Tuesday 9-11-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Handicapped by The Walker Group at Albuquerque
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 3 - Claiming - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $9500 Class Rating: 85

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 122 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $6,250


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 12 MR EL R 15 10/1

# 1 MISS PRETTY TEE 7/2

# 6 HARLAN COUNTY 20/1

I've got to go with MR EL R 15 particularly if the morning line of 10/1 holds. He must be given a shot given the competitive speed numbers. I think having Belloc ride this gelding is a smart choice. The Equibase speed fig of 79 from his last affair looks solid in here. MISS PRETTY TEE - Exhibits the look of a lucrative play, averaging a solid 69 speed fig which is one of the most favorable in this group. Will almost certainly go to the lead and could never look back. HARLAN COUNTY - Has competed solidly in short races. Overall the Equibase Speed Figs of this racer look respectable in this race.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 2 - Claiming - 8.2f on the Dirt. Purse: $9000 Class Rating: 58

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE AUGUST 11 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE JULY 11 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 3 SCINTILLATION 2/1

# 2 CHAPEL PARTY 9/5

# 4 GIRLS AT SARATOGA 7/2

SCINTILLATION is my choice. Has performed well lately in route races, posting a nifty 56 avg speed figure. This filly with Gomez in the saddle makes her a key contender. Ran a strong last race. CHAPEL PARTY - Earned a solid speed figure last time out.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Louisiana Downs - Race #2 - Post: 3:44pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 55

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#9 GIRL THIRSTY (ML=6/1)
#6 PROUDMONEY (ML=8/1)
#12 JACKIE LANE (ML=15/1)


GIRL THIRSTY - I am keen on that latest race on August 15th at Louisiana Downs where she finished seventh. Rider jumped on this filly's back for the first ride on August 15th. Should be acquainted with the horse even better in today's contest. Just missed hitting the board on August 15th at Louisiana Downs. With respectable odds today, she has my interest. Average class rating is tops in this field. I think that is a big edge for a race on the turf. PROUDMONEY - This filly is in first-rate physical condition right now. Ran sixth last time out and comes back soon. I like horses that return to a similar class level after dropping at least five Equibase class figure points like this one did in the last race. I believe she'll be competitive at this level. Look at this pattern of improvement. 3/31/56 are the last three speed figures. Look for this one to go all the way to the finish line at some decent odds right here. Ran sixth in last race, but not more than five from the lead at the wire. JACKIE LANE - I like to play horses that faced open company in their last race and drop into state bred races. This mare fits the bill. It looks like Singh had to come to know this mare on Sep 1st when riding her for the first time. Back on again today. 18-36-48 are last 3 speed figs. Improving each time out is something she should do again in today's race. Each one of this mare's recent finish positions has been progressively better.

Vulnerable Contenders: #13 BELLE FORCE (ML=5/2), #8 WAFT (ML=3/1), #10 VELVET VISION (ML=7/2),

BELLE FORCE - Aug 15th is the last time we've seen this filly around. Have to be a little bit leery. Doubtful that the speed figure she registered on August 15th will be good enough in this race. WAFT - This racer ran a somewhat easily forgotten rating last time out. She shouldn't run better and will probably get beat in today's race running that rating. VELVET VISION - Doesn't appear to be in a comfortable spot today.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Go with #9 GIRL THIRSTY on top if we're getting at least 5/2 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
9 with [6,12]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [6,9,12] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[6,9,12] with [6,9,12] with [1,3,6,9,12] with [1,3,6,9,12] Total Cost: $36

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Presque Isle Downs
Presque Isle Downs - Race 4

$2 WPS / $2 Exacta / Trifecta (min .50 cent) / Superfecta (min .10 cent) $2 Daily Double / Pick 3 (min .50 cent) (Races 4-5-6) Pick 5 ( min .50 cent) (Races 4-5-6-7-8)


Maiden Special • 6 Furlongs • All-Weather • Age 2 • CR: 70 • Purse: $27,000 • Post: 6:40P
(PLUS UP TO 30% PABF) FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * BRATT STACK: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. Maiden finished second in its last race and finished three lengths or more ahead of the third place h orse. SUN LILY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. TAPPING THE KITTY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
6
BRATT STACK
3/1

5/2
4
SUN LILY
5/2

6/1
9
TAPPING THE KITTY
6/1

10/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
9
TAPPING THE KITTY
9

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

78.7

59.7

52.2
6
BRATT STACK
6

3/1
Trailer
77

78

70.2

73.9

71.9
4
SUN LILY
4

5/2
Trailer
72

67

48.3

63.5

59.5
7
BRIDGELANDS
7

8/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

56.9

54.0

46.5
2
U KNOW I B LION
2

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
64

56

69.2

53.6

44.6








Unknown Running Style: TAKE ME HOME (15/1) [Jockey: Dominguez Eddie - Trainer: Hamm Timothy E], J'S HANDSOME FANA (12/1) [Jockey: Martinez Willie - Trainer: Bowersock Maria], SILVER DESTROYER (20/1) [Jockey: Villa-Gomez Huber - Trainer: Russell Randa

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F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
Parx Racing - Race 7

Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta /10 cent Superfecta


Maiden Special • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 2 • CR: 81 • Purse: $45,000 • Post: 3:37P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 119 LBS.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Dominant Stalker. M G BROKER is the Dominant Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * M G BROKER: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest Track Master Power Rating. BLACK LIGHT: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
2
M G BROKER
12/1

5/2
10
BLACK LIGHT
20/1

7/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
2
M G BROKER
1

12/1
Alternator/Stalker
80

61

30.3

57.8

55.8
10
BLACK LIGHT
10

20/1
Alternator/Stalker
0

0

29.4

48.3

44.8








Unknown Running Style: LUCKY LEE (4/1) [Jockey: Carmouche Kendrick - Trainer: Servis John C], DON POLO (15/1) [Jockey: Arroyo Angel S - Trainer: Velazquez Alfredo], DUNPH (8/1) [Jockey: Otero William P - Trainer: Kreiser Timothy C], XY SPEED (6/1) [J

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Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Thistledown - Race #1 - Post: 1:40pm - Maiden Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $15,000 Class Rating: 26

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 CIRCLE WILL RUN (ML=7/2)


CIRCLE WILL RUN - Looking at today's class rating, this pony is meeting an easier bunch than last time around the track at Thistledown. This filly should be at the peak of fitness, this far into her form cycle.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 TIZ TICKET (ML=5/2), #1 ANGEL GAS (ML=3/1), #2 WAY BACK WHEN (ML=6/1),

TIZ TICKET - Didn't land in the top three on July 4th at Thistledown. Followed it up with another lackluster outing. ANGEL GAS - Difficult to keep chasing this sort of 'hanger' horse. I don't think this pony likes running on the inside, certainly not out of the one slot. WAY BACK WHEN - Tough to like the downward moving flow (26/17/5) of Equibase speed figs. Hasn't finished in the money in any short distance events recently. Doubtful to see her doing it in today's event either. The fig last out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class rating of today's race. Mark this entrant as a likely underlay.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #4 CIRCLE WILL RUN to win. Have to have odds of at least 1/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
4 with 5

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Washington Nationals are enduring a remarkable run of weather-related issues, the latest of which forced the postponement of a series opener at Philadelphia due to lousy infield conditions. The teams will allow the grounds crew to get to work before taking part in a doubleheader Tuesday to begin a three-game set.

The tarp at Citizens Bank Park was not down for the entirety of a rainy weekend in Philadelphia and the infield dirt was left in unplayable conditions Monday, prompting the third postponement in five days for the Nationals, who also may need to move a home game with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday due to Hurricane Florence. More rain is in the forecast for Tuesday but if and when the teams are able to play it is expected to still be Washington's Erick Fedde against Jake Arrieta in the opener and Tanner Roark for the visitors versus Nick Pivetta in the nightcap. The Phillies are trying to snap a string of seven straight series losses, two of which came at the hands of Washington, which took two of three from its National League East rivals twice last month. Philadelphia sits 4 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the division and five games out in the race for the second wild-card in the NL.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Erick Fedde (1-3, 6.00 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (10-9, 3.61)

Fedde will be making his second start since being recalled earlier in the month. He gave up four runs in five innings during a no-decision against St. Louis last Tuesday, striking out a season-high seven. The Las Vegas native went 1-1 with a 6.55 ERA in back-to-back starts against the Phillies in June.

Arrieta gave up exactly four runs for the third straight time last Tuesday at Miami, but he lasted 7 1/3 innings and struck out 11 while picking up his first win since July 31. His prior outing saw him last just three frames against the Nationals while tying season highs with three walks and two home runs allowed. The former Cy Young Award winner has had his issues with veteran slugger Mark Reynolds, who is 9-for-22 with a home run against Arrieta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana has four home runs and nine RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak.

2. Harper has 12 walks, two home runs, two doubles and seven RBIs over his last six games.

3. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins has homered in three straight games.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Nationals 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Houston Astros vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th September 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/10/2018

The Houston Astros are rounding into form for another postseason run with eight wins in their last nine games and look to continue the surge Tuesday when they visit the Detroit Tigers for the second of three contests in the Motor City. Tyler White had a pair of hits, improving to 6-for-13 in his last four outings, and knocked in a run as the Astros pulled out a 3-2 victory Monday to increase their lead in the American League West to three games over Oakland.

Alex Bregman (team-high 30 homers, 97 RBIs) was hitless Monday but worked a walk to extend his on-base streak to 37 games, the longest by a Houston player since Lance Berkman reached the same figure in 2004. The Astros will attempt to clinch the season series with rookie left-hander Framber Valdez on the mound Tuesday and Detroit counters with veteran righty Jordan Zimmermann, who is 1-1 with a 1.40 ERA against AL West foes this season. Nicholas Castellanos had a pair of hits Monday and is 9-for-16 with three doubles and four RBIs during a five-game hitting streak for the Tigers, who have lost two in a row after winning four straight. Detroit, which sits in third place in the AL Central, is 10-22 against the AL West - 1-3 versus Houston - and 18-18 against left-handed starters.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Framber Valdez (3-1, 1.37 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (7-6, 4.03)

Valdez has been solid in his first three major league starts, allowing three runs on nine hits and nine walks across 15 1/3 innings combined. The 24-year-old Dominican Republic native began his career on Aug. 21 with 4 1/3 innings of relief to win at Seattle while yielding one unearned run. Valdez was 6-5 with a 4.11 ERA in 22 games (14 starts) at Triple-A and Double-A before being recalled by the Astros.

Zimmermann limited the Chicago White Sox to two hits and one walk over five scoreless innings to earn the victory last time out - his third in the last five decisions. The 32-year-old Wisconsin native permitted one or fewer earned runs in four of his last six starts, walking just three total in that stretch. Josh Reddick is 3-for-6 versus Zimmermann, who is 2-3 with a 3.09 ERA in seven career starts against the Astros.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit C James McCann is 17-for-50 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 16 career games against the Astros.

2. Houston 1B Yuli Gurriel, who was rested in the series opener, is 7-for-22 with two homers and six RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Tigers OF Christin Stewart, a first-round pick in 2015, notched his first major league hit Monday with a single.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Tigers 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 09-11-2018 in MLB

The Los Angeles Dodgers made a strong push to temporarily climb atop the National League West during a recent two-week stretch, but their up-and-down play over the last week isn't helping their cause to win a sixth straight division title. Their lack of success this season against the Reds hasn't helped matters either - something the Dodgers hope to change in Cincinnati on Tuesday when the teams meet for the middle contest of their three-game set.

Los Angeles won eight of nine from Aug. 24 to Sept. 2 to turn a 4 1/2-game deficit in the West to a one-half game edge, but last year's NL pennant winner has alternated wins and losses in seven games since. After taking two of three at division-leading Colorado over the weekend, the Dodgers fell 1 1/2 games behind the Rockies and lost for the fifth time in as many tries to the Reds this year on Monday after falling behind by four runs in the first inning en route to a 10-6 setback in the series opener. Scooter Gennett (.320) took the lead in his pursuit of the NL batting crown and continued tormenting the Dodgers, going 4-for-5 with three RBIs to improve to 14-for-19 against them this season. Cincinnati has won each game with Los Angeles this season by at least two runs after losing eight in a row to the Dodgers entering 2018.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (4-2, 2.16 ERA) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (8-12, 4.79)

Ryu collected his third quality start in his last five outings in bizarre fashion while taking the loss Wednesday at New York, giving up five runs (one earned) on 10 hits to the Mets while striking out eight over six innings. The 31-year-old hasn't pitched on the road in any of his five turns since coming off the disabled list in mid-August. Joey Votto (4-for-11, two doubles) and Scott Schebler (2-for-5) each have one home run against Ryu, who is 3-1 with a 4.30 ERA in five starts versus Cincinnati.

Castillo was unable to follow up a dominant 11-strikeout performance against St. Louis on Sept. 1, surrendering a career-high three homers among the five runs (two earned) he allowed across five frames in a loss to San Diego on Thursday. He has yielded multiple home runs in three of his last five outings, raising his total for the season to 27 (tied for seventh-most in the majors). David Freese is 4-for-8 with a homer versus Castillo, who allowed three runs (two earned) over six innings to beat Los Angeles on May 13.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Reds' winning streak is their longest against the Dodgers since a seven-game run in 1976.

2. Gennett leads the NL with 18 three-hit games and ranks second with 51 multi-hit efforts.

3. Los Angeles 2B/OF Chris Taylor is 7-for-14 with two homers and five RBIs over his last five games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Reds 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 11th September 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/11/2018

The Washington Nationals are enduring a remarkable run of weather-related issues, the latest of which forced the postponement of a series opener at Philadelphia due to lousy infield conditions. The teams will allow the grounds crew to get to work before taking part in a doubleheader Tuesday to begin a three-game set.

The tarp at Citizens Bank Park was not down for the entirety of a rainy weekend in Philadelphia and the infield dirt was left in unplayable conditions Monday, prompting the third postponement in five days for the Nationals, who also may need to move a home game with the Chicago Cubs on Thursday due to Hurricane Florence. More rain is in the forecast for Tuesday but if and when the teams are able to play it is expected to still be Washington's Erick Fedde against Jake Arrieta in the opener and Tanner Roark for the visitors versus Nick Pivetta in the nightcap. The Phillies are trying to snap a string of seven straight series losses, two of which came at the hands of Washington, which took two of three from its National League East rivals twice last month. Philadelphia sits 4 1/2 games behind first-place Atlanta in the division and five games out in the race for the second wild-card in the NL.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN (Washington), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (8-15, 4.23 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (7-11, 4.66)

Roark is 0-3 with a 5.82 ERA over his last three starts, allowing six home runs in 17 innings along the way. Prior to that stretch, he pitched three scoreless innings against the Phillies on Aug. 21 before being lifted following a rain delay. The 31-year-old, who has a 3.31 ERA on the road this year, is 3-6 with a 4.91 ERA in his career at Philadelphia.

Pivetta is 1-4 since the All-Star break and took the loss after allowing two runs in four innings at Miami on Wednesday. He picked up a win in relief against the Nationals on July 1 but was rocked for 15 runs in just 7 2/3 innings in three starts versus Washington earlier in the year. Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, Ryan Zimmerman and Juan Soto are a combined 21-for-41 with nine home runs against the 25-year-old Pivetta.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana has four home runs and nine RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak.

2. Harper has 12 walks, two home runs, two doubles and seven RBIs over his last six games.

3. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins has homered in three straight games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Phillies 5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th September 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/10/2018

The Oakland Athletics capped a successful 10-game homestand with four straight victories to keep the heat on in the American League West. The Athletics (87-57), who reside three games behind first-place Houston, head east to begin a six-game road trip with the first of three contests against the Baltimore Orioles (41-102) on Tuesday.

"We know we want to take the division. That's where our goals are set, because that seems to be the easiest path to the World Series. But whatever happens, happens. We can't really control that now with Houston anymore," Oakland outfielder Stephen Piscotty told reporters. The 27-year-old, who is 0-for-11 against the Orioles this season, extended his hitting streak to 11 games with his career-best 23rd homer in Sunday's 7-3 victory against Texas. The Athletics aim to continue their good fortune versus Baltimore, against which it recorded a three-game sweep from May 4-6. The Orioles are hemorrhaging runs, as they dropped an 8-3 decision at Tampa Bay on Sunday to push their runs allowed total to 65 during their current 1-8 stretch.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Mike Fiers (11-6, 3.36 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alex Cobb (5-15, 4.97)

Fiers improved to 4-0 with a 2.94 ERA in six starts since being acquired by Oakland after allowing two runs on three hits over six innings in Wednesday's 8-2 triumph over the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old wasn't as fortunate against Baltimore on April 27, as he permitted three runs - including two homers - in six frames of a 6-0 loss while pitching for Detroit. Fiers has flustered Adam Jones (1-for-11, four strikeouts) and Trey Mancini (1-for-6, three strikeouts).

Cobb allowed just one earned run for the fourth time in his past seven outings last Tuesday, improving to 3-1 in that stretch after scattering four hits over six innings in a 5-3 win at Seattle. The 30-year-old is receiving a bit of extra rest for this start, however, as his scheduled turn in the rotation was put on pause due to a blister on his throwing hand. Cobb, who has surrendered five homers in his last three starts, sustained a hard-luck 2-1 setback in Oakland on May 6 despite yielding two runs on five hits in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore has been battered from the start this season, getting outscored 115-61 during the first inning.

2. Athletics LF Khris Davis is 5-for-15 with four extra-base hits (three doubles, one homer) and five runs scored during his last four games.

3. Baltimore C Caleb Joseph has answered an 0-for-13 stretch by going 4-for-7 with an RBI in his last two contests.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Orioles 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th September 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 09/10/2018

The Boston Red Sox got a taste of playoff baseball over the weekend with three straight against the defending-champion Houston Astros and needed a walk-off hit on Sunday to avoid a sweep. The Red Sox will try to get back to the business of securing the American League East title and ensuring themselves the top seed in the AL postseason when they host the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game set.

Boston entered play on Monday with an 8 1/2-game lead over the New York Yankees and a magic number of 11 to clinch the AL East title, and the team admits to checking the out-of-town scoreboard occasionally. "It's always good to win," Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters after Mitch Moreland delivered the walk-off hit on Sunday. "We know what happened today throughout the league. Just another day and we won. Tomorrow is an off-day, so in two days, we get to the next series." The Blue Jays are 32 1/2 games behind Boston but are doing their best to make things interesting and split a four-game series at home against AL Central-leading Cleveland over the weekend. Toronto will have to deal with the return of Red Sox ace Chris Sale on Tuesday while countering with rookie lefty Ryan Borucki.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (3-4, 4.39 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (12-4, 1.97)

Borucki was a tough-luck loser against Tampa Bay last Tuesday, when he allowed two runs and three hits over six innings but came out on the wrong end of a 4-0 final. The 24-year-old rookie is struggling to find consistency and failed to post a quality start in four of his last six outings. Borucki earned a win over Boston at home on Aug. 9 while surrendering four runs in five frames but was lit up for seven runs - four earned - on eight hits and four walks over three innings at Fenway Park on July 13.

Sale is coming off the disabled list but will be limited to about 40 pitches before yielding to Nathan Eovaldi. Sale, who leads the AL in ERA and WHIP (0.85), is making his first appearance since Aug. 12, when he struck out 12 and yielded one hit without walking a batter in five scoreless innings at Baltimore. The Florida native did not allow a run six of his last seven turns and struck out 15 at Toronto on May 11.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays OF Randal Grichuk was placed in the concussion protocol after colliding with a security guard's chair while chasing a foul ball on Sunday.

2. Red Sox RHP Matt Barnes (hip) is day-to-day.

3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts went 7-for-8 with three RBIs on Saturday and Sunday.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Cleveland Indians vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-11-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 10th September 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/10/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays may have too steep a climb to reach the postseason, but they are making things awfully interesting as they prepare to host the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night after another inspiring victory. Ji-Man Choi's two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Rays a 6-5 victory in the series opener Monday, and broke the franchise record for consecutive home wins with their 12 straight.

Tommy Pham extended his hitting streak to 14 games (24-for-59) with two singles, including one in the ninth that set up Choi's blast, as Tampa Bay won its fourth straight (38 runs combined) and 17th in the last 20 contests. Tyler Glasnow will try to rebound from his worst performance with the Rays and match his last effort against the Indians (one run, two hits, seven innings), while Cleveland counters with rookie Shane Bieber. While Tampa Bay is 7 1/2 games out of the American League's second wild card spot, the Indians' magic number to clinch the AL Central sits at four despite losing three of their last four. Former MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson, who was acquired in a trade from Toronto on Aug. 31, is ready to go after a rehab assignment and could make his Cleveland debut Tuesday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Shane Bieber (9-3, 4.63 ERA) vs. Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-5, 4.64)

Bieber continues adding to his win total with consistent efforts and strong run support as the Indians scored 27 times in his last three victories. The 23-year-old Californian gave up 15 runs across 23 1/3 innings while going 3-1 in his past four starts, including last Thursday when he surrendered four across 6 1/3 frames at Toronto. Bieber pitched five scoreless innings before permitting four runs against the Rays on Sept. 1, allowing a pair of doubles to Choi in the contest.

Glasnow suffered through his worst outing since coming to the Rays, yielding seven runs over two-thirds of an inning at Toronto last Wednesday after the strong start at Cleveland. The 25-year-old Californian gave up one run in four of his seven starts since being acquired by Tampa Bay from Pittsburgh, but has yet to earn a victory. Edwin Encarnacion homered earlier this month against Glasnow, who owns a 3.75 ERA in three games at Tropicana Field this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland LHP Andrew Miller (shoulder) struck out two in a scoreless inning Monday after being activated from a two-week stint on the disabled list.

2. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier (illness) and 3B Matt Duffy (back tightness) both missed Monday's game and are day-to-day.

3. Indians LF Michael Brantley is 6-for-12 with three walks over his last three games to raise his team-best batting average to .307.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Indians 3