Sunday 8-5-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Chicago White Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

After sweeping three straight from one opponent to begin their homestand, the Tampa Bay Rays hope to avoid suffering the same fate when they host the Chicago White Sox in the finale of their three-game set Sunday afternoon. The White Sox won the series opener in 10 innings and utilized a ninth-inning error to steal a 2-1 triumph Saturday night.

The Rays, who took three in a row from the Los Angeles Angels to start the week, have managed nine hits - seven singles and two doubles - in the series and Chicago pitching has amassed 19 strikeouts. James Shields, Tampa Bay's franchise leader in wins (87), starts (217), strikeouts (1,250) and several other categories, will make his second career start at Tropicana Field as an opponent when he goes for the White Sox. The Rays counter with Hunter Wood as they embark on another bullpen day on the mound. Chicago has matched its longest winning streak of the year at three straight and it is 5-3 in its last eight games versus American League East opponents.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH James Shields (4-13, 4.56 ERA) vs. Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-0, 3.05)

Shields lost his last three starts but finished seven innings in two of them, including a matchup with Kansas City on Tuesday in which he gave up four runs and struck out eight. The 36-year-old held the Rays to one run over 6 1/3 innings earlier in the year and is 3-0 with a 1.37 ERA in four starts against his former team. Carlos Gomez is 5-for-11 against Shields while Matt Duffy is 2-for-24 with 10 strikeouts.

Wood struck out five batters in two scoreless innings as a starter against the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. He has allowed one run and fanned 12 in 6 2/3 innings through his first four starts. The 24-year-old, who has a 2.25 ERA at home, will be facing the White Sox for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay OF Mallex Smith has four walks, two steals and one hit in the series.

2. The Rays placed IF/OF Daniel Robertson (thumb) on the 10-day disabled list amid a flurry of moves Saturday.

3. White Sox 2B Yoan Moncada struck out in all three official at-bats Saturday and has whiffed 13 times in a five-game stretch.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, White Sox 4

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Los Angeles Angels vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

The Cleveland Indians will try for their first series win at home in six weeks when they host the Los Angeles Angels in the rubber match of their three-game set Sunday afternoon. Corey Kluber tossed a three-hit shutout and newly-acquired Leonys Martin slugged his second home run of the series for the Indians in Saturday's 3-0 victory.

Cleveland, which last won a set at Progressive Field when it swept three from the Detroit Tigers from June 22-24, opened a 9-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central division. Deck McGuire will be recalled from the minors to make his fourth start of the season for the Angels after lefty Tyler Skaggs was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to an adductor strain. The Indians counter with rookie Shane Bieber as they seek their 18th win in the last 22 meetings with Los Angeles. A day after slugging two home runs among four hits, Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani was hitless in four at-bats in Saturday's loss and is batting .230 since coming off the disabled list July 3.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, TBS, FS West (Los Angeles), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Deck McGuire (0-1, 6.12 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (5-2, 4.73)

McGuire never made it out of the fourth inning in each of his first three starts with the Angels, giving up eight runs in 9 1/3 innings overall in that role. He made two recent appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake and gave up a total of five runs in three frames. The Georgia Tech product will be facing the Indians for the first time.

Bieber was hammered two turns ago but rebounded well at Minnesota on Monday, allowing three earned runs over 6 1/3 innings. He has yielded just 10 walks in 51 1/3 innings overall but opponents are hitting .303 against the 23-year-old. Bieber gave up 15 runs in 14 2/3 innings over his last three home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland traded RHP George Kontos to the New York Yankees for cash.

2. Los Angeles recalled RHP Taylor Cole from Triple-A Salt Lake to take Skaggs' roster spot.

3. Martin is 8-for-21 during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Angels 4

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Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

Jeff McNeil had just four hits as a major-leaguer before his four-hit performance Saturday night, and the New York Mets second baseman figures to be in the lineup again as his team tries to salvage a split of a four-game home series Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. McNeil's career night, featuring three singles and a double, helped the Mets break a four-game losing streak and deliver the first New York victory against the Braves in six home games this season with a 3-0 victory.

Despite a dismal season - Saturday's victory was just the 20th for New York in its past 62 games - there is hope for the future given a stable of strong starting pitching as Zack Wheeler fanned nine in seven innings and promising prospect Corey Oswalt takes the mound for the series finale. Even with Saturday's loss, the Braves still have outscored New York 27-8 in six games at Citi Field this season. It was a frustrating night offensively for Atlanta, as three players who began the day ranked in the top four in the National League in hits - Nick Markakis, Freddie Freeman and Ozzie Albies - combined to go 2-for-11. Atlanta's five-game winning streak ended and the Braves slid 1 ½ games behind Philadelphia in the NL East.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (8-7, 4.46 ERA) vs. Mets RH Corey Oswalt (1-2, 5.27)

Teheran kept to his 2018 form Monday against Miami, following up a dismal performance in his previous start by allowing three runs on four hits in five innings for the victory. The 27-year-old has struggled to string together good starts since the beginning of June, allowing no runs in three of his nine starts since but also giving up seven earned runs twice and five runs once. Teheran is 1-1 with a 0.86 ERA in three starts against the Mets this season.

Oswalt makes his sixth major-league start (seventh appearance overall) in lieu of Steven Matz, who landed on the disabled list with a left forearm strain. The 24-year-old rookie earned his first big-league victory in his last outing July 25, allowing two runs on three hits with four strikeouts in five innings against San Diego. Oswalt gave up six runs in his first start June 29 but has surrendered just eight runs in 20 innings in his past four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta has been shut out six times this season; the Braves were shut out 10 times in 2017.

2. New York 3B Todd Frazier scored twice Saturday and snapped a 0-for-16 skid with a sixth-inning single.

3. Braves OF Adam Duvall, acquired Monday from Cincinnati, delivered a pinch-hit single in the eighth for his first hit with Atlanta.

PREDICTION: Braves 7, Mets 4

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Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies are enjoying another hot streak with wins in four straight and have a chance to sweep a four-game set when they host the Miami Marlins on Sunday. The Phillies are dominating on the mound of late and are about to hand the ball to their ace with Aaron Nola taking the mound in the finale.

Philadelphia pitchers allowed a total of seven runs in the last four games and outscored the Marlins 18-6 in the first three of the current series. The pitching staff is getting plenty of support from the offense, which bashed out four homers in Saturday's 8-3 triumph, and the first-place Phillies sit 1 1/2 games in front of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East with a six-game road trip looming on Monday. Miami is sitting in the NL East basement after dropping five in a row, with all five of those setbacks coming against Philadelphia and Atlanta, and will continue to have an impact on the division with 15 games remaining the Phillies and Braves. The Marlins will try to stick their foot in that race by sending Dan Straily to the mound opposite Nola.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (4-5, 4.41 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (12-3, 2.35)

Straily suffered through his worst start of the season at Atlanta on Tuesday, when he was ripped for eight runs - five earned - on 11 hits and one walk over 3 2/3 innings. That ended a stretch of six straight outings allowing three or fewer runs for the California native, who served up a pair of home runs in the tough start. Straily surrendered two homers against Philadelphia on April 30, when he was charged with four runs across four innings without factoring in the decision.

Nola pitched eight strong innings against the best team in baseball on Monday, limiting the Boston Red Sox to one run and four hits without factoring in the decision at Fenway Park. The budding star is limiting opponents to a .199 batting average and surrendered one home run in his last eight appearances, including the All-Star Game. Nola's last loss came at Miami on July 14, when he was reached for two runs on four hits and a walk over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez snapped a four-game hitless streak by homering among two hits on Saturday.

2. Miami 1B Justin Bour homered in two of the last three contests.

3. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana recorded multiple hits in three of the last four games.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Marlins 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

The Washington Nationals are beginning to play well again, sparked by a surge in performance from All-Star right fielder Bryce Harper. The Nationals hope to have Harper available when they conclude a tense series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

Washington won seven of its last 10 games and earned a split of a doubleheader on Saturday despite losing Harper in the seventh inning after he was hit in the knee with a pitch in the previous frame. "It's just good to see the team come together," Nationals first baseman Matt Adams, who homered in the 6-2 nightcap win, told reporters. "We've been playing good baseball the last handful of games and we battled today. We wanted to get two, but we battled to get the split, and we'll come back tomorrow ready to go." Reds star Joey Votto was hit with a pitch in the eighth inning - his second hit-by-pitch of the game - leading to some back-and-forth and warnings to both dugouts, capping a long day. Both teams will try to get some length out of the starters on the heels of the doubleheader and Cincinnati will send right-hander Luis Castillo to the mound Sunday opposite Nationals righty Tanner Roark.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (6-8, 4.98 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (5-12, 4.37)

Castillo snapped a five-start winless streak by dominating the Philadelphia Phillies last Sunday, scattering four hits and striking out nine over seven scoreless innings. The 25-year-old surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his last five outings and owns 25 strikeouts against four walks in that span. Castillo made his season debut against Washington at home on March 31 and was ripped for six runs on six hits - two homers - over five innings.

Roark fought his way out of a stretch of six consecutive losses with back-to-back wins in last two outings. The 31-year-old yielded a total of one run and seven hits while striking out 18 across 15 total innings against Milwaukee and the New York Mets, receiving a combined 32 runs of support in the process. Roark is seeing Cincinnati for the first time in 2018 and is 2-2 with a 3.73 ERA in seven career starts against the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg (neck) is throwing off flat ground and could throw from a mound soon.

2. Reds OF Scott Schebler (shoulder) returned to the team this weekend but could stay on the disabled list until September.

3. Harper was sore after the game and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Reds 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

If the St. Louis Cardinals can get a big win in the finale of their three-game road series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, they might have a chance to make some noise in the National League Central race. The Cardinals will try to lock down a series victory over their division rivals before wrapping up their road trip with three-game sets against a pair of last-place teams.

St. Louis was in no man's land at the non-waiver trading deadline and didn't make many moves, but the Cardinals are tied with Pittsburgh for third place in the Central and 7 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs. With series at Miami and Kansas City looming, the Cardinals might be able to make a charge. The Pirates were more aggressive ahead of the deadline after surging back into the race with an 11-game winning streak, but they've dropped five of their last nine. Pittsburgh's 8-4 loss to the Cardinals on Saturday was just its second defeat in its last 12 games against division foes.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (4-6, 3.49 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (9-7, 3.89)

Flaherty hasn't gotten much support lately, as he's 1-4 over his last nine starts despite a respectable 4.03 ERA over that stretch. The 22-year-old rookie has failed to get through six innings in his last five outings, but that's due in part to his high strikeout totals - he has recorded at least seven in his last three outings and six of his last nine. Flaherty is 1-1 with a 3.94 ERA in three starts against Pittsburgh.

Williams has thrown 17 consecutive scoreless innings over his past three starts, allowing 13 hits and eight walks with nine strikeouts. The 26-year-old outdueled Jacob de Grom to earn his third straight win on July 28, allowing five hits over six scoreless frames. Williams is 2-3 with a 7.44 ERA in nine games (six starts) against the Cardinals, including 1-1, 6.60 in three meetings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis INF Matt Carpenter has hit nine home runs in 17 games since the All-Star break, including one in each of the past two contests.

2. Pirates LF Corey Dickerson (strained left hamstring) returned from the disabled list Saturday and flied out as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning.

3. Cardinals OF Dexter Fowler will not need surgery on his broken left foot suffered Friday, but he will spend about a month in a walking boot and could miss the remainder of the season.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cardinals 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Colorado Rockies vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers are finding their power stroke both early and late in games against the Colorado Rockies this weekend. The Brewers will try to ride the hot bats to a three-game sweep in a battle of playoff contenders when they host the Rockies in the finale on Sunday.

Milwaukee took the series opener 5-3 on Friday, when Marcus Thames delivered a walk-off homer, and got off to a strong start on Saturday when Travis Shaw highlighted a six-run first inning with a grand slam en route to an 8-4 victory. The Brewers improved to 7-3 during a stretch of 14 straight games against National League West opponents and remain one game behind the Chicago Cubs for first place in the NL Central. Colorado is trying to keep pace with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West but slipped to 1-5 on its seven-game road trip with Saturday's setback. The Rockies will try to keep the ball in the yard with right-hander Jon Gray getting the start on Sunday while Milwaukee counters with lefty Wade Miley.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (9-7, 4.99 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Wade Miley (2-1, 1.53)

Gray is on a roll since returning to the rotation and allowed a total of four earned runs in 21 2/3 innings over his last three outings. The Oklahoma native yielded a combined 10 hits in that span, dropping his batting average against to .263. Gray struck out 10 against Milwaukee at home on May 13 but was reached for six runs on 10 hits over 5 1/3 innings to suffer a loss.

Miley is thriving since coming off the disabled list and dominated the Los Angeles Dodgers while yielding two hits over seven scoreless innings on Tuesday. The Louisiana native has yet to allow more than two runs in a start for the Brewers but issued 15 walks in 29 1/3 innings. Miley is seeing Colorado for the first time since 2014 and has yet to allow an earned run at home in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers RHP Taylor Williams (elbow) was placed on the 10-day DL Saturday.

2. Rockies SS Trevor Story is 3-for-8 with three home runs and five RBIs in the series.

3. Milwaukee OF Christian Yelich is 7-for-11 with six runs scored and five extra-base hits in the last three contests.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Brewers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Kansas City Royals vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

The Minnesota Twins' postseason hopes technically aren't dead, but as a team that entered Saturday 13 1/2 games behind Oakland for the second wild card in the American League, it seems as though it is only a matter of time. The Twins are delaying that likely outcome with their recent play at home, however, and will attempt to keep rolling at Target Field on Sunday, when they look to complete a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals.

Minnesota improved to 13-4 in its last 17 at home with Saturday's 8-2 victory, as one of the AL's least homer-happy teams belted three to supply ace Jose Berrios with more than enough offense. Max Kepler launched a go-ahead, two-run blast in the fourth inning and has led the Twins' charge at Target Field, batting .333 while drawing 12 walks in his last 16 home games. The Royals (34-76) have dropped three straight and are 3-6 on their 10-game road trip as they continue to stay ahead of Baltimore (33-78) for the worst record in the majors. Alex Gordon, who has recorded multiple hits in four of his last five contests, has been a rare bright spot of late for Kansas City with seven RBIs over his last four games.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (7-9, 4.50 ERA) vs. Twins RH Ervin Santana (0-0, 6.10)

Duffy became the first AL pitcher in the live-ball era to allow fewer than two runs in six straight road starts following Tuesday's win in Chicago, permitting six hits and four walks over 5 2/3 scoreless innings against the White Sox. The 29-year-old has won three of his last four turns and held the opposition without a run in six of his 23 outings overall. Duffy yielded one run over seven frames to notch the victory versus the Twins on July 20, making him 1-0 with a 0.95 ERA in three meetings this season.

Santana took his lumps for the second time in as many turns on Monday, surrendering four runs and six hits - three homers - over 5 1/3 frames in a no-decision versus Cleveland. The veteran journeyman came off a season-long stint on the disabled list to make his 2018 debut five days earlier, permitting three runs in five frames at Toronto. Whit Merrifield is 5-for-14 with two doubles against Santana, who is 7-10 with a 4.71 ERA in 25 career starts versus Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins RHP Oliver Drake worked a scoreless ninth inning in his team debut Saturday, becoming the first player in major-league history to pitch for five teams in one season.

2. Gordon is batting .344 and has recorded five two-hit performances during the road trip.

3. Minnesota 3B Miguel Sano went 0-for-3 on Saturday, ending his 18-game hitting streak against Kansas City.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Twins 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon wants to move Anthony Rizzo down in the lineup, but the slugging first baseman is making a strong argument to remain at the top of the order. Rizzo has homered on back-to-back days in a pair of 5-4 victories for Chicago, which goes for a series win over the visiting San Diego Padres on Sunday in the finale of a four-game set.

Rizzo has homered five times in the last nine games and is batting a robust .377 in 20 games since Maddon shifted him to the leadoff spot on July 13. Kyle Schwarber also homered Saturday and had his thrd straight two-hit game for the Cubs, who will be looking to win three in a row for the first time since sweeping the Padres in San Diego in the final series before the All-Star break. Catcher Austin Hedges has a pair of homers and five RBIs in the series for the Padres, who have dropped nine of 10 and given up at least five runs eight times in that span. Christian Villanueva was hit by a pitch twice in Saturday's loss and had his five-game hitting streak versus Chicago snapped.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Joey Lucchesi (5-6, 3.74 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (12-4, 3.22)

Lucchesi was scheduled to start Saturday's game but came down with a stomach bug on Friday night so the Padres opted to push him back one day. The 25-year-old rookie is coming off another abbreviated start, giving up season highs of five runs and three homers over 4 1/3 innings in a 5-4 loss to Arizona. Lucchesi, who will be facing Chicago for the first time, has failed to get through six innings in 12 consecutive starts.

Lester had won eight consecutive decisions entering the All-Star break but he is winless in three starts since then, falling to 0-2 in that span after allowing four runs and seven hits over five innings at Pittsburgh on Tuesday. He beat the Padres with 5 1/3 innings of three-run ball on July 15 but has been reached for at least four runs in four of his last six turns. Villanueva is 2-for-2 with a homer versus Lester.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rizzo hit his 182nd homer Saturday to move into 11th place on the franchise's all-time list.

2. The Padres placed OF Wil Myers on the 10-day disabled list Saturday due to a bone bruise on his left foot.

3. Cubs RHP Yu Darvish said he was pain-free after Saturday's 55-pitch bullpen and "very optimistic" about returning to the rotation.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Padres 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

The Texas Rangers lead the major leagues with 99 runs since the All-Star break, but their pitching staff picked up the offense for a change in their most recent victory. Coming off a rare low-scoring contest at home, the Rangers attempt to complete a four-game sweep Sunday, when they host the Baltimore Orioles.

After the first 14 games of the second half at Globe Life Park produced an average of 13.9 runs, Mike Minor worked seven strong innings as Texas pulled out a 3-1 win on Saturday, getting all the support he needed as Joey Gallo and Rougned Odor each homered for the third straight contest. The Rangers secured their first four-game series victory in nine tries this season with the triumph and have won seven of eight following a 2-11 slide. Baltimore has dropped three in a row, and the major's second-worst pitching staff (4.96 ERA) deserves its share of the blame as it has allowed 31 runs in this series. Mark Trumbo reached 1,000 career hits with a pair of singles and drove in the Orioles' only run Saturday.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yefry Ramirez (1-4, 4.59 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Drew Hutchison (1-1, 4.64)

Ramirez suffered through the worst outing of his brief six-start major-league career Tuesday in New York, giving up a season-high six runs on six hits and three walks over five frames in a loss to the New York Yankees. The 24-year-old Dominican posted his first career victory one week earlier against Boston and owns a 3.86 ERA in five home appearances (four starts). Ramirez's finest outing came in a no-decision against Texas on July 14, when he yielded only two singles across five scoreless innings.

Hutchison was granted his release from the Los Angeles Dodgers last week before agreeing to terms with Texas on Saturday and will make his first major-league start since 2016. The 27-year-old Floridian began the season by making 11 appearances out of Philadelphia's bullpen before going 4-1 with a 2.14 ERA in nine games (seven starts) with Triple-A Oklahoma City following his release in early June. Hutchison hasn't faced Baltimore since 2015 but is 5-3 with a 4.02 ERA in 12 career meetings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers SS Elvis Andrus doubled in his first at-bat Saturday to extend the longest active hitting streak in the majors to 15 games - one shy of his career high.

2. Trumbo is batting .321 with six RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak.

3. Texas' bullpen pitched two scoreless innings on Saturday, marking the first time in nine games a Rangers reliever did not give up at least one run.

PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Rangers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Detroit Tigers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

The Oakland Athletics hope to extend their winning streak to six contests on Sunday as they attempt to complete a three-game sweep when they host the finale of their series against the Detroit Tigers. Oakland used a quick power surge to erase an early deficit on Saturday and held on for a 2-1 victory.

Matt Chapman and Khris Davis belted solo homers in the third inning as the Athletics registered their seventh straight win at home and improved to 5-0 on their string of eight in a row at Oakland Coliseum. Davis has reached the 30-homer plateau for the third consecutive season, becoming the first to do so for Oakland since Miguel Tejada (2000-02). Jeimer Candelario went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Tigers, who avoided a second straight - and major league-leading 15th - shutout of the year but has scored just one run over the first two games of the series. Candelario has gone 4-for-12 over his last three contests while Jose Iglesias is 5-for-11 during the same span.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (3-5, 4.41 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Trevor Cahill (3-2, 3.39)

Liriano came out of the bullpen against Cleveland last Sunday after making 16 starts this season and gave up two hits in two scoreless innings. The 34-year-old Dominican won three of his first five turns this year but enters the outing against Oakland with an 11-start winless streak. Liriano is 6-4 with a 4.28 ERA in 20 career appearances (16 starts) versus the Athletics.

Cahill has won each of his last two starts, including an outing against Toronto on Tuesday in which he allowed two runs and five hits over six innings. The 30-year-old Californian served up a home run in the triumph - just the sixth blast he has served up in 69 frames this season. Cahill owns a 2-3 record and 4.82 ERA in six starts and one relief appearance against Detroit in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chapman has reached safely in a career-high 20 consecutive contests.

2. Detroit acquired RHP Eric Villaneuva from the New York Mets on Saturday for cash.

3. Oakland improved to 33-for-42 in save opportunities on Saturday, tying the New York Yankees for the best percentage in the major leagues.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Tigers 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

The Toronto Blue Jays attempt to conclude their 10-game road trip with a four-game sweep as they visit the Seattle Mariners on Sunday for the finale of their series. Toronto improved to 5-4 on its trek with a 5-1 triumph Saturday in which five players each recorded two hits - including Aledmys Diaz, who homered for the fourth time in seven contests.

Devon Travis has had a strong series for the Blue Jays, going 5-for-12 with a homer and seven RBIs as he enters the finale. Seattle's seven-game homestand started well as it blanked Houston, but the club has followed with five consecutive losses and managed only three hits in Saturday's setback. Mitch Haniger registered one of them to improve to 7-for-19 during his five-game hitting streak. The Mariners hope for a better effort from their pitching staff as it has surrendered 32 runs during its five-game slide.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (2-4, 5.10 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Mike Leake (8-7, 4.16)

Gaviglio's winless streak reached 12 starts on Tuesday as he surrendered five runs and eight hits over 2 2/3 innings at Oakland en route to his fourth loss during the drought. The 28-year-old native of Oregon last was victorious on May 25 at Philadelphia, where he gave up three runs over six frames in his second turn of the season. Gaviglio will be facing Seattle for the first time in his brief career.

Leake is coming off his third consecutive loss, a setback against Houston on Tuesday in which he yielded three runs and eight hits over six innings. The 30-year-old Californian, whose last victory came at Boston on June 23, has gone two straight starts - and seven overall this season - without issuing a walk. Leake improved to 2-1 with a 2.45 ERA in three career turns against the Blue Jays, including a triumph at Toronto on May 10 in which he allowed two runs over seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 2B Dee Gordon, who shares the lead in the American League with 26 stolen bases, was kept out of the lineup Saturday because of a sore right ankle.

2. Toronto traded 2B Gio Urshela, who went 10-for-43 with a homer and three RBIs in 19 games this season, to the New York Yankees on Saturday for cash considerations.

3. Seattle RHP Erasmo Ramirez (shoulder) is expected to make his final rehab start with Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Blue Jays 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 4th August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/04/2018

The Boston Red Sox have all but extinguished their chief rival's chances at an American League East title this weekend and look to finish off a four-game home sweep of the slumping New York Yankees on Sunday night. The Red Sox pushed their lead over the second-place Yankees to 8 1/2 games by outscoring them 23-9 in the first three contests of the series after posting a 4-1 victory on Saturday afternoon.

J.D. Martinez launched his team-high 33rd homer of the season in the last win and is 6-for-15 with four homers during a four-game hitting streak for Boston, which won seven of its last eight contests and is 7-5 against New York in 2018. David Price will try to wipe away his two appearances against the Yankees this season (0-2, 12 runs and six homers allowed in 4 1/3 innings) when he faces red-hot Masahiro Tanaka in the series finale. New York still holds down the first wild-card spot in the AL, but has lost a season-high four games in a row and is just 7-10 in its past 17 contests. Giancarlo Stanton is 4-for-11 with two doubles and a homer while teammate Didi Gregorius boasts five RBIs in the series for the Yankees, who left the bases loaded in the ninth inning Saturday.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (9-2, 3.84 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (11-6, 3.97)

Tanaka was outstanding in his last two starts, allowing six hits over 15 scoreless innings with 17 strikeouts, to stretch his unbeaten streak to 13 outings. The 29-year-old Japan native, who posted a 1.75 ERA in four July starts, is 6-0 with a 4.00 mark in 11 road outings this season. Martinez is 7-for-14 with three homers versus Tanaka, who is 8-4 with a 4.18 ERA in 16 career starts against Boston - 1-0 with an 8.71 mark in 2018.

Price strung together three straight quality starts to end July - a month that started at Yankee Stadium when he served up five home runs in a loss. The 32-year-old Vanderbilt product, who is 22-7 all time at Fenway Park, limited Philadelphia to one run and eight hits with five strikeouts across eight innings of a no-decision Monday. Gregorius is 13-for-30 with a homer against Price, who is 15-13 with a 4.90 ERA in his career versus the Yankees.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RHP Dellin Betances has at least one strikeout in his last 24 relief appearances, the second longest streak in club history.

2. The Red Sox placed recently acquired 2B Ian Kinsler (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list Saturday and recalled UTIL Tony Renda.

3. The Yankees acquired INF Giovanny Urshela from Toronto for cash considerations and assigned him to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Red Sox 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

Los Angeles set Dodger Stadium records for runs scored and homers (seven) in Thursday's 21-5 win over Milwaukee but has gone ice cold in its last two games. The Dodgers have struck out a total of 28 times in back-to-back losses to the visiting Houston Astros and look to avoid being the victims of a three-game sweep on Sunday.

Josh Reddick belted a three-run homer and Martin Maldonado snapped an 0-for-34 slump with two hits and three RBIs on Saturday as Houston scored seven runs in the eighth inning en route to a 14-0 victory. The Astros won their fourth in a row following a five-game losing streak but will be monitoring the status of Lance McCullers Jr., who started Saturday's contest but left after 60 pitches because of right elbow discomfort. Los Angeles has dropped five of its last seven to fall one game behind Arizona for first place in the National League West and has registered one run and seven hits over the first two games of this rematch of last season's World Series. Brian Dozier has gone 5-for-11 with two homers and five RBIs in his first four games with his new club, but Matt Kemp went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on Saturday and has notched just one hit over his last 34 at-bats.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Gerrit Cole (10-3, 2.55 ERA) vs. Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (4-4, 3.65)

Cole suffered his third loss of the season on Monday despite limiting Seattle to two runs and four hits over 6 2/3 innings. The two-time All-Star began the weekend ranked fifth in the majors with 194 strikeouts, including 36 over his last four starts. Yasiel Puig is 5-for-11 with a home run against Cole, who is 3-1 with a 5.55 ERA in six career starts versus the Dodgers.

Buehler was a hard-luck loser against Milwaukee on Tuesday, when he allowed one run and five hits while striking out seven over seven innings. The 24-year-old rookie was winless in three starts last month but posted a 17-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 16 2/3 frames. Buehler, who is facing Houston for the first time, owns a 5.40 ERA in 10 career road games (five starts) compared to a 3.28 mark in 11 contests (seven starts) at Dodger Stadium.

WALK-OFFS

1. Houston RHP Roberto Osuna (suspension) is expected to be activated prior to Sunday's contest.

2. The Dodgers placed LHP Alex Wood on the 10-day disabled list with left adductor tendinitis.

3. Astros OF Tony Kemp left Saturday's game after being hit in the foot by a pitch and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 3, Astros 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-05-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 5th August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/05/2018

Starting pitching has become a growing concern for the San Francisco Giants, who have allowed five runs in the first inning in back-to-back losses to the Arizona Diamondbacks. With their faint playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Giants aim for a split of their four-game series in Arizona on Sunday.

Arizona moved one game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the National League West with Saturday's 9-3 victory as Nick Ahmed homered twice and drove in four runs while Steven Souza Jr. added two hits and three RBIs. Paul Goldschmidt singled twice and is batting .389 with four home runs and 10 RBIs against the Giants this season. San Francisco fell back to .500 despite rookie Steven Duggar's first career home run and five hits from Andrew McCutchen, including a solo blast. The Giants could use a quality outing from Derek Holland on Sunday to give a boost to a rotation that has struggled in recent weeks and lacks a strong No. 2 starter following Johnny Cueto's season-ending injury.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Derek Holland (5-8, 3.90 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-2, 5.05)

Cueto's absence likely will result in more opportunities for Holland, who is winless since June 20 while shuffling between the rotation and the bullpen. The 31-year-old settled for a no-decision after giving up two runs over five frames against San Diego on Monday. Holland is 0-1 with a 4.61 ERA in three career starts against Arizona and has struggled to contain Eduardo Escobar (6-for-13, one homer).

Ray is seeking his first victory since June 27 after giving up four runs and two hits over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Texas on Monday. The 26-year-old native of Tennessee posted a 2.89 ERA in a breakout 2017 season but has battled inconsistency this season, recording an 87-to-33 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 13 starts. Hunter Pence is 7-for-16 against Ray, who is 4-1 with a 2.84 ERA in 10 career starts versus San Francisco.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants C Buster Posey was held out of Saturday's lineup (concussion protocol) but is expected to start Sunday's contest at first base.

2. Souza has gone 21-for-62 with one home run and 13 RBIs over his last 17 games.

3. San Francisco recalled RHPs Derek Law and Pierce Johnson from Triple-A Sacramento and optioned RHP Chris Stratton and INF Kelby Tomlinson to the River Cats.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Giants 4