Friday 8-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:34 AM

San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The Chicago Cubs hope their most recent offensive outage was simply a blip, and they'll try to get their bats going again Friday in the second contest of their four-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres. It's the second of seven straight contests against last-place teams for the Cubs, who have a prime opportunity to cushion their slim lead in the National League Central.

The Padres posted a 6-1 victory in the series opener as five pitchers held the Cubs to three hits and Austin Hedges belted a three-run homer. The win snapped a seven-game skid and was just the third in 17 contests for San Diego, which owns the worst record in the NL. The Cubs have been streaky at the plate all season, and they currently are without slugger Kris Bryant (shoulder). Chicago has lost four of its last six games and scored fewer than three runs six times in its last 10 contests.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS San Diego, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (6-8, 4.41 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jose Quintana (9-7, 4.26)

Ross was considered a potential trade candidate, but the Padres elected to keep him in the fold as the non-waiver deadline came and went. The 31-year-old sported a 3.32 ERA at the end of June, but it rose considerably after he pitched to an 8.87 mark in five turns last month. Ross is 1-1 with a 3.05 ERA in four career games (three starts) against the Cubs.

Quintana had a stretch of three straight quality starts - all wins - before he was tagged for six runs over three innings in a loss at St. Louis last time out. The 29-year-old struggled with his command early and needed 51 pitches to get through the opening frame. Quintana made his only career appearance against the Padres last season, when he allowed three runs over seven innings in a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs had homered in a season-high six consecutive games before being held without an extra-base hit on Thursday.

2. Padres 1B Eric Hosmer is 11-for-33 during his season-best nine-game hitting streak.

3. San Diego LF Wil Myers left Thursday's game with a bruised left foot after fouling off a pitch.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Padres 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:34 AM

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/02/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates declared that they were still in the postseason race and intended to make the playoffs this season with the moves they made in front of Tuesday's trade deadline, and those moves are about to take shape. Chris Archer will make his Pittsburgh debut when the Pirates host the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

Pittsburgh traded away a pair of talented young players in right-hander Tyler Glasnow and outfielder Austin Meadows to bring back Archer, who is under team control through the 2021 season, and is hoping he can help the team make up some ground in a crowded National League Central and wild card race. "Having your name floated around is tough, but from hearing the way these guys talk about me and what they've told me, this is for now and for the future," Archer told reporters. "The future looks very, very bright here. I'm excited to be a part of it, and I'm excited to be playing meaningful baseball again." The Cardinals are playing meaningful baseball as well and brought themselves into a tie for third place in the NL Central with the Pirates by winning 3-2 on Thursday over the Colorado Rockies when Jose Martinez came off the bench and delivered a walk-off, two-run single. While Archer toes the rubber for the Pirates on Friday, St. Louis is expected to counter with right-hander John Gant.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Gant (3-4, 3.49 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Chris Archer (3-5, 4.31)

Gant spent the last few months bouncing between the rotation and the bullpen but will be making his second consecutive start on Friday. The 25-year-old worked 4 1/3 innings against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday and was reached for three runs - two earned - on four hits and a pair of walks to suffer the loss. Gant made a start at Pittsburgh on May 25 and struck out a season high-tying seven over 5 1/3 frames but was saddled with a loss after yielding three runs.

Archer allowed three or fewer earned runs in each of his last eight starts for Tampa Bay but joins the Pirates off a loss after surrendering three earned runs and seven hits over six innings at Baltimore last Friday. The North Carolina native last earned a win on May 17 at the Los Angeles Angels but struck out a season-high 13 in his last outing versus an NL opponent - July 22 against Miami. Archer is making his second career start against the Cardinals and is 6-9 with a 3.29 ERA in 21 starts versus NL opponents.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals OF Marcell Ozuna (toe) left Thursday's game and is day-to-day.

2. Pirates LHP Felipe Vazquez was named the NL's reliever of the month for July on Thursday.

3. Pittsburgh RHP Keone Kela is expected to be in uniform on Friday after being acquired from the Texas Rangers.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cardinals 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:34 AM

Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies have been able to enjoy the comforts of home all season long, although the National League East leaders tested their fans' patience in that regard in Thursday's series-opening victory over the Miami Marlins. The Phillies attempt to improve on the best home record in the NL on Friday when they host the second of four games against division-rival Miami.

Philadelphia maintained its one-half game division lead and moved to 35-18 at Citizens Bank Park following Thursday's 5-2 comeback victory, notching its ninth win at home win in 11 tries courtesy of Maikel Franco's tiebreaking three-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Prior to their four-run outburst in the final frame, the Phillies were limited to Rhys Hoskins' solo shot and four singles over the first eight innings. The Marlins remained in a tie for last place in the East with their third straight loss, unable to take advantage of Justin Bour's first hit in six contests - a two-run blast in the fourth inning. A bigger issue for Miami may be the back end of its bullpen, as new closer Kyle Barraclough has blown three straight save opportunities and surrendered 10 runs across his last four appearances spanning 3 1/3 innings.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NBC 10 (Philadelphia)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-5, 4.06 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (7-8, 4.02)

Richards has been brilliant over his last three starts but has only one win to show for it, picking up his second straight no-decision Saturday versus Washington despite yielding only three hits over six scoreless innings. In those three outings, the 25-year-old rookie has permitted a total of one run on 10 hits while striking out 18 in 18 2/3 frames. Richards fired six scoreless innings against the Phillies to get the win July 14 but was roughed up for three runs across four frames in Philadelphia on April 8.

Velasquez has held the opposition to two runs or fewer in six straight outings, although he was fortunate to do so Saturday in Cincinnati when he allowed two runs on six hits and a season-high five walks in five frames. It was a rare bump in the road lately for the former second-round pick, who is 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA over his last eight turns. Velasquez yielded one run across six innings to beat Miami on April 7 to improve to 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA in seven starts against the Marlins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Franco's 18 extra-base hits versus the Marlins since the start of last season are the most by any player against Miami over that span.

2. Marlins 2B Starlin Castro is a career .333 hitter in 47 career games against the Phillies despite going 0-for-3 in the opener.

3. Hoskins has hit eight of his 22 homers in 13 games since the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Marlins 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:34 AM

Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

Former National League MVP Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals are beginning to gain steam and they look to pick up their fourth straight victory when the Cincinnati Reds visit for the second of a four-game set Friday night. Harper belted his 26th homer and added a single for his third straight two-hit game Thursday as Washington pulled away for a 10-4 victory to remain in striking distance of first place in the NL East.

Harper is 11-for-27 with 11 RBIs in his last eight games and Trea Turner, who also went deep Thursday, is 14-for-34 over his last seven contests as the Nationals held serve just five games back in the division. Left-hander Gio Gonzalez hopes to snap a winless drought of more than two months when he takes the mound for Washington on Friday, while the Reds counter with right-hander Anthony DeSclafani. Cincinnati has dropped three straight contests overall and lost all four meetings with the Nationals this season after giving up six runs in the second inning Thursday. Eugenio Suarez homered in the loss for the Reds while moving one ahead of last year's career high with 83 RBIs and one shy of his career best of 26 blasts in 2018.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (4-3, 5.47 ERA) vs. Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-7, 3.78)

DeSclafani has not completed five innings in any of his last three starts while allowing 12 runs on 16 hits (five homers) across 12 innings combined. The 28-year-old New Jersey native has served up 14 homers in his last eight starts after surrendering one in the first two outings of the season. Daniel Murphy is 4-for-8 with a homer and five RBIs versus DeSclafani, who is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA in six career appearances (three starts) against Washington.

Gonzalez hopes to get off to a strong start in August after going winless in his past 10 starts, and he owns a 5.94 ERA since his last win May 28 at Baltimore. The 32-year-old Floridian, who has a 3.09 ERA at home in 2018, is coming off his best effort during his slide Saturday when he limited Miami to one run and three hits in a no-decision. Joey Votto is 9-for-24 with three homers and four walks against Gonzalez, who is 5-2 with a 2.47 ERA in 10 career outings versus the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Votto, who was 0-for-2 with two walks Thursday, is four RBIs from tying Ted Kluszewski (886) for seventh on the club's all-time list.

2. Murphy is 24-for-59 since July 8 after going 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored in Thursday's victory.

3. Cincinnati OF Preston Tucker is 2-for-8 with an RBI in his first two games with the team after being acquired from Atlanta on Monday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Reds 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:34 AM

Los Angeles Angels vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/02/2018

The Los Angeles Angels carry the weight of having lost 20 of their last 27 on the road heading into a ballpark that has been home to their personal house of horrors. With Mike Trout's availability in question, the Angels (54-46) aim to snap a 10-game losing skid at Progressive Field on Friday when they open a three-game series against the Cleveland Indians (59-48).

"I caught my hand. Kind of weird. Felt like I just jammed it pretty bad," Trout said of his right wrist contusion after sitting out Thursday afternoon's 4-2 setback to Tampa Bay. Fellow slugger Albert Pujols is 12-for-35 with five extra-base hits (four doubles, homer) and five runs scored during an eight-game hitting streak, although is 0-for-8 with two strikeouts versus Friday starter Mike Clevinger. While Los Angeles has yielded 27 runs during its four-game slide, Cleveland has permitted just 13 en route to winning five of its last seven. Jose Ramirez answered a pronounced 0-for-16 stretch by going 7-for-12 with two homers, four RBIs and two runs scored as the Indians took two of three at Minnesota.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jaime Barria (6-7, 3.74 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (7-7, 3.43)

Barria snapped a stretch of six straight losing decisions and posted his first win since June 1 on Saturday after allowing two runs on five hits in six innings of an 11-5 victory versus Seattle. The 22-year-old rookie surrendered a pair of homers in that contest and has been taken deep 10 times in his last eight outings. Barria will be making his 16th start of the season and first of his career against the Angels.

Clevinger fell to 0-4 with a 4.94 ERA over his last four starts despite permitting two runs on five hits in as many innings of a 2-1 setback at Detroit. The 27-year-old yielded four hits over 5 1/3 frames of a 6-0 win over the Angels on April 2 to improve to 3-0 with a 2.95 ERA against the team that selected him in the 2011 June draft. Andrelton Simmons has gotten his licks in against Clevinger, however, going a robust 6-for-8.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor has reached base 15 times in his last eight games.

2. Los Angeles OF Justin Upton has 13 hits and seven runs scored in his last seven contests.

3. The Indians are just 12-17 against AL West representatives this season while the Angels are 15-10 versus the AL Central.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Angels 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:34 AM

Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/02/2018

Surely at some point the New York Mets are going to score some runs for Jacob deGrom, who hopes that time comes Friday in the second contest of a four-game home series against the Atlanta Braves. New York is suffering through a difficult season - no one more so than deGrom, who comes into his 22nd start of the season leading the majors with a 1.82 ERA, but is under .500 because the Mets have scored two runs or fewer in nine of his past 15 starts.

He faces an Atlanta team riding a four-game winning streak after a 4-2 victory in Thursday's series opener, which improved its record against the National League East to 32-16 on the season - 10-3 against the Mets. Once again it was one of Atlanta's young standouts leading the way as second baseman Ozzie Albies finished 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base, raising his average to .362 with 11 doubles and 17 RBIs in 31 games since June 17. The Braves are beginning a stretch of 25 games in 24 days with only one off day in that stretch and a doubleheader Tuesday at Washington, and begin play Friday one-half game behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East. One encouraging sign for the Mets in Thursday's loss was outfielder Brandon Nimmo hitting his first homer since July 11 and only his second since June 18.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (5-3, 3.00 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-6, 1.82)

Sanchez, who slides back to Friday after his schedule start at home Wednesday against Miami was rained out, gave up five runs (four earned) on seven hits over 6 1/3 innings in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 26. The 34-year-old posted a 3.07 ERA in his five previous outings, including a victory over Washington on July 20 during which he struck out a season high-tying eight. Sanchez received a no-decision against the Mets on May 29, surrendering four runs on five hits over four innings.

DeGrom sat at 4-0 on May 18, but is 1-6 in his past 12 outings despite a 1.86 ERA and a .204/.254/.313 opponents slash line in that span. The 30-year-old owns a 0.98 WHIP with only 32 walks and 164 strikeouts across 138 1/3 innings. DeGrom is 5-4 with a 1.80 ERA in 15 career starts against the Braves, but is 0-1 in four starts this season despite allowing two earned runs in 25 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta rookie OF Ronald Acuna finished 2-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored and a stolen base, raising his average to .357 in 11 games since moving to the leadoff spot.

2. New York activated 3B Todd Frazier from the disabled list (0-for-4 with two strikeouts Thursday), and is weighing whether to put LHP Steven Matz (left forearm strain) on the DL.

3. Mets OF-3B Jose Bautista is one run shy of reaching 1,000 for his career and he would become one of 10 active players to accomplish the feat.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Mets 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:35 AM

Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

A return to Tropicana Field provided a much-needed boost for the Tampa Bay Rays, who will resume their nine-game homestand on Friday night when they host the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a three-game series. The Rays got back on track at home, rebounding from a horrific beating by majors-worst Baltimore to post a three-game sweep of the Los Angeles Angels.

C.J. Cron ignited a four-run inning with a two-run single, giving him 17 RBIs in his last 19 games, in Thursday's 4-2 victory - Tampa Bay's 20th win in 24 home games since June 11, the best mark in baseball during that span. Newly acquired outfielder Tommy Pham had to exit the game after he was struck on the foot by a pitch, but X-rays were negative and he's listed as day-to-day with a bruise. Chicago needed some late heroics to avoid a three-game sweep by visiting Kansas City, getting a tying homer from Jose Abreu in the eighth before Daniel Palka delivered a pinch-hit, three-run blast. The series against the Rays marks the only three away from home in a 15-game stretch for the White Sox, who have the second-fewest road wins in the majors with 17.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (7-8, 6.26 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-3, 2.36)

Giolito was in the midst of his best stretch of pitching this season but that came to a halt Saturday when he was roughed up by Toronto for five runs on nine hits over 4 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old had turned in quality starts in each of his previous three turns, giving up five runs and 10 hits over 19 2/3 innings. Giolito struck out a career-best 10 to beat the Rays last year with seven innings of one-run ball.

Stanek will serve as the "opener" once again, a role that he has thrived in with an 0-2 mark and 2.28 ERA in 16 starts. He has permitted runs in only four of his 26 appearances dating to June 2, posting an 0-2 mark with a 1.67 ERA during that span. Like the Rays, Stanek has been sensational at Tropicana Field, making 19 appearances and sporting no record with a 0.42 ERA and a .160 batting average against.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays LH Blake Snell is expected to come off the disabled list to start Saturday's matchup.

2. Abreu hit his 141st home run Thursday to move into sole possession of 10th place on the franchise's career list.

3. Rays 2B Joey Wendle has hit safely in six consecutive games.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, White Sox 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:35 AM

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The Boston Red Sox acquired Steve Pearce in late June in part for his ability to hammer left-handed pitching, but he did that and then some in the American League East leaders' latest rout. The Red Sox strive to create more separation between themselves and their closest competitor Friday when they host the second of four games with the New York Yankees.

Acquired from Toronto on June 28, Pearce entered Thursday batting .333 with his new team and .500 against southpaws before leading the charge in Boston's 19-hit offensive onslaught as the Red Sox pounded New York 15-7. The 35-year-old journeyman set career high with three homers - two against right-handers - and six RBIs, including a three-run blast during an eight-run explosion in the fourth inning. Didi Gregorius belted the first of his two home runs in the first inning to stake the Yankees to an early four-run advantage, but it was not nearly enough as the AL wild-card leaders fell a season-high 6 1/2 games behind Boston in the division race. The 28-year-old shortstop has multiple hits in his last three contests and is batting .311 with five homers and 21 RBIs in 27 contests since the start of last month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WPIX (New York), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (14-4, 2.94 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (13-4, 4.03)

Severino is 1-2 with an 8.85 ERA in four starts since beating Boston on July 1 and has failed to work more than five innings in any of those outings. The two-time All-Star is coming off his worst two turns of the season, surrendering a total of 13 runs (12 earned) and 19 hits across 9 1/3 innings in losses to Tampa Bay and Kansas City. Andrew Benintendi is 10-for-22 with two homers and 10 RBIs versus Severino, who tossed 6 2/3 scoreless frames in a win against the Red Sox last month.

Porcello won for the fifth time in his last six decisions despite an uneven performance Saturday against Minnesota, surrendering four runs over 5 2/3 innings. The outing was another rough one at home for the 2016 Cy Young Award winner, who is 5-3 with a 5.10 ERA in Fenway Park this year (8-1 with a 3.14 ERA in 12 road turns). Porcello fired two-hit ball over seven scoreless innings in a home win against the Yankees on April 12 before allowing five runs over 5 1/3 frames in a no-decision May 9 at New York.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pearce became the first Red Sox since Kevin Millar in 2004 to hit three homers in a game against the Yankees and only the third player in team history to do so.

2. Gregorius has four multi-homer performances as a shortstop this season, twice as many as any other shortstop in club history has enjoyed in a single season.

3. Boston RF Mookie Betts is hitting .462 with nine extra-base hits, nine RBIs and 14 runs scored in 10 games versus New York this season.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 8, Yankees 5

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:35 AM

Baltimore Orioles vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The Texas Rangers produced their top offensive showing of the campaign in the series opener and look to duplicate the effort when they host the Baltimore Orioles on Friday for the second contest of their four-game set. Texas recorded season highs in runs and hits (18) in Thursday's 17-8 victory, an assault that included three homers and seven doubles.

Rougned Odor became the fourth player since 1900 to homer and walk five times in a single game as he helped the Rangers win for the fifth time in six games. Jurickson Profar homered and drove in four runs and Joey Gallo went deep for the 27th time this season while Odor and Elvis Andrus each recorded three RBIs. Mark Trumbo, Trey Mancini and Caleb Joseph each homered in the opener for Baltimore, which lost for just the second time in six contests. The Orioles have lost 12 of their last 13 road games and are a major league-worst 13-41 away from home.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (2-5, 5.94 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Ariel Jurado (1-1, 4.22)

Hess is making his 10th start of the season but first since losing to the Los Angeles Angels on June 29. The 25-year-old went 0-3 with a 10.70 ERA in a four-start span to lose his spot in the rotation and briefly was demoted to Triple-A Norfolk for three outings before returning to the majors. Hess pitched a hitless inning of relief against Tampa Bay on Saturday in his first appearance since being recalled.

Jurado defeated Houston in his second career start, allowing just one run and two hits over six innings. The 22-year-old outdueled Astros ace Justin Verlander in the 7-3 victory but departed after throwing 76 pitches. Jurado's first major-league outing took place on May 19, when he gave up four runs and six hits over 4 2/3 frames in a loss to the Chicago White Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rangers signed former Orioles RHP Chris Tillman to a minor-league contract on Thursday.

2. Baltimore SS Tim Beckham has recorded two three-hit performances in his last four games and is 9-for-24 over the last six contests.

3. Andrus is 21-for-55 with 12 runs scored during a 13-game hitting streak that is the longest active run in the majors.

PREDICTION: Rangers 10, Orioles 7

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:35 AM

Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The Minnesota Twins may have squandered their last chance to make a move in the American League Central, dropping the final two of a three-game set to division-leading Cleveland. That left the Twins 10 games behind the Indians and nine below .500 as they continue a six-game homestand with the first of three against the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Minnesota (49-58) had already started to look toward the future with a string of deals before Tuesday's deadline, trading away infielders Brian Dozier and Eduardo Escobar along with pitchers Lance Lynn, Zach Duke and Ryan Pressly. "I think we're all putting it behind us pretty well," Twins outfielder Max Kepler. "I think it's going to take us some time to digest what happened, but when it comes to winning and losing we put it behind us right when the game's over." The Royals are battling Baltimore for the worst record in the major leagues, but they opened the second half of the season by sweeping a three-game series from Minnesota. Kansas City was denied another three-game sweep when it dropped the series finale 6-4 at the Chicago White Sox on Thursday to fall to 3-4 on its 10-game road trip.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (0-1, 3.29 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (4-7, 4.58)

Fillmyer is seeking his first career win as he prepares to make his fourth major-league start and eighth appearance overall. He did not factor in the decision Saturday at Yankee Stadium, giving up three runs in five innings, and had his best outing on July 23 when he allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits over 6 2/3 innings versus Detroit. Fillmyer is holding lefty batters to a .176 batting average.

Odorizzi was impressive in his first start after the All-Star break in Kansas City, striking out eight and limiting the Royals to two runs and two hits over six innings of a no-decision. He had a tougher go at Boston on Saturday, taking the loss after allowing five runs and nine hits over five innings. Whit Merrifield is 3-for-8 with two homers off Odorizzi, who is 2-4 with a 4.29 ERA against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins 1B/DH Joe Mauer was 12-for-28 in six games versus Kansas City last month.

2. Merrifield hit a pinch-hit, three-run homer Thursday, but he's 5-for-24 in the last six games versus Minnesota.

3. Twins SS Jorge Polanco has hit safely in eight of his last nine games.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Royals 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:35 AM

Colorado Rockies vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

Two teams in the hunt for a postseason berth in the National League but coming off back-to-back losses square off Friday, when the Colorado Rockies visit the Milwaukee Brewers for the opener of their three-game series. Colorado, which trails the Los Angeles Dodgers by two games for first place in the NL West and is 1 1/2 out of a wild-card spot, kicked off its seven-game road trip by dropping three of four in St. Louis.

The Rockies carried a lead into the ninth inning on Thursday but allowed two runs en route to a 3-2 setback in which they registered only seven hits - three by Gerardo Parra, who has gone 8-for-16 with three RBIs during his four-game hitting streak. Milwaukee, which occupies a wild-card spot, won five of six to begin its eight-game trek but was outscored 27-9 in a pair of losses to the Dodgers - including Thursday's 21-5 defeat that kept it one game behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Jesus Aguilar hit a three-run homer while Christian Yelich went 3-for-4 with a solo shot and scored three runs for Milwaukee, which has won three of four at home. Yelich has hit safely in 16 of his last 17 contests, a stretch during which he has recorded 13 multi-hit performances.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (9-8, 4.82 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-7, 3.43)

Marquez won his fourth consecutive decision on Sunday, allowing two runs and five hits with eight strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings against Oakland. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has given up fewer than three runs in each of the victories, registering a total of 30 strikeouts while issuing only three walks over 27 2/3 frames. Marquez, who has posted a 3.15 ERA on the road this year as opposed to a 6.63 mark at home, is 1-1 with a 6.06 ERA in three career starts against Milwaukee - including a loss at home on May 10 in which he yielded five runs on 12 hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings.

Guerra has struggled over his last three starts, going 0-2 while surrendering 15 runs - 12 earned - on 18 hits and seven walks in 14 innings. The 33-year-old, who also hails from Venezuela, has recorded a 2.45 ERA at home - where he has allowed three earned runs over 22 frames while going 2-0 in his last four turns - against a 4.97 mark on the road. Guerra made his only career start against Colorado on April 3, 2017, when he gave up two runs and one hit - a homer - over three innings of a no-decision as he exited with a calf injury..

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers 2B Jonathan Schoop has gone 0-for-8 with six strikeouts in two games since being acquired from Baltimore.

2. Colorado's DJ LeMahieu (oblique) was activated from the 10-day disabled list on Thursday and went 0-for-4 while fellow 2B Garrett Hampson was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque.

3. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado went 6-for-18 with a homer and five RBIs in the four-game series against the Cardinals.

PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Rockies 4

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:35 AM

San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The San Francisco Giants look to post their fifth straight victory and further tighten things up in the National League West when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second contest of their four-game set. The Giants trounced Arizona 8-1 in the series opener and are five games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers with two teams between them.

Austin Slater went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs scored for San Francisco, which is 3-0 on its six-game road trip. The Diamondbacks dropped to 1-2 on their nine-game homestand with Thursday's setback and fell one game behind Los Angeles while remaining one in front of Colorado. David Peralta recorded four hits while Eduardo Escobar drove in the lone run for Arizona, which is one-half game out of a wild-card spot. Escobar has gone 5-for-16 with three RBIs in four contests since being acquired from Minnesota.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Chris Stratton (8-6, 5.14 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (7-4, 3.26)

Stratton made 18 starts before being sent to the minors but pitched in relief when he was recalled on July 26, surrendering three runs and three hits in 1 1/3 innings against Milwaukee. The 27-year-old native of Mississippi has yielded 16 runs and 22 hits over 11 frames in his last three appearances for the Giants. Stratton is 1-1 with a 3.21 ERA in five career starts versus Arizona, including a pair of no-decisions this season.

Corbin returns home after making four consecutive starts on the road, including an outing at San Diego on Saturday in which he escaped with a no-decision after yielding four runs and six hits over six innings. The 29-year-old All-Star from New York is 4-3 with a 3.50 ERA at Chase Field this year but hasn't won there since April 22, going 0-3 in his last seven turns. Corbin is 7-7 with a 3.00 ERA in 23 career appearances (21 starts) against San Francisco, including a 2-0 record and 3.60 mark in four turns this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks 3B Jake Lamb is slated to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery within the next two weeks.

2. San Francisco 3B Pablo Sandoval will undergo season-ending surgery on his right hamstring next week while RHP Johnny Cueto underwent Tommy John surgery on Thursday.

3. Arizona activated Brad Ziegler, who was acquired from Miami on Tuesday, and optioned fellow RHP Silvino Bracho to Triple-A Reno.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 8, Giants 3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:36 AM

Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd August 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/02/2018

The Oakland Athletics planted themselves firmly in the American League playoff race over the last month and are surging on their current homestand. The Athletics will try to push their winning streak to four straight games and keep the pressure on the Seattle Mariners in the wild card race when they host the Detroit Tigers in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

Oakland seemed to lose its offense while managing four runs in a three-game series at Colorado last weekend, but the bats returned at home to help the team trounce the Toronto Blue Jays by a combined score of 24-6 in the three-game series. The Athletics are an AL-best 30-10 over their last 40 games and pulled into a tie for an AL wild card spot with Seattle on Wednesday after being 11 games behind on June 15. The Tigers are not in a fight for a playoff berth as they enter a rebuilding period but are playing well of late with wins in seven of the last 12 contests, including a two-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds to begin the week. Detroit will begin its six-game road trip with left-hander Blaine Hardy on the mound while Oakland counters with lefty Brett Anderson.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Blaine Hardy (4-3, 3.61 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Brett Anderson (2-3, 5.55)

Hardy is making his third consecutive start after rejoining the rotation and earned a win over Cleveland on Saturday while allowing one run and four hits over five innings. The 31-year-old is 4-2 with a 4.01 ERA in 10 starts this season and owns a 1.69 ERA in 10 relief appearances. Hardy started against Oakland on June 26 and was ripped for six runs - three earned - on six hits and three walks across four innings but did not factor in the decision.

Anderson worked six innings at Colorado on Saturday and was reached for four runs on eight hits - two homers - in a loss. The veteran is making his first appearance at home since May 7 and just his second of the season after sandwiching six road outings around a stint on the disabled list. Anderson last faced Detroit as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays last September and breezed to a win while allowing two runs and five hits over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers RF Nicholas Castellanos is 0-for-15 over the last four games and 2-for-31 in the last eight contests.

2. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman is enjoying a career-best streak of 18 consecutive games reaching base.

3. Detroit RHP Mike Fiers (shin) had x-rays come back negative after being forced from his start on Wednesday and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Tigers 2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 08-03-2018, 08:36 AM

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 08-03-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 3rd August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/03/2018

The Seattle Mariners have dropped to third place in the American League West due to their prolonged slump. Seattle has lost 14 of 21 contests and looks to break out of the funk when it hosts the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday for the second contest of their four-game series.

The Mariners were 56-32 on July 5 before the slide began and have been passed by Oakland for second place in the division race. "You have to find a way, you've got to keep competing and it's got to turn," Mariners manager Scott Servais said of the slump during his postgame press conference following Thursday's 7-3 setback. "It's not just going to happen. We have to make it happen." Kendrys Morales hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the seventh inning to help the Blue Jays win for just the third time in 10 games. Toronto's Teoscar Hernandez, who was 2-for-25 over his previous seven contests, broke out on Thursday with his second four-hit performance of the season that included three doubles.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (0-2, 2.83 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (12-5, 3.37)

Borucki is making his seventh start of the season after allowing fewer than three runs in five of his first six outings. The 24-year-old still is seeking his first major-league victory after giving up two runs and six hits over six innings in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox in his last turn. Borucki hasn't served up a homer in 35 innings and has registered 28 strikeouts against 11 walks.

Gonzales has won five consecutive starts, posting a 1.57 ERA over 34 1/3 innings during that stretch. The 26-year-old defeated the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn as he gave up two runs and seven hits over six frames. Gonzales, who never has faced Toronto, is 5-1 with a 2.88 ERA in 10 home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 2B Dee Gordon (ankle) departed in the ninth inning of the series opener and will be re-evaluated on Friday.

2. Toronto INF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (ankle), who currently is on the 10-day disabled list, was named American League Rookie of the Month for July after batting .423 with a franchise-record 11 straight multi-hit efforts in 71 at-bats.

3. Seattle reinstated 3B Kyle Seager from the paternity list, optioned INF Zach Vincej to Triple-A Tacoma and sent INF Gordon Beckham outright to the same affiliate after he cleared waivers.

PREDICTION: Mariners 6, Blue Jays 3

Friday 8-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Friday 8-3-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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