Cnotes Best Bets For Friday May 22nd - MLB - NBA -NHL !

MLB MONEYLINE


MLB > (929) ST LOUIS@ (930) KANSAS CITY | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the money line in All games at home with a money line of -100 to -125
The record is 28 Wins and 9 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.35 units)


MLB > (923) MINNESOTA@ (924) CHI WHITE SOX | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON MINNESOTA using the money line in All games in night games
The record is 14 Wins and 6 Losses for the this season (+12.15 units)

MLB > (921) LA ANGELS@ (922) BOSTON | 05/22/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play AGAINST BOSTON using the money line in All games at home with a money line of -100 to -125
The record is 8 Wins and 21 Losses for the last two seasons (-16.55 units)


MLB > (907) SAN FRANCISCO@ (908) COLORADO | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON SAN FRANCISCO using the money line in All games in May games
The record is 32 Wins and 14 Losses for the last two seasons (+19.55 units)


MLB RUNLINE


MLB > (923) MINNESOTA@ (924) CHI WHITE SOX | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play AGAINST CHI WHITE SOX using the in All games as a home favorite when the run line price is +135 to +160
The record is 4 Wins and 32 Losses for the last three seasons (-25.95 units)


MLB > (929) ST LOUIS@ (930) KANSAS CITY | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Play ON KANSAS CITY using the in All games at home when the run line is (+1.5, -155) to (-1.5, +160)


MLB > (911) SAN DIEGO@ (912) LA DODGERS | 05/22/2015 - 10:10 PM
Play ON LA DODGERS using the in Home games vs. right-handed starters
The record is 14 Wins and 5 Losses for the this season (+11.7 units)


MLB > (901) PHILADELPHIA@ (902) WASHINGTON | 05/22/2015 - 07:05 PM
Play AGAINST PHILADELPHIA using the in All games as a road underdog when the run line price is +105 to +120
The record is 3 Wins and 19 Losses for the since 1992 (-15.8 units)


MLB TOTALS


MLB > (911) SAN DIEGO@ (912) LA DODGERS | 05/22/2015 - 10:10 PM
Play OVER LA DODGERS on the total in Home games against right-handed starters
The record is 56 Overs and 25 Unders for the last two seasons (+31.25 units)


MLB > (919) OAKLAND@ (920) TAMPA BAY | 05/22/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play OVER OAKLAND on the total in All games in all games
The record is 28 Overs and 12 Unders for the this season (+16.05 units)

MLB > (921) LA ANGELS@ (922) BOSTON | 05/22/2015 - 07:10 PM
Play UNDER BOSTON on the total in Home games in May games
The record is 5 Overs and 19 Unders for the last two seasons (+13.7 units)


MLB TOP POWERLINES


MLB > (917) SEATTLE @ (918) TORONTO | 05/22/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: TORONTO +125 BTB PowerLine: TORONTO -122
Edge On: TORONTO (47)


MLB > (915) TEXAS @ (916) NY YANKEES | 05/22/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: NY YANKEES -175 BTB PowerLine: NY YANKEES -198
Edge On: NY YANKEES (23)


MLB > (903) NY METS @ (904) PITTSBURGH | 05/22/2015 - 07:05 PM
Line: PITTSBURGH -150 BTB PowerLine: PITTSBURGH -108
Edge On: PITTSBURGH (22)


MLB > (923) MINNESOTA @ (924) CHI WHITE SOX | 05/22/2015 - 08:10 PM
Line: CHI WHITE SOX -145 BTB PowerLine: CHI WHITE SOX 112
Edge On: CHI WHITE SOX (37)

NBA MONEYLINE


NBA > (507) CLEVELAND@ (508) ATLANTA | 05/22/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON ATLANTA using the money line in All games revenging a loss vs opponent
The record is 21 Wins and 7 Losses for the this season (+14 units)


NBA FIRST HALF


NBA > (507) CLEVELAND@ (508) ATLANTA | 05/22/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play ON CLEVELAND in the first half in All games versus good offensive teams - scoring 99+ points/game - 2nd half of the season
The record is 23 Wins and 8 Losses for the this season (+14.2 units)


NBA TOTALS


NBA > (507) CLEVELAND@ (508) ATLANTA | 05/22/2015 - 08:35 PM
Play UNDER ATLANTA on the total in Home games in all playoff games
The record is 12 Overs and 37 Unders for the since 1992 (+23.8 units)


NBA TOP POWERLINES


NBA > (507) CLEVELAND @ (508) ATLANTA | 05/22/2015 - 08:35 PM
Line: ATLANTA -1.5 BTB PowerLine: ATLANTA 4
Edge On: ATLANTA (5.5)

NHL MONEYLINE


NHL > (63) NY RANGERS@ (64) TAMPA BAY | 05/22/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the money line in All games in a road game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 21 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+13.7 units)


NHL PUCKLINE


NHL > (63) NY RANGERS@ (64) TAMPA BAY | 05/22/2015 - 08:05 PM
Play ON NY RANGERS using the in All games in a road game where where the total is 5 or less
The record is 21 Wins and 9 Losses for the this season (+13.7 units)

Game 2: Cavs at Hawks


May 21, 2015


Cavaliers at Hawks (-1.5/197) – 8:30 PM EST – TNT


East Finals Game 2 – Cavs lead 1-0


For the Cavs, there was both great and sobering news in the series opener, starting with the fact they immediately stole homecourt advantage. J.R. Smith was white-hot, drilling contested shot after contested shot to break the spirit of the Hawks after he brought Cleveland back from an early deficit. Unfortunately, Kyrie Irving aggravated a case of knee tendinitis and didn’t have the burst he hoped a few days off would afford him. Unless there’s some unexpected turnaround ahead, the Cavs are going to have to get used to chasing a championship with their second-best player hobbled.


Given the presence of LeBron James, winning the first championship in major Cleveland sports since 1964 will still be possible even if Irving can’t get right. He took advantage of mismatches and finished 12-for-26, scoring 31 points, grabbing nine rebounds and distributing six assists in Game 1. He said he’d be surprised to see DeMarre Carroll out there against him given how injured Atlanta’s stopper looked in being helped off the floor on Wednesday, but you wonder if a little of that isn’t wishful thinking. Counting Game 1, James is shooting 31 percent from the field when defended by Carroll and way up at 61 percent when guarded by any other Hawk. Carroll is bigger and stronger than would-be replacement Kent Bazemore, who relies on his boundless energy to be effective, a trait that may be tempered if he’s forced to start and pace himself.


VegasInsider.com NBA analyst Chris David still sees a low-scoring game in the cards in spite of the Hawks’ primary wing defender potentially being limited or absent. “Not having Carroll at 100 percent will be tough to overcome,” said David,” but I believe Budenholzer will shorten the game and play off the crowd to get the split. Including Tuesday’s result, Atlanta’s defense has allowed 93.1 PPG in the postseason. Oddsmakers opened the total for Game 2 at 197 and it’s holding steady but I expect that number to come down by tipoff. I’d be surprised to see either team get to 100 points in this matchup.”


James missed his only 3-point attempt on Wednesday, so he seems to have abandoned that part of his game altogether. He’s 7-for-49 beyond the arc this postseason but looked far more comfortable getting to his spots in Atlanta than at any point against Chicago’s Jimmy Butler. Not having Carroll could be disastrous for the Hawks if LeBron continues his trend of explosive Game 2s this postseason, averaging 31.5/8.5/6 thus far against the Celtics and Bulls. He’s typically taken series openers as opportunities to survey the scene and get others involved while coming back vowing to be more aggressive. James might be a monster here.


Smith isn’t likely to shoot 8-for-12 from 3-point range again, but the Cavs won’t have to tell him twice to seek out his shots if they deem Irving is again best-suited as a decoy. After returning from his two-game suspension in Game 3 of the Chicago series, Smith has hit 20 of his last 39 3-point attempts. Iman Shumpert will look to continue to aid the cause by masking Irving’s defensive shortcomings, rotating between the Hawks point guards and sniper Kyle Korver.


Tristan Thompson continued to be Cleveland’s most effective big man in Game 1, producing his third consecutive double-double with a career playoff-high 14 points and 10 boards in a playoff-high 42 minutes. He’s become invaluable, generating second-chance opportunities and giving the Cavs a presence at both ends.


For the Hawks to re-emerge in the series, it may have to start inside in neutralizing Thompson and doing a better job protecting the paint. It wasn’t until Al Horford willed his team past Washington by imposing his will inside that they were able to survive the No. 5 seed, so it stands to reason they’re going to need their only three-time All-Star to come up with more than seven rebounds and demand more paint touches. Horford was 8-for-12 in Game 1, so he can certainly score efficiently and force defensive breakdowns. Because Pau Gasol was injured for the latter stages of the semifinals and Boston has no true post presence, Cleveland really hasn’t been tested by a gifted offensive post player. Horford is giving up an inch or three to Thompson and Timofey Mozgov, but has a versatile inside-outside game that should pose problems. Paul Millsap took himself out of rhythm by trying to bully James and Thompson, winding up 3-for-11 while coming up short on finishes in the paint. Although he got to the free-throw line 10 times, he was 0-for-3 from 3-point range and needs to be more efficient and help stretch the floor by knocking down a perimeter look.


Korver made a pair of 3-pointers in four attempts, letting the game come to him and not forcing the issue. After a prolific start to the playoffs where he made an average of 4-for-10 from beyond the arc against Brooklyn, Korver hasn’t hit more than two 3-pointers since Game 2 of the Wizards series, a span of five contests. That’s also the last time he cracked double-figures in scoring. Jeff Teague’s speed was the greatest weapon Atlanta had at its disposal on Wednesday, as he wound up with 27 points on 24 shots. He’ll have to be more efficient too, and it would help to improve on 1-for-6 3-point shooting. The Hawks probably won’t win a game where they’re out-performed from 3-point range in this series and are likely aware that Cleveland is perfect in these playoffs when they’re able to win the rebounding battle. At home, Atlanta must find a way to be more physical while also turning the tables from 3-point-point land.


VegasInsider expert Kevin Rogers points out that “the Hawks are trying to avoid consecutive losses at Philips Arena for the first time this season, while Atlanta owns a dreadful 2-5 ATS record at home during the playoffs. Amazingly, LeBron won a Game 1 on the road for the first time in his career, snapping an eight-game skid dating back to 2006 with both the Cavaliers and the Heat. Obviously, James is looking to grab a 2-0 series lead on the road for the first time, as Cleveland has lost just once in six away contests this postseason.” The Cavs opened -210 to win the series according to Sportsbook.ag., and are currently -600 after taking the advantage. The Hawks can be had at +400, which offers decent value since they’re favored here. Cleveland has played to unders in consecutive games, while Atlanta games have come in below the posted total three straight times.


On that note, VI’s David is a little surprised the total of 197 hasn’t dropped more for Game 2. He explained, “Despite seeing 102 points scored in the first-half of Game 1, the ‘under’ managed to cash on Tuesday based on pace and defense. The Cavaliers took 84 shots while the Hawks managed just 77 and I believe will see a similar style in Game 2. Defensively, these are two of the best clubs in the league and their form has been even better in the playoffs, especially Cleveland. The Cavaliers are allowing 91.6 PPG in 11 postseason games and Atlanta’s offense seems to be lacking confidence from the outside.”

Hawks' Carroll questionable for Game 2


May 21, 2015


ATLANTA (AP) - An MRI on DeMarre Carroll's left knee showed no structural damage, and he hopes to play for Atlanta in Friday night's Game 2 against Cleveland in the Eastern Conference finals, Carroll's agent said Thursday.


Mark Bartelstein told The Associated Press that Carroll has only a knee sprain and ''maybe a little'' bone bruise. The Hawks confirmed the MRI showed only a knee sprain and said Carroll would be listed as questionable.


Asked about Carroll's status, Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said ''we're very hopeful.''


''I think sometimes you tend to think it could be the worst and right now everything we're getting back is positive,'' said Budenholzer, adding a decision will be made before Friday night's game after consultations with Carroll and his doctors. He said Carroll will receive ''24-hour treatment.''


''He will be getting whatever it takes and as much of it as possible,'' Budenholzer said.


Carroll was seen walking without crutches at Philips Arena following his MRI. He was not made available for interviews but he said on his Twitter feed he was thankful for the good news.


Carroll's knee appeared to buckle as he was driving to the basket with about 5 minutes left in the 97-89 loss to the Cavaliers. Carroll couldn't put pressure on the leg as he was helped off the floor.


The fear was Carroll had suffered a significant injury that could end his postseason.


''Last night was a sleepless night,'' Bartelstein said. ''We're all feeling very fortunate this morning.


''I know DeMarre. He's going to do everything he can to get himself ready to play.''


The prospect of losing Carroll for a significant portion or the remainder of the series was daunting for the Hawks. Carroll was the team's primary defender on Cleveland star LeBron James and has emerged as a top scorer in the postseason.


At 6-foot-7, Carroll provides the size needed for the difficult matchup against James, who led the Cavaliers with 31 points in Wednesday night's game.


James said he was glad to hear Carroll didn't suffer a serious injury, but added he didn't expect the forward to play in Game 2.


''If he's able to go tomorrow night I'd be very surprised, but it would be good to see him back on the floor at some point because you don't want to end your season on something that looked like it was a season-ending injury,'' James said.


Carroll was Atlanta's leading scorer in the first two rounds of the playoffs with 17.1 points per game. He had five points and two steals before the injury.


If Carroll can't return for Game 2, guard Kent Bazemore may play a more prominent role. Bazemore filled in for Carroll on Wednesday night and helped lead a late comeback that fell short.


The 6-foot-5 Bazemore said ''I'm 200 pounds, soaking wet,'' which makes for a difficult assignment against James (6-8, 250).


''I've got my hands full,'' Bazemore said.


Bazemore described Carroll as a ''warrior'' and said he expects Carroll to play ''if it's up to him.''

Banged-up Cavaliers, Hawks adjust


May 21, 2015


ATLANTA (AP) - While the Atlanta Hawks try to figure out who will guard LeBron James, the Cleveland Cavaliers are just grateful the four-time MVP is still standing.


It's understandable. This series could turn into a war of attrition - and they've only played one game.


James was limping around, Kyrie Irving went to the bench and didn't return and DeMarre Carroll is listed as day-to-day after being helped off the court in Game 1.


There was ''raging fear'' swelling in Cleveland coach David Blatt when he saw James in obvious pain after rolling his right ankle for the second time in the playoffs.


But James, who said his first thought was ''not again,'' simply tied his shoe tighter and was back on the court within minutes. He'll be ready to go on Friday night in Game 2.


''He's the closest thing to Superman there is out there,'' Blatt said. ''That's the only way I can explain it.''


Irving's situation is more of a concern.


It's unclear how effective he will be the rest of the playoffs. Irving hobbled into the series and played only about 3 minutes in the fourth quarter of Game 1 after tweaking his sore left knee.


''He wants to be out there at his best and he's dealing with a situation that's not easy for him,'' Blatt said. ''On the other hand he's still out there contributing and giving us things we really need and battling through this thing with heart and with courage.''


Irving, who had 10 points and six assists, continues to receive treatment for tendinitis in the knee.


''We hope that he can play,'' Blatt said. ''The nature of his problem is one that allows him to do so. It's just a matter of discomfort and sort of having to deal with the elements and play through it.''


The Hawks can relate.


Atlanta received good news when a MRI showed a sprain but no structural damage in Carroll's left knee. He listed as questionable for Game 2.


The forward is Atlanta's top perimeter defender and drew primary responsibility for guarding James. If Carroll can't play, guard Kent Bazemore and power forward Paul Millsap could share that difficult assignment.


''The biggest thing is trying to limit everyone else,'' Bazemore said. ''He's going to get what he's going to get. If you can kind of keep everyone else in the bottle, you have a better chance.''


---


Some other things to watch in Game 2:


KORVER QUIET: Kyle Korver, one of the league's top 3-point shooters in the regular season, has not scored in double figures in his last five postseason games. He attempted only five shots overall while making two of four 3s to finish with nine points in Game 1. Korver had two 3-pointers disallowed due to offensive fouls. His only other shot in the half led to a three-point play.


ONE-MAN BENCH: The Cavaliers had only one bench player score in Game 1 - but he scored a lot. Smith set a career playoff high with his 28 points, most coming while closely defended. He made 10 of 16 shots, including eight of 12 3s. He wanted more. ''Honestly, I couldn't really sleep last night,'' Smith said Thursday. ''I just kept playing the game over and over again. More the shots I missed, believe it or not, than the ones I made.''


SCHRODER SLUMPING: Dennis Schroder has been an explosive complement to starting point guard Jeff Teague, but he made only 2 of 10 shots with four assists. He missed each of his three 3-pointers. Coach Mike Budenholzer said he wouldn't single out Schroder's misses. ''Our entire group, we could have gotten better shots,'' Budenholzer said.


SCOTT SITS: Mike Scott didn't play off Atlanta's bench in Game 1 after averaging 7.8 points in the regular season. Budenholzer said Scott, a power forward, probably won't be an option against James. Mike Muscala had two points in 10 minutes as the top backup at power forward.


ALL-NBA AGAIN: James was a first-team pick to the All-NBA team for the ninth time in 12 years. ''To be rewarded again with that, it means a lot,'' he said. ''I've done something pretty cool in my career so far. Hopefully I can continue.''

Preview: Rangers (53-22) at Lightning (50-24)
Date: May 22, 2015 8:00 PM EDT

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Henrik Lundqvist seems baffled.


The New York Rangers allowed 12 goals in losing their last two playoff games, and one of the NHL's top goalies is at a loss to explain why.


If Lundqvist and his teammates can't find answers in a hurry, their chances of overcoming a 2-1 deficit in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference finals don't appear good.


'It's really challenging for me, the way they move the puck and find open ice for the shot, the way they get scoring chances from right in front. They're good, but I need to be more consistent with my game plan,' Lundqvist said Wednesday night after a 6-5 overtime loss in Game 3.


Game 4 is Friday night, with the Lightning looking to move a step closer to a spot in the Stanley Cup Final and the Rangers hoping to even the series heading back to New York for Game 5 on Sunday.


'Sometimes as a team, we can be a little bit better, but also I have to be better,' Lundqvist said. 'We're not going to win if I give up six goals.'


And the Rangers realize they have to help their goalie.


The speedy Lightning are only halfway to the four wins necessary to advance, however the way they've forged their series edge after dropping Game 1 2-1 on the road has been impressive.


The Rangers have a fast team, too, yet they've still had difficulty keeping up with Tampa Bay's Triplets, the high-scoring line featuring Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat and Nikita Kucherov.


Johnson scored his NHL playoff-leading 12th goal, Palat scored twice and Kucherov rammed the Game 3 winner past Lundqvist 3:33 into overtime.


'We found a way, and that's what the playoffs are all about - finding a way,' Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said. 'It wasn't pretty at times, but you get the win and that's all that matters.'


Both teams squandered two-goal leads Wednesday night. Tampa Bay went ahead again with under 6 minutes left in regulation, only to see the Rangers counter with under 2 minutes remaining.


Lundqvist said it's been tough to keep track of the puck with the Lightning seemingly able to do anything they want the past two games.


And while the Rangers say they need to do a better job on defense in front of the goaltender, both teams agree it won't be easy to slow the pace of play.


'I think both teams want to play fast. I think that's been our identity all season long,' Stamkos said.


'How do you slow a game down between two really fast teams?' Lightning coach Jon Cooper offered. 'I think it's just two hockey teams trying to win a game. If it's 6-5 or 2-1, you're still trying to win a game.'


Nevertheless, it's difficult to imagine the Rangers prevailing without finding a way to get back to playing low-scoring games.


Nine of the 15 games they've played this postseason have been decided by a score of 2-1, with New York winning seven of those games.


Still, coach Alain Vigneault rejected the notion that his team has to prevent the Lightning from setting the tempo.


'I don't think either team can dictate the pace of the game,' Vigneault said Thursday, noting the Rangers did score five goals on Tampa Bay's Ben Bishop in Game 3.


'It was a good hockey game,' the coach added.


Tampa Bay won Game 2 on the road, converting three of six power-play opportunities. Wednesday night, they scored at least five goals on Lundqvist for the fourth time in six meetings between the teams this season (including three regular season games).


Rangers center Derek Stepan said a lack of discipline, leading to penalties, undermined New York in Game 2. He called Game 3 'just one of those games' where each team was able to take advantage of mistakes by the other and put the puck in the net.


Even though the Lightning won, they weren't entirely comfortable with it turning into a run-and-gun game.


'We think we definitely have the talent to play that way,' center Alex Killorn said. 'But I think we prefer not to trade chances because you never know what could happen. I think if we played a more structured game defensively, that would be to our advantage.'


The Rangers aim to play better defense, too, in hopes of giving Lundqvist a chance.


'You have to believe you can make a difference,' the goalie said. 'I have to play better. I'll do whatever I can.'


New York is counting on it.


'Hank is very accountable, very demanding of himself,' Vigneault said. 'He's going to do what any good goaltender does. He's going to put (Wednesday's) game behind him and move on to (Friday night).'




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Lightning at Rangers
Sat, May 16 Final 1 to 2


GAME 2
Lightning at Rangers
Mon, May 18 Final 6 to 2


GAME 3
Rangers at Lightning
Wed, May 20 Final 5 to 6


GAME 4
Rangers at Lightning
Fri, May 22 - 8:00PM EDT


GAME 5
Lightning at Rangers
Sun, May 24 - 8:00PM EDT


GAME 6
Rangers at Lightning
Tue, May 26 - 8:00PM EDT


GAME 7
Lightning at Rangers
Fri, May 29 - 8:00PM EDT

Preview: Astros (27-14) at Tigers (24-17)
Game: 2
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: May 22, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Although they were riding the best 41-game start in franchise history heading into the series opener against the Detroit Tigers, the Houston Astros weren't able to put an end to their woes at Comerica Park.


They could be turning to the right pitcher Friday night in Collin McHugh, who has one of MLB's longest road unbeaten streaks.


The right-hander will try to help the Astros bounce back from their second loss in nine games when the Tigers go after a 12th victory in 15 home meetings.


Coming off a 7-2 homestand and off to its best road start at 12-4, Houston (27-15) tied Thursday's opener on Preston Tucker's ninth-inning home run after trailing by five heading into the seventh.


James McCann, however, homered on an 0-2 pitch from Tony Sipp in the 11th inning to give Detroit (25-17) a 6-5 win.


'That was a big, big comeback by our guys,' manager A.J. Hinch said. 'This is a tough one to lose.'


The Astros, leading a division this late for the first time since May 22, 2004, are 3-11 at Comerica. McHugh (5-1, 4.09 ERA), though, is 4-0 with a 2.39 ERA in his last eight road starts.


Only San Diego's James Shields (13) and the Los Angeles Angels' Matt Shoemaker (9) have more consecutive road starts without a loss.


McHugh had a 16-start unbeaten streak end May 12 to San Francisco after giving up seven runs in 4 2-3 innings. He was 11-0 with a 2.31 ERA during the franchise's longest winning streak since Wade Miller won 12 straight in 2002.


McHugh bounced back Sunday when he allowed two runs over seven innings in a 4-2 win over Toronto.


He'll have to be careful with Detroit's Yoenis Cespedes, who went 6 for 6 with three walks in the last two games. Nick Castellanos had the Tigers' first home run in five games Thursday and has six RBIs in the last two.


Miguel Cabrera, who had two hits in the opener, is batting .400 with four home runs and 10 RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.


Alfredo Simon (4-2, 3.04) is looking for his first win in five outings after allowing two runs over six innings in Sunday's 2-1 loss at St. Louis. The right-hander has been at his best at Comerica with a 2-0 record and 1.25 ERA in three starts.


"He mixes up his pitches, he uses his split effectively, he keeps the hitters off balance, and if he's down with those pitches, he seems to do well on a regular basis," manager Brad Ausmus told MLB's official website.


Jose Altuve has gone 2 for 3 with a double when facing Simon, but he's 3 for 25 in his last six games.


George Springer has had two hits in each of the past two games following a 3-for-20 slump after returning from a concussion. He's hitting .393 in eight meetings with the Tigers.


Astros reliever Josh Fields is day-to-day after taking a line drive off the right knee in the ninth inning Thursday.


SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Astros at Tigers
Thu, May 21 - Final 5 - 6
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Astros at Tigers
Fri, May 22 - 7:08PM EDT


GAME 3
Astros at Tigers
Sat, May 23 - 4:08PM EDT


GAME 4
Astros at Tigers
Sun, May 24 - 1:08PM EDT

Preview: Rangers (17-23) at Yankees (22-19)
Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: May 22, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The New York Yankees are playing their worst baseball of the season and must try to right themselves without their top hitter.


They're hoping a return home from a rough trip can help them get on track Friday night against the Texas Rangers.


New York (22-19) opened its nine-game road trip with an 11-5 win at Tampa Bay, then dropped seven of the next eight. The club scored 19 runs in those eight games while hitting four home runs after previously averaging 1.3 homers per game.


Jacoby Ellsbury, batting a team-best .324, went on the disabled list Wednesday with a sprained knee. Brett Gardner is second with a .290 average, but is 4 for his last 24 with seven strikeouts.


Carlos Beltran appears to be one of the few Yankees heating up, batting .350 during an 11-game hitting streak.


The latest disappointment ended with Alex Rodriguez taking a called third strike to finish Wednesday's 3-2 loss at Washington. The Rays' 3-0 win over Oakland on Thursday gave them a one-half game advantage over New York in the AL East.


"We're struggling right now," manager Joe Girardi said. "I said this division is going to be tough all year. Teams are going to go through their ups and downs, and right now we went through a tough road trip. We get to go home, which is good, but we need to play better there."


This series may provide a good chance for Gardner to reverse his fortunes. He's 26 for 60 in his last 18 meetings with Texas, hitting five home runs in the last five.


The Yankees have won eight of 11 at home and 15 of 20 there against the Rangers, though they were held to two runs in five of seven overall meetings last year.


New York's rotation is also struggling, posting a 5.79 ERA over the last eight games. Michael Pineda (5-1, 3.31 ERA) endured his worst outing of the year Friday, giving up five runs and a career worst-matching 10 hits over a season-low 5 1-3 innings in a 12-1 loss at Kansas City. The right-hander struck out one batter after fanning 16 and yielding one run over seven innings in a 6-2 win against Baltimore five days earlier.


"I didn't think he had his slider tonight," Girardi told MLB's official website. "You take one of their big pitches away, it's going to be more difficult. We've seen other teams try to approach him aggressively, too."


Pineda is 0-2 with a 4.74 ERA in three starts versus Texas, all in 2011.


The Rangers (18-23) have won three of four after Thursday's 3-1 victory against Boston. Mitch Moreland, 3 for 6 with a home run off Pineda, had three hits and homered.


Texas' Colby Lewis (3-2, 3.06) is also looking to shake off a bad start after yielding a season-high six runs - five earned - over five innings in Texas' 10-8 loss to Cleveland on Saturday. Lewis had been especially sharp in his last three outings, allowing two runs in 21 innings.


He's 1-3 with a 5.28 ERA in five starts against the Yankees, winning the last matchup July 30.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Rangers at Yankees
Fri, May 22 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Rangers at Yankees
Sat, May 23 - 1:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Rangers at Yankees
Sun, May 24 - 8:05PM EDT

Preview: Mariners (18-21) at Blue Jays (18-24)
Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: May 22, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

Felix Hernandez is healthy enough for the chance to bounce back from his first defeat of the season and avoid another rough outing against the Toronto Blue Jays.


Still in position to become the majors' first seven-game winner, Hernandez looks to get back on track when the Seattle Mariners visit the Blue Jays on Friday night.


Neither Hernandez (6-1, 2.30 ERA) nor manager Lloyd McClendon blamed an ankle the ace tweaked in the sixth of Saturday's 4-2 loss to Boston for him walking three and allowing two runs in his last inning of work. The right-hander gave up season highs of four runs and four walks along with seven hits as Seattle (18-22) lost for the first time in his eight starts.


"He's only human," McClendon told MLB's official website. "We think he's Superman sometimes, but he's only human."


McClendon declared Hernandez physically fine to make this start shortly after his previous one.


But even when healthy, Hernandez has had his issues with the Blue Jays (19-24).


He's gone 5-6 in 13 starts with a 4.80 ERA that's his highest against any opponent he has faced more than once. Since the start of 2011, four of the 15 games in which Hernandez has been tagged for at least six runs have come against the Blue Jays. He allowed eight runs - four earned - in 4 2-3 innings of a 10-2 loss Sept. 23 in the last matchup, falling to 1-2 with a 5.94 ERA at Toronto over the past three seasons.


Losers in five of eight, the Mariners hope turn things around after falling 5-4 at Baltimore on Thursday. Brad Miller, Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager each had two hits for Seattle, which rallied from a 4-0 deficit to tie the game before the Orioles scored in the eighth.


The Mariners are batting .158 with runners in scoring position over the past eight games after going 3 for 15 on Thursday and stranding a season-high 13.


"We really battled," McClendon said. "Just couldn't come through. ... We just couldn't really get the big hit to really put us over the hump."


Miller is batting .387 in the last nine contests and is 10 for 22 in eight career games versus Toronto.


Following Thursday's 8-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels, the Blue Jays will try to win two straight for the first time since a three-game run May 6-9.


Edwin Encarnacion's only hit in his last 10 at_bats went for a three-run homer Thursday. He's 4 for 20 with a home run versus Hernandez.


Jose Bautista also is 1 for 10 in the last three games, but he has seven hits in his last 14 at_bats against Hernandez with two homers.


Toronto is looking to avoid a fourth loss in as many starts by Marco Estrada (1-2, 3.55) since he joined the rotation. He's failed to last past the fifth inning in the first three, going 0-2 with a 5.52 ERA.


"I've got to go deeper in games," the right-hander said. "That's all I'm thinking about, going six-plus."


Estrada has yielded five homers in three starts after allowing a major league-high 29 in 2014.


Though Estrada has never faced the Mariners, recently acquired catcher Welington Castillo has homered four times in 21 at_bats against him.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Mariners at Blue Jays
Fri, May 22 - 7:07PM EDT


GAME 2
Mariners at Blue Jays
Sat, May 23 - 1:07PM EDT


GAME 3
Mariners at Blue Jays
Sun, May 24 - 1:07PM EDT

Preview: Phillies (18-24) at Nationals (24-17)
Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: May 22, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Through the first three weeks of the season, few teams disappointed more than the Washington Nationals.


Over the past three weeks, none have been more impressive.


With Bryce Harper and the NL's best offense leading the charge, the Nationals will look for their pitching staff to follow suit Friday night when they open a three-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies.


Washington (24-17) began its NL East title defense by dropping 13 of its first 20 games to own baseball's third-worst record - a span capped by a six-game losing streak - before finally hitting its stride with consecutive 13-run outputs against Atlanta on April 28 and 29.


The Nationals have won all seven series since that rough beginning, posting a major league-best 17-4 record. They lead MLB with 5.67 runs per game in May and can win a season-best sixth straight contest Friday.


Harper has been at the forefront. The slugging 22-year-old has hit .523 with 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and 19 runs in his last 13 games while touting a 1.936 OPS.


His only game failing to reach base in that span came Wednesday when he was ejected in the third inning of a 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees for arguing balls and strikes. The Nationals matched their lowest scoring output since May 5.


"Doggone it, he's our best player and arguably the best player on the planet right now," manager Matt Williams said. "And we need him in the game."


Jordan Zimmermann allowed two runs through seven innings for just Washington's third quality start in eight games. Two have come from Zimmermann and the third from Max Scherzer (4-3, 1.75 ERA), who will take the mound Friday.


Scherzer, the Nationals' only starter with a sub-3.50 ERA, has dazzled through eight starts, averaging more than seven innings per outing with a 0.92 WHIP and 66 strikeouts - both rank among the top five in baseball.


He already dominated the Phillies (18-25) twice last month, limiting them to two runs and 10 hits in 14 innings while striking out 17.


"He's incredible. He is one of the best I've ever seen," Harper said after the right-hander pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out 11 to beat San Diego on Saturday.


"Being able to play behind that and see his mentality, how fired up he gets. He is such a bulldog out there. It's all fun to watch. I'm glad he is on my team."


The Phillies have also enjoyed a recent upswing but are coming off a 7-3 loss to Colorado. Philadelphia had previously won seven of eight while allowing 2.88 runs per game.


Ryan Howard's resurgence has paced the club. The former NL MVP is batting .419 since May 14 and has hit a home run in each of the last two games.


"He's just on a roll as far as good contact and good swings," manager Ryne Sandberg said.


Howard, though, is 0 for 7 with six strikeouts against Scherzer.


Sean O'Sullivan (1-2, 3.68) opposed Scherzer both times in April, going 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA and giving up two homers to Harper.


O'Sullivan, though, is coming off his first victory in 19 games - 14 starts - since May 12, 2011. He went six innings in Sunday's 6-0 win over Arizona.


Freddy Galvis is 9 for 27 with six RBIs against Washington this season but has gone 1 for 7 against Scherzer. Odubel Herrera has three hits off Scherzer this year and is 6 for 12 with four runs in his last three matchups with the Nationals.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Phillies at Nationals
Fri, May 22 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Phillies at Nationals
Sat, May 23 - 4:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Phillies at Nationals
Sun, May 24 - 1:35PM EDT

Preview: Mets (23-18) at Pirates (18-22)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: May 22, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Though Noah Syndergaard is receiving plenty of attention during his first month in the majors, Gerrit Cole is further along in his rise to the ranks of baseball's top pitchers.


Syndergaard will try to make his case to stay up with the New York Mets on Friday night, while Cole looks to move into a tie for the major league lead with his sixth victory for the host Pittsburgh Pirates.


'It'll be exciting,' Syndergaard said.


Syndergaard (1-1, 3.18 ERA) is poised to join Matt Harvey and Jacob deGrom as a permanent fixture in New York's talented rotation. He was given an early audition for a spot this month when Dillon Gee went down with a groin injury.


In his much-anticipated debut, the right-hander allowed three runs over 5 1-3 innings of a 6-1 road loss to the Chicago Cubs on May 12. On Sunday, he gave up one run, three hits and one walk over six innings of a 5-1 home win over Milwaukee.


With Gee expected to be ready to return after one more rehab start, Syndergaard could be facing his final opportunity to force the Mets to make a difficult decision.


"I would love to stay," he told MLB's official website. "Nobody wants to be pitching at Triple-A. The ultimate goal is to be pitching in the big leagues."


The Mets (24-18) have won four of six. Lucas Duda hit two home runs and Michael Cuddyer added three hits in Thursday's 5-0 home victory over St. Louis that gave New York a four-game split of the series.


Duda has batted .372 in his last 12 games and has a 10-game hitting streak at Pittsburgh.


He's 1 for 3 against Cole (5-2, 2.40), who can tie four others for the major league lead in wins. Nobody has more victories than the right-hander since Sept. 7 - a stretch in which he's gone 9-2 with a 2.64 ERA over 13 starts.


Cole allowed two runs over six innings of Saturday's 4-1 road loss to the Cubs. He's given up two home runs in 48 2-3 innings in 2015.


However, he's posted an 8.00 ERA in dropping his two home starts against New York.


Pittsburgh (18-22) is 0-2 on its eight-game homestand after Wednesday's 4-3, 13-inning loss to Minnesota. The Pirates have scored three or fewer runs five times in a 1-6 stretch, during which the rotation has posted a 5.30 ERA.


"Nothing's played the way we wanted it to," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We've had glitches in every category right now, hence our record ... We've got a lot of work in front of us."


Josh Harrison has been a bright spot, going 16 for 29 over his last six games. Andrew McCutchen, who went 3 for 5 with a home run Wednesday, is batting .379 during eight-game hitting streak against the Mets.


The Pirates have won five of the past seven home matchups.


New York is playing its only road games in a stretch of 13 of 16 at home.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Mets at Pirates
Fri, May 22 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Mets at Pirates
Sat, May 23 - 4:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Mets at Pirates
Sun, May 24 - 1:35PM EDT

Preview: Angels (21-19) at Red Sox (19-21)
Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: May 22, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Garrett Richards' last outing at Fenway Park cut his season short, along with his bid for the Cy Young Award.


Fully recovered from injury and again looking like one of the AL's best arms, Richards will return to Boston trying to help the Los Angeles Angels knock off the Red Sox on Friday night.


Richards (3-2, 2.29 ERA) is pitching at Boston for the first time since tearing his left patellar tendon there Aug. 20, getting hurt covering first in the second inning of an 8-3 win. The right-hander was 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA at the time he went down - among the AL's top five in wins, ERA and opponent batting average (.201) - and left the Angels without arguably their best starter going into the playoffs.


Since coming back from surgery, Richards has five quality starts in six outings while limiting opponents to a .169 batting average.


"My injury is in the past," he told MLB's official website. "I don't even think about it anymore. I just focus on my start every five days. The work in between, the preparation, that's all I'm concerned with right now."


He has a 5.40 ERA without a decision in six appearances, including two starts, against Boston. He's given up seven runs over four innings at Fenway Park.


Los Angeles hasn't been consistent offensively behind Richards, who owns a 3.66 run-support average. A lack of production helped end his three-game winning streak Sunday, when he held Baltimore to two runs in 7 2-3 innings of a 3-0 defeat.


The Angels (21-20) have won 16 of the last 21 meetings, including 10 of 12 in Boston, and swept the four-game series in which Richards was injured. They've won seven of 10 overall, though they come off an 8-4 loss at Toronto on Thursday.


Marc Krauss homered while starting at first base in place of Albert Pujols, who didn't play after a pitch bruised his left hand Wednesday. X-rays were negative and he was unable to grip a bat, though Los Angeles is hopeful he'll return Friday. Pujols is a .341 hitter at Fenway.


Boston (19-22) has dropped four of six, going 6 for 38 with runners in scoring position and scoring no more than one run in each loss.


"We don't need to change anything," said Pablo Sandoval, who struck out while pinch hitting in the eighth. "Just need to keep doing the things we are doing. We have a great team in here."


Sandoval was held out of the lineup for a second straight game after being hit on the left knee by a pitch Tuesday, though he's expected to start Friday. Shane Victorino, who just came off the disabled list last week from a strained hamstring, didn't play due to a sore left calf.


David Ortiz could be a good candidate to jump-start the Red Sox offense, as he's hitting .520 with eight homers and 13 RBIs in his last 14 at home against the Angels.


Rick Porcello (4-2, 4.26) started his Boston tenure in dreadful fashion with a 6.48 ERA through his first four games, surrendering six home runs. He's since gone 3-0 with a 2.10 ERA in four outings while limiting the opposition to two homers.


He's 1-3 with a 7.04 ERA in his last six starts against the Angels, though he held them to one earned run over 14 innings in the last two.


Mike Napoli is 4 for 7 against Richards with a home run.




SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Angels at Red Sox
Fri, May 22 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Angels at Red Sox
Sat, May 23 - 7:15PM EDT


GAME 3
Angels at Red Sox
Sun, May 24 - 1:35PM EDT

Preview: Orioles (17-20) at Marlins (16-25)
Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: May 22, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Henderson Alvarez missed the last month of Mike Redmond's tenure as Miami Marlins manager, returning only to see Redmond be shown the door minutes after Alvarez's lackluster performance.


The losing hasn't stopped under Dan Jennings.


Alvarez takes the mound Friday night as Miami looks to avoid an eighth straight defeat in the opener of a three-game series with the visiting Baltimore Orioles.


Following a stint on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation, Alvarez (0-3, 6.23 ERA) allowed six runs and nine hits in 5 1-3 innings of Sunday's 6-0 loss to Atlanta. Redmond was fired shortly after the Marlins (16-26) came within an out of being no-hit, with Jennings moving from the front office to the dugout the next day.


The results haven't changed, as Miami was swept in four games by Arizona following Thursday's 7-6 loss. Mat Latos allowed six runs, increasing the rotation's ERA to 6.24 over the last nine.


Jennings is off to the worst start for a first-time manager since Tony DeFrancesco also went 0-4 with Houston in 2012.


'The effort, the work ethic, everything that needs to be in place to break out of this is there,' Jennings said. 'When it breaks, someone is going to pay.'


Alvarez hasn't faced Baltimore since going 0-2 with a 4.12 ERA in three outings in 2012 while with Toronto.


Miami broke through Thursday after scoring five runs in its previous four. Martin Prado went 3 for 5 and Giancarlo Stanton drove in a run to give him a major league-leading 39 RBIs.


Stanton is 2 for 18 over his last five but is 3 for 7 with a homer off Ubaldo Jimenez, who takes the hill for the Orioles (18-20) looking to continue his solid run.


Jimenez (3-3, 2.43) has allowed two runs in seven innings in two straight outings, striking out nine in a 5-2 win over Toronto on May 11 and not walking a batter for the first time in 31 starts during Saturday's 6-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.


Two of the eight hits Jimenez allowed Saturday were infield singles, each coming in the seventh when he was charged with both runs.


The right-hander hasn't faced the Marlins since allowing five runs - two earned - and nine hits in four innings of a 10-0 loss while with Cleveland in 2013.


The Orioles jumped on Seattle at home Thursday after Steve Pearce hit a first-inning grand slam. They blew that lead and had one hit over the next six innings but scratched a run across in the eighth behind singles from Chris Davis and J.J. Hardy to win 5-4.


'It's a grind game for both teams,' manager Buck Showalter said. 'It's what separates what these guys do for a living. It's just so easy to give in.'


Davis is 5 for 10 and Adam Jones has gone 5 for 11 off Alvarez, with each hitting a homer. Jimmy Paredes has hit in 17 of 18 games this month with 14 RBIs.


This will be the first meeting between these clubs since 2010. Baltimore has lost 11 of 12 at Miami and has dropped five of its last six on the road.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Orioles at Marlins
Fri, May 22 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Orioles at Marlins
Sat, May 23 - 7:15PM EDT


GAME 3
Orioles at Marlins
Sun, May 24 - 1:10PM EDT

Preview: Athletics (14-28) at Rays (22-19)
Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: May 22, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Despite injuries to some key members of their pitching staff, the Tampa Bay Rays' work on the mound remains a big reason for their early success.


Chris Archer seeks a third straight strong start as the Rays look to add to the misery of the visiting Oakland Athletics on Friday night.


Alex Colome pitched five solid innings and four relievers allowed two hits and struck out six as Tampa Bay (23-19) beat Oakland 3-0 on Thursday to take a one-half game lead in the AL East.


'I think you embrace playing good baseball,' said Rays manager Kevin Cash, whose team has won six of nine.


"You want to be in this position at the end of the year. It's always nice to be here where we're at, so we wouldn't change anything, but I don't think we'll get too caught up where we're at this given point.'


Even with Drew Smyly (shoulder), Alex Cobb (elbow) and Matt Moore (elbow) all injured, the Rays have allowed two or fewer runs 21 times and five total during their four-game home winning streak. Opponents are batting a major league-low .218 against them and their 3.33 ERA is the second-lowest in the AL.


Archer (4-4, 2.47 ERA) posted an 8.68 ERA and walked eight to lose his first two starts of May, but he's 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA with two walks in the last two. The right-hander allowed one run over six innings of an 11-3 win at Minnesota on Sunday.


'Archer is nasty," Twins infielder Brian Dozier said. "Faced him numerous times and that was the best I've ever seen him."


This will be Archer's first appearance against the A's (14-29), who have dropped three straight and averaged 3.0 runs while losing 13 of 15.


'We just need to relax,' said catcher Stephen Vogt, who is 1 for 14 in the last five games. 'The thing you've got to realize is pitchers get nervous, too, when there's runners in scoring position, but that's not something you realize when you're struggling as a team in that situation.'


Though Oakland is 1-3 on its seven-game trip and has totaled one run over the last two, shortstop Brett Lawrie is 8 for 16 on the trek. He's batting .385 against Archer.


Oakland counters with ex-Ray Scott Kazmir (2-2, 3.08), who faces his former club for the first time since going 1-2 with a 4.11 ERA in 2010 - his only other appearances against them.


The left-hander went 2-0 with an 0.99 ERA in four April starts but is 0-2 with a 5.64 ERA in four this month. He was charged with five runs, seven hits and three walks over 4 1-3 innings of Sunday's 7-3 defeat to the Chicago White Sox.


'I have to put my team in a better position,' said Kazmir, whose first-inning error led to Chicago's first run.


With a homer and two RBIs in the opener, Tampa Bay's David DeJesus is batting .417 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in his last 15 games. He's hitting .381 with two doubles against Kazmir.


Oakland reliever Edward Mujica is headed to the disabled list after he fractured his thumb trying to field a grounder Thursday.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Athletics at Rays
Thu, May 21 - Final 0 - 3
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Athletics at Rays
Fri, May 22 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Athletics at Rays
Sat, May 23 - 4:10PM EDT


GAME 4
Athletics at Rays
Sun, May 24 - 1:10PM EDT

Preview: Giants (22-18) at Rockies (14-23)
Game: 1
Venue: Coors Field
Date: May 22, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

The San Francisco Giants ended their previous series against one of the NL's best teams without surrendering a run.


Now they get to face one of the league's worst.


Ryan Vogelsong will be tasked with maintaining the Giants' winning and shutout streaks Friday night in the opener of a four-game series with the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.


The Giants (23-18) are riding high after extending their win streak to six by sweeping the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers to become the first team since Milwaukee in July 2013 to not allow a run over a three-game series.


San Francisco last accomplished the feat June 25-27, 2012, also against the Dodgers, and with one three-game shutout streak already under their belt May 3-5, the Giants became the first team since Atlanta in 1992 to have multiple streaks of three games in one season.


San Francisco hasn't won seven in a row since an eight-game run in September 2011, and it has won 20 of 29 after getting off to a poor start.


"Your offense, your pitching, sometimes it's up and down but what you do is come out and play hard and fight for nine innings," manager Bruce Bochy said. "They never stopped that."


Vogelsong (2-2, 5.31 ERA) has been solid recently, touting a 1.37 ERA over his last three starts while holding batters to a .181 average.


He has been terrible in his last five starts against Colorado, however, going 0-3 with a 10.55 ERA. All three of those decisions came at Coors Field behind a 13.50 ERA.


Vogelsong matched a career high with eight runs allowed Sept. 3 at Colorado and tied the second-shortest start of his career with 1 1-3 innings and five runs allowed on three homers at Coors Field on April 21, 2014.


Troy Tulowitzki has surprisingly inflicted none of that damage, going 0 for 10 against the right-hander - one of two pitchers Tulowitzki has failed to record a hit against in at least 10 at_bats.


Carlos Gonzalez has also struggled in the matchup, managing one hit in 15 at_bats and striking out five times.


The rest of Colorado's lineup has done just fine. Michael McKenry and Nolan Arenado are a combined 8 for 18 with two home runs apiece against Vogelsong, and Wilin Rosario has three homers.


Colorado (15-23) beat Philadelphia 7-3 on Thursday to win two of the last three in the four-game series. McKenry hit a two-run homer and Brandon Barnes went 4 for 4 in his second game of the season after being recalled Wednesday.


"Some guys contributed, some guys that have been role players so far," said manager Walt Weiss, whose team hasn't won two in a row since a three-game run April 22-24.


Kyle Kendrick (1-5, 6.70) will take the mound after allowing three runs over 14 innings in his last two starts, but he's still winless since the season opener.


The right-hander made five starts against the Giants during his eight-year stint with the Phillies, going 1-2 with a 5.81 ERA.


Justin Morneau is eligible to return from the seven-day concussion disabled list Friday but is still not ready to play. Morneau missed time with concussions in 2005, '10 and '11.


"It's a concern. It's still a mild concern," Weiss told MLB's official website. "He's showing improvement, getting better, but it's all tied to his history."




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Giants at Rockies
Fri, May 22 - 8:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Giants at Rockies
Sat, May 23 - 4:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Giants at Rockies
Sun, May 24 - 4:10PM EDT

Preview: Brewers (15-27) at Braves (20-20)
Game: 2
Venue: Turner Field
Date: May 22, 2015 7:35 PM EDT

The Atlanta Braves are capitalizing on strong efforts on the mound, while an infraction on it proved costly for the Milwaukee Brewers.


After an ejection for an illegal substance led to a big inning for the Braves, they look to Alex Wood to deliver another impressive performance against the NL-worst Brewers on Friday night.


Atlanta (20-20) has a 3.97 ERA on the season, but the staff has a 1.83 mark while winning five of the last six games. Julio Teheran and two relievers combined on a two-hitter in a 10-1 win over Milwaukee (15-27) in Thursday's opener of this four-game set.


The Braves' highest scoring performance of the month featured a seven-run seventh inning, and six came after Brewers reliever Will Smith was ejected for having a combination of rosin and sunscreen on his right forearm.


"It was about as plain as it could be," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It's pretty blatant. Really. It's glistening through the lights. You could see it in the dugout."


Wood (2-2, 3.83 ERA), meanwhile, is 0-2 with a 6.19 ERA in three home starts after compiling a 1.59 ERA while winning four of his final five there last year.


However, he is coming off one of his best performances of the season, allowing two runs - one earned - and seven hits in seven innings of Saturday's 5-3 win at Miami. That was six days after the left-hander overcame a three-run first by tossing 5 1-3 scoreless while not getting a decision in a 5-4 loss at Washington.


"We're still talking about some things and working on those," Wood told MLB's official website. "But the results the last two starts are definitely encouraging. It's nice to know when I'm working on things and trying to figure things out, I can still put up outings like (Saturday). I've just got to keep working and go from there."


Wood is 2-0 while allowing one run in 10 1-3 innings over five meetings with the Brewers. He yielded one run in seven innings in a 5-2 win in his only career start against them April 1, 2014.


The Brewers' .226 batting average is the worst in the majors, and they've hit .195 with 2.3 runs per game while losing six of the last seven games with Atlanta.


Ryan Braun is 2 for 25 with a homer and two RBIs over that stretch. He went 0 for 3 with an RBI on a sacrifice fly Thursday after batting .340 with five homers and 15 RBIs over the previous 14 games.


Milwaukee is starting Wily Peralta (1-5, 4.32), who is 0-5 with a 5.18 ERA over his last six road starts. He's dropped all three this year with a 5.63 ERA while allowing opponents to hit .380.


The right-hander was hammered for five runs and nine hits with three walks in five-plus innings of a 5-1 loss to the New York Mets on Sunday.


He's 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA in three career starts against the Braves, but lost his only visit to Atlanta 9-3 on May 19, 2014. He gave up three runs and nine hits with four walks in five innings.


Peralta served up a solo homer to Freddie Freeman, who went 2 for 3 in that meeting.


Freeman is batting .348 in 16 games after collecting two hits and two RBIs on Thursday.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Brewers at Braves
Thu, May 21 Final 1 to 10
Boxscores • Recaps


GAME 2
Brewers at Braves
Fri, May 22 - 7:35PM EDT


GAME 3
Brewers at Braves
Sat, May 23 - 4:10PM EDT


GAME 4
Brewers at Braves
Sun, May 24 - 1:35PM EDT

Preview: Reds (18-22) at Indians (17-23)
Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: May 22, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Cincinnati Reds have been baseball's worst team with runners in scoring position, and they're trending in the wrong direction during their longest losing streak of the season.


They're hoping some of their top hitters can draw on past success against the Cleveland Indians as they rekindle the Battle of Ohio on Friday night at Progressive Field.


Cincinnati (18-22) has been outscored 40-13 while losing five straight, and Wednesday's 7-1 defeat at Kansas City dropped it a season-worst four games below .500.


The Reds, batting a big league-worst .189 with runners in scoring position this year, are 10 for 73 (.137) in those situations during a 3-8 stretch. They haven't had a lead during the five-game skid and trailed by the second inning in each defeat.


"We've got to find a will to get back into a game when we get down," said Brandon Phillips, batting a team-leading .314. "It comes down to expectations. It's easy to say that it's early, but one day we're going to come in here and it won't be. We've got to play better baseball."


Zack Cozart and Marlon Byrd are each 2 for 20 during the losing streak while Joey Votto is 4 for 20 and hasn't driven in a run in six games. All three have had success versus Cleveland, however.


Votto has eight homers and 18 RBIs in his last 17 meetings, though injury kept him out for last year's meetings. Byrd is 15 for 35 with 12 RBIs in his last nine against the Indians but hasn't faced them since 2012. While Cozart has hit .405 in 11 career matchups, Phillips is a lifetime .350 hitter versus Cleveland.


The Reds need Mike Leake (2-2, 3.62 ERA) to bounce back from one of the worst outings of his career. He gave up a personal-worst nine runs and 11 hits - including three homers - over five innings in Saturday's 11-2 loss to San Francisco. The right-hander had given up one run in his previous 22 innings.


Leake is 1-0 with a 3.28 ERA in four matchups with Cleveland.


This interleague rivalry has been extremely competitive, with the Indians holding a 45-44 advantage. Though Cleveland won nine more games last year, the Reds won three of four meetings. The Indians had won 10 straight at home in the series before a 9-2 loss Aug. 5.


Cleveland (17-23) comes into this one with much better vibes after a 5-2 road trip, though it needs to improve upon a 6-12 home start.


"You've got to start somewhere, and we have a long way to go but we're playing better baseball," manager Terry Francona said. "Hopefully, that will continue for the rest of the season."


The Indians scored four runs in the first inning of Thursday's 5-2 win over the Chicago White Sox with Mike Aviles and Nick Swisher both homering. Aviles is batting .406 over his last nine games.


Carlos Santana was 0 for 4 after missing four games with back spasms.


Carlos Carrasco (4-4, 4.98) comes off the fourth complete game of his career, though it wasn't overly impressive in a 5-1 loss at Texas on Sunday. He's received three runs of support over his four losses.


Like his team, Carrasco has struggled at home, going 1-2 with a 7.11 ERA in three outings. He's given up seven runs over 10 innings in two career starts versus Cincinnati.


Votto is 2 for 3 off Carrasco with a home run and a double.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Reds at Indians
Fri, May 22 - Final 5 - 2


GAME 2
Reds at Indians
Sat, May 23 - 4:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Reds at Indians
Sun, May 24 - 1:10PM EDT

Preview: Cubs (23-17) at Diamondbacks (19-21)
Game: 1
Venue: Chase Field
Date: May 22, 2015 9:40 PM EDT

As Jon Lester tries to remain perfect this month for the Chicago Cubs, the Arizona Diamondbacks look to stay undefeated for this week.


The left-hander attempts to win five straight starts for the first time in almost five years and help the visiting Cubs keep the Diamondbacks from extending their longest winning streak in nearly two years Friday night.


Lester (4-2, 3.70 ERA) didn't fret while going 0-2 with a 6.23 ERA in four April starts, and he's regrouped quite nicely to go 4-0 with a 1.67 ERA in four May outings. The only time he's won more consecutive starts was a six-game streak Aug. 27-Sept. 25, 2010.


He overcame nine hits to allow a run and strike out seven over seven innings of Saturday's 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh. After successfully pitching the Cubs (23-17) out of a jam in the seventh, Lester empathetically pumped his fist while walking off the mound to further ignite an already raucous crowd.


"He wears his heart on his sleeve and it's pretty cool to see out of a guy like that," Cubs rookie Kris Bryant said.


Because Lester has a personal catcher in backup David Ross, who has started all of Lester's eight games, Miguel Montero may have to wait a day to make his return to the field in Arizona (19-21). Montero spent his first nine seasons with the Diamondbacks, reaching No. 2 in franchise history in games played (906) and third in RBIs (448), before being traded to Chicago in December.


"To move Miggy was a difficult decision," Arizona general manager Dave Stewart said at the time.


Montero, batting .286 after going 1 for 11 this week in San Diego, had helped Arizona win the final five meetings with the Cubs last season.


His former team now returns home from recording a four-game sweep at Miami after being swept in three at Philadelphia. It's the Diamondbacks' longest winning stretch since taking five in a row July 3-7, 2013.


"To rebound from the last series really shows our character," center fielder A.J. Pollock said after Arizona used a four-run sixth inning to win 7-6 on Thursday.


Pollock went 6 for 10 with a homer, three RBIs, three steals and five runs in the last three games of the trip after going 2 for 16 in the first four.


Though Josh Collmenter (3-5, 5.36) is 1-0 with a 1.69 ERA in three home starts against the Cubs, he's 1-4 with a 6.84 ERA at Chase Field this year. The right-hander has yielded six home runs while posting an 11.30 ERA in May after giving up four runs in six innings of Sunday's 6-0 defeat at Philadelphia.


"Not very good," Collmenter said.


Chicago's Anthony Rizzo is 1 for 13 in the last four games but 4 for 10 with two doubles and a home run against Collmenter.


Bryant is batting .394 during a 10-game hitting streak. He has five home runs and 14 RBIs over the last 12 after hitting a two-run homer in Thursday's 3-0 victory at San Diego.


"I finally got a hanging curve ball," Bryant said. "I like to hit those. Those are usually easier to get in the air."


Arizona rookie Yasmany Tomas, meanwhile, is 13 for 26 with four RBIs while recording six straight multihit games.


Lester's only start against the Diamondbacks in the past five years came in 2013 when he gave up six runs and 11 hits over 4 1-3 innings of a 7-6 loss with Boston.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Cubs at Diamondbacks
Fri, May 22 - 9:40PM EDT


GAME 2
Cubs at Diamondbacks
Sat, May 23 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Cubs at Diamondbacks
Sun, May 24 - 4:10PM EDT