cubs preserve their bullpen for the remainder of the series between National League contenders. Arizona slugger Paul Goldschmidt continued his hot hitting against the Cubs with a first-inning homer – he is 8-for-18 with six blasts in his last five games versus Chicago – that helped the Diamondbacks stay within 1 1/2 games of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. The Cubs’ lead over Milwaukee in the NL Central was trimmed to 2 1/2 games.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, WGN (Chicago)


PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Clay Buchholz (2-1, 2.56 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (6-8, 3.99)

Buchholz has pitched well when healthy, and he’s ready to come off the disabled list after suffering a strained oblique on June 24 at Pittsburgh. The 33-year-old has allowed fewer than three runs in six of his seven starts this season, but he has managed to get through six innings only three times. Buchholz has faced the Cubs once while pitching for Boston, allowing one run over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision during the 2014 season.

Hendricks had another uncharacteristically inefficient outing Thursday against St. Louis, needing 113 pitches to get through 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision. The 28-year-old has recorded only one quality start in his last six outings. Hendricks is 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in two career starts against the Diamondbacks, but he hasn’t faced them since 2016.


WALK-OFFS

1. Rizzo is 16-for-31 with six RBIs in nine games since moving to the leadoff spot.

2. Goldschmidt has reached base in 23 consecutive road contests.

3. Arizona ranks second in the majors with 78 first-inning runs and owns a major league-best plus-29 run differential in the opening frame.


PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Cubs 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Nationals at Brewers
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The Milwaukee Brewers did not resemble a team that had lost eight of nine in the series opener and hope to post back-to-back victories for the first time in over two weeks when they host the Washington Nationals on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Milwaukee began its seven-game homestand by losing two of three to the Los Angeles Dodgers but rolled to a 6-1 triumph over Washington on Monday.

Jhoulys Chacin recorded nine strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings and helped himself at the plate with an RBI single. Erik Kratz drove in two runs without registering a hit while Christian Yelich ripped a three-run triple for the Brewers, who haven't won consecutive games since capturing five in a row from July 2-6. Daniel Murphy homered and Anthony Rendon notched two of the five hits registered in the series opener by Washington, which has lost four of its last six contests. Rendon is riding an 11-game hitting streak during which he has collected 10 RBIs.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN2 (Washington), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-1, 3.29 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-6, 3.23)

After escaping with a no-decision against Miami at home after being pounded for nine runs in four innings, Hellickson has put together back-to-back superb starts on the road. The 31-year-old native of Iowa allowed one run and four hits over 11 frames in victories at Pittsburgh and the New York Mets to improve to 4-1 with a 2.53 ERA in nine turns away from home this year. Hellickson has made six career starts against Milwaukee, going 3-1 with a 4.09 ERA.

Guerra (forearm) is expected to be activated from the disabled list to make his first start since July 13, when he surrendered six runs and nine hits over four innings in a loss at Pittsburgh. The 33-year-old Venezuelan, who won his previous three turns, owns a 2.55 ERA at home against a 4.30 mark on the road. Guerra has made one start and one relief appearance against Washington in his career, going 1-0 while allowing two runs over 8 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers 1B Jesus Aguilar (hamstrings) was kept out of the starting lineup in the series opener and is day-to-day.

2. Murphy has gone 5-for-13 during his four-game hitting streak.

3. Milwaukee placed LHP Brent Suter (elbow), who is in need of Tommy John surgery, on the 10-day disabled list on Monday and recalled RHP Jorge Lopez from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Brewers 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Tigers at Royals
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

The Detroit Tigers look to follow a stirring comeback with another strong performance when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. The Tigers pushed across three runs in the ninth inning on Monday for a 5-4 triumph in the opener - their third victory in 11 games.

Jim Adduci recorded the tying two-run double with none out in the ninth and scored on James McCann's double as Detroit won its second straight road contest after losing its previous seven. McCann recorded three hits for the third time this season while Adduci notched two for the second straight time as a starter as the duo combined for half of the Tigers' total of 10 hits. Kansas City had its three-game winning streak snapped, but Lucas Duda continued to be a recent bright spot by driving in three runs as he is 8-for-19 with a homer and seven RBIs during a modest five-game hitting streak. Mike Moustakas delivered a pinch-hit RBI double for the Royals but is just 2-for-21 over his last seven games.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (4-1, 3.71 ERA) vs. Royals RH Burch Smith (0-1, 5.98)

Zimmermann suffered his first setback of the season when he gave up four runs and 11 hits over 6 2/3 innings against Tampa Bay in his last outing. The 32-year-old gave up fewer than two runs in five of his previous six starts before struggling against the Rays. Zimmermann gave up two hits over five scoreless innings in a win over Kansas City on May 5 and is 4-0 with a 1.48 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) against the Royals.

Smith is making his third start of the season as Kansas City studies him to see if he can fill a rotation spot in the future. The 28-year-old made 24 relief appearances before being moved into the rotation and lasted just 5 1/3 total innings while giving up six runs and 10 hits in the first two outings. Smith has served up nine homers in 43 2/3 frames this season and 18 in 80 career frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City OF Brian Goodwin went 2-for-2 after entering the game in the seventh inning in his debut with the team.

2. Detroit RF Nicholas Castellanos was hitless in four at-bats on Monday and is mired in an 11-game home run drought.

3. Royals backup C Drew Butera recorded a season-best three hits in the opener and is 8-for-21 over his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, Royals 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Astros at Rockies
Gracenote
Jul 23, 2018

The Colorado Rockies have played a team with a winning record since June 26 and could continue to do so until Aug. 19 as they host the defending world champion Houston Astros in a two-game interleague series beginning Tuesday. Colorado (53-46) has started the challenging stretch 15-6 as it sits within striking distance of first place in the National League West and an NL wild-card spot.

"We can play with anybody,'' Rockies manager Bud Black told reporters prior to Sunday's 6-1 loss in Arizona that snapped a seven-game winning streak. "But we all know it's a long season, so you just have to keep moving ahead.'' Houston (66-36) boasts a five-game lead in the American League West after beginning a five-game road trip by taking two of three from the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend with Sunday's 14-5 loss their worst of the season. The Astros' George Springer (.253, 16 home runs, 52 RBIs) went 4-for-10 with a home run, six RBIs, three runs scored and four walks in the Angels series after batting .220 over the first 14 games in July. All-Star right-hander Gerrit Cole, who set a club record with 177 strikeouts in 128 1/3 innings prior to the All-Star break, takes the ball for Houston and opposes Tyler Anderson, who has a 0.96 ERA over his last four starts.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (10-2, 2.52 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (6-3, 3.72)

Cole allowed one run, three hits and four walks while striking out eight in 5 2/3 innings of a 9-1 victory over Detroit on July 14 to reach 10 wins for the fifth time in his six major-league seasons. The 27-year-old Californian, whose strikeout total is fifth-best in baseball, has yielded one earned run or fewer in four of his last five starts and boasts a 0.98 WHIP this season. Nolan Arenado is 5-for-11 with two home runs but the rest of the active Rockies are 8-for-48 versus Cole, who is 3-1 with a 2.49 ERA in four starts - including a victory in his only start at Coors Field in 2016 when he permitted two earned runs in six innings.

Anderson earned a no-decision after allowing two runs, five hits and one walk with six strikeouts in six innings of Colorado's 4-3 victory at Seattle on July 15. The 28-year-old Las Vegas native has recorded six quality starts in his last eight outings and boasts a 1.21 WHIP this season. Anderson, who is 1-3 with a 4.84 ERA in six interleague starts, has never faced the Astros or any of their players.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston 3B Alex Bregman (.282, 20 home runs, 66 RBIs), the MVP of the All-Star Game, has reached base safely in 25 straight contests - the longest active streak in the majors - and is hitting .333 during that stretch. Bregman had a 31-game on-base run earlier this season.

2. Colorado 1B Ian Desmond (.238, 58 RBIs), who is batting .320 in his last 35 games to raise his average 49 points, has hit 14 of his 19 home runs on the road.

3. The Astros have the highest road winning percentage in baseball (.694) and their 34 wins away from home are the second-most in the majors to Boston.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Rockies 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: White Sox at Angels
Gracenote
Jul 24, 2018

Chicago All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu is displaying signs of breaking out of his slump as the White Sox enter Tuesday's contest against the host Los Angeles Angels. Abreu went 2-for-4 with a homer in Monday's 5-3 victory in the opener of the four-game set after being 6-for-51 over the previous 15 games.

Abreu's first-inning blast was his second in the past 20 games and he also had a run-scoring single in the sixth as Chicago won for the fifth time in eight games following a six-game slide. "He's never lost confidence," White Sox manager Rich Renteria told reporters prior to Monday's contest. "It's just a matter of, honestly, getting good pitches to hit. Staying in his zone. Continuing to trust the things he's capable of doing and the things he has done over a long period of time in his career." Angels slugger Albert Pujols (knee) was activated off the disabled list Monday and went 1-for-4 and remains tied for sixth place on the all-time home run list with Ken Griffey Jr. (630). Los Angeles star Mike Trout didn't have an official plate appearance in the opener as he walked four times, hit a sacrifice fly and stole two bases.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (2-3, 3.56 ERA) vs. Angels RH Felix Pena (1-0, 3.42)

Rodon's final start before the All-Star break was a great one as he allowed three hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings while defeating the St. Louis Cardinals. The 25-year-old has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his seven outings since returning from shoulder surgery. Rodon is 1-2 with a 4.11 ERA in three career starts against the Angels and he has served up homers to Pujols, Ian Kinsler and Justin Upton during his four years in the majors.

Pena is making his sixth start of the season and has yet to pitch longer than 5 1/3 innings. The 28-year-old has struck out 32 against nine walks in 26 1/3 innings. Pena has a 4.76 ERA at Angel Stadium this season compared to a 0.96 mark on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago's victory Monday snapped a six-game slide at Angel Stadium as well as being only its second win in its last 16 games in Anaheim.

2. In addition to activating Pujols, Los Angeles also recalled RHP Jaime Barria -- who pitched five-plus innings on Monday -- optioned Deck McGuire to Triple-A Salt Lake and designated fellow RHP Oliver Drake for assignment.

3. Chicago RF Avisail Garcia (illness) was a late scratch but later entered the contest as a defensive replacement and is expected to be in the lineup Tuesday.

PREDICTION: White Sox 7, Angels 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Preview: Giants at Mariners
Gracenote
Jul 23, 2018

The Seattle Mariners will begin tapping into their Big Maple again when they host the San Francisco Giants for a two-game interleague series beginning Tuesday. Ace left-hander James Paxton, who threw a no-hitter against the Blue Jays in his native Canada on May 8, is scheduled to return from the disabled list after a bout with a stiff lower back and will try to help Seattle solidify its hold on the second American League wild-card spot.

"He felt fine, threw all his pitches and got after it in his bullpen, so no hesitation about bringing him back," Mariners manager Scott Servais told reporters after a 40-pitch bullpen session Saturday. Seattle (60-40), which trails first-place Houston by five games in the American League West, limped into the All-Star break by losing four straight before taking two of three over the weekend from the Chicago White Sox. The Giants (51-50) dropped two of three in Oakland over the weekend with both losses coming in walk-off fashion and sit on the fringes of contention in the National League West and NL wild-card races. Rookie left-hander Andrew Suarez, who had a string of six starts with two or fewer runs allowed snapped in his last outing, takes the ball for San Francisco.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Andrew Suarez (3-6, 3.94 ERA) vs. Mariners LH James Paxton (8-4, 3.70)

Suarez allowed four runs, four hits and two walks while striking out five in five innings of a 6-2 loss to Oakland on July 15. The 25-year-old Miami native was 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in his previous eight starts with 40 strikeouts and 11 walks over 47 1/3 innings during that span. Suarez, who has never faced Seattle or any of its players, has seen San Francisco score only 51 runs in his 16 starts.

Paxton left the Mariners' 11-2 road loss to the Los Angeles Angels on July 12 after throwing only 17 pitches and giving his club a scare. The 29-year old British Columbia native, who is fifth in the AL with 155 strikeouts, is 2-3 with a 5.70 ERA in his last six outings. Paxton, who missed only one start thanks to the All-Star break, faces San Francisco for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Seattle 1B Ryon Healy (.244, 20 home runs, 53 RBIs) had three hits Sunday, including a pair of three-run homers and a career-best six RBIs, after going 3-for-21 in his previous six games.

2. Giants 3B Evan Longoria (.246, 10 home runs, 34 RBIs), who has missed 32 games after breaking his left hand June 14, could return as early as Tuesday after a rehab stint with Triple-A Sacramento.

3. The Mariners' run differential of plus-1 is the worst in major league history among teams who have won at least 60 of their first 100 games.

PREDICTION: Mariners 3, Giants 2