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Preview: Braves (45-52) at Orioles (47-49)
Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: July 27, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

With Nick Markakis providing a dependable bat and stellar defense, the Baltimore Orioles made runs to the playoffs in two of the previous three seasons.


Now they're hoping they have what it takes to do it again with Markakis now in Atlanta.


As their one of their former cornerstones returns to Camden Yards for the first time, the Orioles seek their first three-game winning streak in nearly a month Monday night against the Braves.


Markakis, Baltimore's first-round pick in 2003, emerged as one of the club's top players early on during his nine-year stay. He then batted near the top of the lineup when the Orioles claimed an AL wild-card spot in 2012 and their first East title in 17 years last season.


The right fielder also won his second Gold Glove Award in 2014 before grabbing an opportunity to return to his roots by inking a four-year, $44 million deal with Atlanta in the offseason. He lived in Woodstock, Georgia, after moving there when he was 10 years old.


"Nick is having a good year, like everybody knew he would," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter told MLB's official website. "We know one thing, he can play the right field wall well. I'm sure they'll use him in the advanced meeting."


Markakis, a career .288 hitter at Camden Yards, is batting .286 with the Braves (46-52) after going 1 for 5 in Sunday's 3-2 win over St. Louis that snapped a season-high seven-game road skid. He's hit well versus AL pitching this year, going 12 for 31 (.387) in nine interleague games.


The Orioles, meanwhile, have used eight different players in right field. Delmon Young, who has played a team-high 40 games there, was released earlier this month. Travis Snider has struggled of late with just two hits in 27 at-bats over his last 10 games.


Nolan Reimold, though, shined there Sunday with three hits and two RBIs in a 5-2 win at Tampa Bay. Baltimore (48-49) has totaled 10 runs and 17 hits in the last two games after hitting .175 and scoring nine times while losing its previous four.


After falling out of first place during a 5-15 stretch, the Orioles hope to take another step forward by winning three straight for the first time since a four-game run from June 25-28.


Atlanta's Alex Wood struggled in an 11-3 loss at Colorado on July 12, but got back on track Tuesday by giving up three runs over 6 2-3 innings in a 4-3 home win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.


The left-hander has never faced the Orioles, though Snider has gone 3 for 7 with a home run off Wood (7-6, 3.78 ERA) dating to his time with Pittsburgh.


Since allowing two runs over 11 1-3 innings in his first two starts, Kevin Gausman has surrendered 12 runs over 9 2-3 while dropping his last two. He yielded four runs over six in Wednesday's 4-3 loss at Yankee Stadium in his first outing following a two-week stint at Triple-A Norfolk.


Gausman (1-2, 5.18) has given up three first-inning runs in each of his last two starts. Atlanta, however, hasn't scored in the first while batting .194 and totaling six runs in its last four games.


Freddie Freeman went 1 for 3 Sunday in his first start since June 17 due to a wrist injury, while rookie third baseman Adonis Garcia hit his first career home run.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Braves at Orioles
Mon, Jul 27 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Braves at Orioles
Tue, Jul 28 - 7:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Braves at Orioles
Wed, Jul 29 - 7:05PM EDT

Preview: White Sox (45-50) at Red Sox (43-55)
Game: 1
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 27, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Chicago White Sox are pondering their faint playoff hopes following a sweep of a division rival. Their next opponent appears closer to looking toward next season even after a blowout win in their latest game.


While trying to extend a scoreless streak, John Danks will seek to lead the White Sox to a fifth consecutive win Monday night when they visit the Boston Red Sox, losers in eight of 10.


Chicago (46-50) is still expected to trade off at least one notable player - likely pitcher Jeff Samardzija - before Friday's deadline but breathed some life into its postseason chances with a four-game road sweep at Cleveland. The White Sox, however, are five games behind Minnesota for the AL's second wild-card spot and currently need to overtake five other teams.


"Why not us? That's the mentality we've got to have," pitcher Carlos Rodon said. "Why can't we do it? Keep on winning and keep on plugging away. This brand of baseball we've been playing this weekend, we need to keep it going."


The Red Sox (44-55) are further back, though they moved out of the AL cellar with an 11-1 rout of Detroit on Sunday. David Ortiz drove in a career-high seven runs and hit two homers, putting him on the brink of reaching 20 for the 14th consecutive season.


"Big night for David and a big night for us offensively overall," said manager John Farrell, whose team had a season-high 20 hits after batting .209 and scoring 16 runs in its previous nine games.


Boston looks to earn its ninth victory in 12 games against the White Sox and deny their attempt to match their longest road win streak this season.


Chicago, winner in eight of nine away from home, took five in a row there May 12-17 as part of a season-best six-game overall run.


Danks (5-8, 4.66 ERA) seeks to deliver that win while pursuing a career-high third consecutive scoreless start. The left-hander hasn't allowed a run in 12 2-3 innings, seven shy of matching his longest personal streak from April 2008.


He was in line for a third straight win Wednesday against St. Louis, but David Robertson gave up Yadier Molina's three-run triple in the eighth inning of a 3-2 loss.


Danks has produced three scoreless outings of at least six innings in four games this month, but all of those have been at home. He's 2-5 with a 5.68 ERA in his eight road starts but performed respectably in two matchups against Boston last season, going 1-0 with a 3.09 ERA.


Joe Kelly (2-6, 5.74) will make his first appearance against the White Sox and his second start since returning from the minors. He gave up a career-high three homers in 5 1-3 innings in a 4-2 loss in Houston on Wednesday.


Melky Cabrera, batting .400 (14 for 35) with 11 RBIs in his last eight games, is one of three White Sox hitters to have faced Kelly and went 2 for 6.


Adam Eaton could return for Chicago after missing Sunday's win because of an ailing left shoulder. Brock Holt's status is unknown for Boston because of left knee tightness.


Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts, batting .413 with 14 RBIs in his last 19 games, is 4 for 6 lifetime against Danks.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
White Sox at Red Sox
Mon, Jul 27 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 2
White Sox at Red Sox
Tue, Jul 28 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
White Sox at Red Sox
Wed, Jul 29 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 4
White Sox at Red Sox
Thu, Jul 30 - 7:10PM EDT

Preview: Royals (58-38) at Indians (45-51)
Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 27, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

As rumors of the club's acquisition of a much-needed ace became a reality, the Kansas City Royals broke out of their recent offensive slump in unlikely fashion.


After making a big move by adding Johnny Cueto, the AL-best Royals seek their 15th win in 20 games in the opener of a 10-game trip against the slumping Cleveland Indians on Monday night.


Seeking its first division title in 30 years, Kansas City (59-38) solidified its rotation by picking up one of the top starters on the market Sunday. Cueto won 20 games en route to his first All-Star appearance last season and is 7-6 with a 2.62 ERA in 19 starts this year.


The Royals sent left-handers Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb and Cody Reed to Cincinnati.


'I know they play baseball very good," Cueto said with Reds catcher Brayan Pena serving as his translator. "I'm excited because I know it's going to be good for my career and good for the team.'


Yordano Ventura was projected to be the ace this season, but the opening day starter has struggled with consistency. He was send to Triple-A Omaha for one day last week before getting recalled after the club learned Jason Vargas will need Tommy John surgery.


Ventura, though, took a positive step by holding Houston to one run in seven innings in Sunday's 5-1 win.


After totaling five runs in their previous three games, the Royals tagged All-Star starter Dallas Keuchel for 10 hits - the most he's allowed all season. Lorenzo Cain hit his 11th home run and Kendrys Morales had a season high-tying three hits.


Eric Hosmer, who entered as a defensive replacement Sunday, is expected to be in the lineup Monday after batting .484 in his previous eight games. He's 13 for 36 (.361) with three home runs against the Indians this season, while Mike Moustakas has gone 15 for 36 (.417).


Kansas City's Edinson Volquez (9-5, 3.15 ERA) has done his best to fill the stopper role of late, posting a 1.85 ERA over his last four starts. The right-hander lasted 7 2-3 innings Wednesday, allowing one run in a 5-1 home win over Pittsburgh.


Volquez, however, has gone 1-2 with an 11.48 ERA in four starts against Cleveland (45-52) dating to his time with Texas. In his only matchup since 2011, he gave up three runs and walked a season-high six over three innings while dealing with a blister in a 7-4 home win May 7.


Brandon Moss, 0 for 7 when facing Volquez, had two of the team's six hits Sunday when the Indians couldn't avert a four-game sweep in a 2-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox.


Cleveland, which has totaled five runs in its last five home games, will try to avoid its first seven-game skid at Progressive Field since May 24-June 6, 2011.


"Nobody's held accountable and it's just not the way we're going to do business here," second baseman Jason Kipnis said after the team held a post-game meeting Sunday.


After going 2-1 with a 0.89 ERA in his first four outings, Cody Anderson (2-1, 1.91) gave up four runs and 10 hits over 2 2-3 innings of Wednesday's 7-5 win at Milwaukee. The rookie right-hander has never faced the Royals, who took two of three at Progressive Field in April.


Moss has gone 10 for 34 (.294) with four homers while Cleveland has lost five of nine in the series.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Royals at Indians
Mon, Jul 27 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Royals at Indians
Tue, Jul 28 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Royals at Indians
Wed, Jul 29 - 12:10PM EDT

Preview: Tigers (48-49) at Rays (49-50)
Game: 1
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: July 27, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays and Detroit Tigers have been two of baseball's more consistent franchises over the last seven years.


But a postseason trip for either this year is far from a guarantee, which could prompt some tough decisions before the trade deadline.


These two struggling clubs open a three-game series Monday night at Tropicana Field.


Both teams rank among baseball's top six in winning percentage since 2008, but are four games out of the AL's second wild-card spot. Tampa Bay (49-51) is in danger of missing the postseason for a second straight year for the first time since 2007, while Detroit (48-50) has reached the playoffs in a major league best-tying four straight seasons.


The clock is ticking for both clubs to decide if they'll be buyers or sellers ahead of Friday's trade deadline, though if their recent play is any indication the latter appears likely.


The Rays have dropped six of nine since the All-Star break while averaging 2.1 runs and are a big league-worst 7-17 since June 28. John Jaso is the only player hitting better than .244 with at least 45 at-bats in that span, going 16 for 48, while six others are batting below .235.


Tampa Bay's 3.5 runs per game would be its fewest ever for a season. Even the 100-plus loss teams of 2001, '02 and '06 all averaged 4.2 or better.


"All we needed to do is get back to playing crisp, fundamental baseball, limiting the mistakes that we make," said outfielder Steven Souza Jr., whose 15 homers lead the team but is 4 for his last 50 with 27 strikeouts. "The reason we were so good the first two months is, we didn't give teams extra outs. We scored when we needed to. There's no one thing you can blame right now, we just needed to play good baseball."


The Tigers (48-50) have lost nine of 13, though unlike Tampa Bay, it's difficult to fault their bats, as they've averaged 4.2 runs and scored five-plus in three of those defeats.


However, they had just three hits and were pummeled for 20 in Sunday's 11-1 setback to a Boston team that had dropped nine of 10.


"I mean there's really not much to say," manager Brad Ausmus said.


Scheduled starter Nathan Karns (5-5, 3.47 ERA) has felt the brunt of Tampa Bay's futile offense, posting a 2.83 ERA in his last seven starts but left with a 2-2 record due to receiving six runs of support in 41 1-3 innings.


He allowed three hits over five scoreless innings and homered in a 1-0 win at Philadelphia on Tuesday, bouncing back after surrendering a career-high seven runs in an 8-3 loss at Kansas City before the All-Star break.


The right-hander has never faced Detroit.


The Tigers counter with Anibal Sanchez, who is 7-0 with a 3.16 ERA in his last eight starts. Sanchez (10-7, 4.59) also won seven straight decisions in 2013 but has never taken eight in a row.


The righty was bombarded the last time he saw Tampa Bay, giving up seven runs and walking four over 5 2-3 innings of a 7-2 home loss July 5, 2014. That defeat moved him to 2-2 with a 5.08 ERA in six career meetings.


Jaso is 1 for 14 off Sanchez.


The Rays won last season's series, 4-3.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Tigers at Rays
Mon, Jul 27 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Tigers at Rays
Tue, Jul 28 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Tigers at Rays
Wed, Jul 29 - 12:10PM EDT

Preview: Yankees (54-42) at Rangers (47-49)
Game: 1
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: July 27, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

At the age of 25, Alex Rodriguez arrived in Texas in 2001 a celebrated star after being rewarded with the then-most lucrative contract in sports history.


Rodriguez later claimed the pressure of living up to the deal, his young age and extremely naive nature led to him taking banned substances during his three seasons with the Rangers before further tarnishing his legacy with more steroid use with the New York Yankees.


He'll turn 40 on Monday night in Arlington as more the villain who has spun last year's season-long suspension for the use of performance-enhancing drugs into motivation for his resurgence in 2015.


Rodriguez's 10-year, $252 million contract was a hefty price to pay, even for a player who won the AL batting title at 21 and was coming off three straight 40-homer seasons. He hit 156 of his now 677 career home runs and won his first of three MVPs in 2003 with the Rangers - all while taking PEDs - before being traded to New York in 2004.


He apologized for his use during that period but has only shown remorse for his latest transgressions through a handwritten letter "mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season." Rodriguez has fought off public barbs and a battle with the team over milestone bonus money to help the Yankees (55-42) lead the AL East.


The fact he's turning 40 isn't affecting him much, either. Rodriguez hit three homers in Saturday's 8-5 win over Minnesota before getting the day off for Sunday's 7-2 win that marked the Yankees' 11th victory in 14 games.


"I think all of (the reflection over getting older) happened for me last year," said Rodriguez, who has 23 homers and ranks among the majors' leaders with a .914 OPS. "It was a good time for me to pause and just get a full understanding of making smart choices and surrounding myself with good people, and really appreciating everything that baseball and life has to offer."


This will be Rodriguez's first game in Arlington in more than three years. He went 4 for 11 as the Rangers (48-49) swept the Yankees in a three-game series from May 22-24 in the Bronx.


Rodriguez is 5 for 12 with two doubles in his career off Matt Harrison, who takes the mound for Texas looking to build on a solid outing.


Harrison (1-1, 5.40 ERA) hadn't pitched in the majors in nearly 14 months because of back surgery when gave up six runs in four innings of a 7-4 loss to Arizona on July 8. He was much better Tuesday, scattering seven hits in six innings of a 9-0 win over Colorado.


'The first time I stepped on the mound it was an accomplishment,' said Harrison, who made only six starts combined in 2013 and '14. '(Tuesday) was a confidence booster, but also showed I can still pitch here.'


The left-hander won 32 games from 2011-12, going 1-2 with a 1.77 ERA in three starts against the Yankees during that stretch. He'll look to help Texas bounce back after it had a four-game winning streak snapped with Sunday's 13-7 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.


Ivan Nova (2-3, 3.34) knows what it's like to come back from a major injury. He tossed 94 pitches while giving up two runs in six innings of Wednesday's 4-3 win over Baltimore, his most in five starts since returning from Tommy John surgery June 24.


"I was focused on making one pitch at a time," Nova said. "I got my defense to help."


The right-hander last faced the Rangers on July 22, 2013, when he allowed three runs in seven innings of a 3-0 loss.


Josh Hamilton is 6 for 10 with three doubles lifetime off Nova.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Yankees at Rangers
Mon, Jul 27 - 8:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Yankees at Rangers
Tue, Jul 28 - 8:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Yankees at Rangers
Wed, Jul 29 - 8:05PM EDT


GAME 4
Yankees at Rangers
Thu, Jul 30 - 8:05PM EDT

Preview: Rockies (41-54) at Cubs (51-45)
Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 27, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

Ten straight games against last-place clubs were supposed to provide the Chicago Cubs with a prime opportunity to bolster their chances of reaching the postseason.


Getting swept by the worst team in baseball wasn't an ideal way to begin that stretch.


Now the Colorado Rockies enter a three-game series at Wrigley Field coming off their best offensive performance of the season as Kyle Hendricks takes the mound for the Cubs on Monday night.


The Cubs (51-46) have aspirations of making the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and could be major players in the trade market leading up to Friday's non-waiver deadline. They got a close look at rumored target Cole Hamels on Saturday as the left-hander struck out 13 in a no-hitter to beat the Cubs 5-0.


Philadelphia, which has an MLB-worst 37 wins, also won 5-3 in 10 innings Friday and 11-5 on Sunday, dealing the Cubs their ninth defeat in 14 games. Chicago is now 2 1/2 games behind San Francisco for the NL's second wild card.


"You don't change your format. You don't reboot and become somebody else," manager Joe Maddon said. "We didn't play up to our standards."


The Cubs will travel to Milwaukee for four games after this series with the Rockies (42-54), but facing those cellar dwellers might not provide any relief unless All-Stars Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo start hitting again.


Bryant is 6 for 50 with one homer and 23 strikeouts over his last 13 games and Rizzo is 3 for 27 over his last seven for the Cubs, whose .237 average ranks near the bottom of the majors.


Their starting pitchers also have been inconsistent, with two going fewer than four innings over the last four games. Hendricks (4-5, 3.66 ERA) went 2-0 with a 0.35 ERA over his previous four starts before allowing five runs - four in the first - in six innings of Wednesday's 9-1 loss at Cincinnati in the first game of a doubleheader.


The right-hander walked two, marking the first time he walked multiple hitters in nine outings.


'I'll be the first to say when I'm not making pitches, but I thought I threw the ball well,' Hendricks said. 'I got some bad breaks."


Hendricks couldn't make any excuses the last time he faced the Rockies. He gave up five runs and eight hits in 4 1-3 innings before the Cubs rallied for a 6-5 win April 12, his first outing of the season that still stands as his shortest.


Former Cub DJ LeMahieu hit a three-run triple off Hendricks in that contest. He's batting .406 during a 16-game hitting streak and had a two-run double during a 10-run third inning of the Rockies' 17-7 rout of Cincinnati on Sunday.


Nolan Arenado, Ben Paulsen and Carlos Gonzalez each homered in that inning. Gonzalez finished with a career high-tying six RBIs and Paulsen set a personal best by driving in four.


Troy Tulowitzki, 0 for 15 over his last four, got the day off.


'You don't get a lot of those days where you get to coast to the finish line,' manager Walt Weiss said.


Jorge De La Rosa (6-4, 4.62) takes the hill looking to remain unbeaten against Chicago. He went 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA over his previous five starts before giving up six runs in six innings of Wednesday's 10-8 loss to Texas.


The left-hander is 4-0 with a 2.32 ERA in 10 appearances - six starts - against the Cubs after giving up three runs and striking out seven in six innings of the Rockies' 4-3, 16-inning loss July 29.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Rockies at Cubs
Mon, Jul 27 - 8:05PM EDT


GAME 2
Rockies at Cubs
Tue, Jul 28 - 8:05PM EDT


GAME 3
Rockies at Cubs
Wed, Jul 29 - 2:20PM EDT

Preview: Reds (43-52) at Cardinals (63-34)
Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: July 27, 2015 8:15 PM EDT

The Cincinnati Reds sit 19 games behind the first-place St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central and are aware contending clubs will continue calling ahead of Friday's trade deadline in an attempt to poach some of their talent.


Johnny Cueto became the first to be sold off.


The Reds allowed their most runs in six years just hours after the trade was announced and now look to avoid a sixth straight loss to the Cardinals in Monday night's series opener at Busch Stadium.


Cincinnati (43-53) was long rumored to be shopping the free-agent-to-be Cueto and pulled the trigger on a deal with Kansas City on Sunday, receiving minor league left-handers Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb and Cody Reed.


Starter Mike Leake, closer Aroldis Chapman and outfielder Jay Bruce also reportedly have been a part of trade talks and could fetch a solid return.


'We can only wish Johnny the best," Bruce said. "I try to do my best of ignoring something like this. We all anticipated this. We have to be professional and do our best.'


Bruce went 3 for 5 with a three-run homer Sunday against Colorado, but his big effort wasn't nearly enough in a 17-7 loss. It marked the most runs the Reds allowed since a 22-1 loss to Philadelphia on July 6, 2009.


Cincinnati has dropped six of nine and has scored 10 runs while dropping five straight to the Cardinals (63-35) after winning the season's first meeting. The Reds were outscored 13-4 while being swept in St. Louis from April 17-19 and have lost 14 of their last 17 games there.


Matt Carpenter is 10 for 24 with two homers and seven RBIs in the season series but is batting just .111 in his last 10 games.


The Cardinals have scored three times in their last two and had a five-game winning streak snapped with Sunday's 3-2 loss to Atlanta. Starters have posted a 2.38 ERA over the last five, though.


Lance Lynn (7-5, 2.80 ERA) started that stretch Wednesday, allowing two runs in six innings of a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.


"For me, I'm a good fastball pitcher," Lynn said. "I used four pitches (Wednesday). There was a game last time that I threw where I used two pitches. It's just whatever works. You go with it and see how they're reacting."


The right-hander hasn't been able to fool Bruce, who is 14 for 28 with three homers, two triples and a double in their matchups. Todd Frazier also has homered three times off Lynn, but he has just one other hit and 13 strikeouts in 26 at-bats.


Both homered off Lynn the last time he faced the Reds, a 7-2 loss Sept. 21 during which he gave up three runs in six innings. He'll oppose Raisel Iglesias, who gets his second look at the Cardinals.


Iglesias (1-2, 5.45) made his major league debut against St. Louis on April 12, giving up three runs in five innings of the Reds' 7-5, 11-inning defeat. He's made two starts in his third stint with the club, giving up five runs in 4 1-3 innings of a 14-3 loss to Miami on July 11 and two runs while walking four in 5 2-3 innings of Tuesday's 5-4, 13-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs.


It's unclear if the right-hander will have to face Randal Grichuk, who left Sunday after the sixth because of a groin injury. Manager Mike Matheny said it didn't appear serious but that Grichuk would be evaluated prior to this contest.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Reds at Cardinals
Mon, Jul 27 - 8:15PM EDT


GAME 2
Reds at Cardinals
Tue, Jul 28 - 8:15PM EDT


GAME 3
Reds at Cardinals
Wed, Jul 29 - 8:15PM EDT

Preview: Diamondbacks (45-51) at Mariners (45-53)
Game: 1
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: July 27, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

No one has hit more home runs in interleague games since the start of last season than Nelson Cruz.


If that wasn't daunting enough for Arizona's attempt to extend a scoreless streak, the Seattle Mariners slugger has been locked in during recent home games and will seek to build on this weekend's impressive performance in Monday night's opener against the Diamondbacks.


Cruz has hit 15 homers in 31 interleague games since the start of 2014, five more than the next-closest batters: Toronto's Jose Bautista and Houston's Colby Rasmus. He's hit 65 in 256 overall contests in that span, second only to Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout with 67.


Cruz has four homers in his last six games while batting .429. He went 7 for 12 this weekend to help Seattle (46-53) take a three-game series from Toronto.


In Sunday's 6-5 comeback win in 10 innings, Cruz hit the tying two-run homer in the seventh and drove in three runs. Franklin Gutierrez ended it with his third home run in 19 contests this season, lifting Seattle to its fourth win in six games.


"It's a big tough road (for Gutierrez)," manager Lloyd McClendon said of his outfielder, who has played 192 games since the beginning of the 2011 season and missed all of 2014. "The biggest challenge for us is managing his health and playing time, and making sure we can keep him on the field."


Cruz is batting .485 in his last nine home games and will get to face a pitcher who's coming off his worst performance of the season.


Robbie Ray (3-5, 2.72 ERA) gave up five runs in 4 2-3 innings in a 5-3 loss to Miami on Wednesday. The left-hander was 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA in his prior two starts, beginning with a 4-2 win in Texas on July 7.


Ray yielded two unearned runs in 7 2-3 innings in that game and hasn't given up an earned run over 14 2-3 in two stars versus the AL this year.


Rookie Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.25) pitched a one-hitter in his last interleague start, a 5-0 win in San Diego on June 30. However, he is 0-2 with a 9.22 ERA in his last three starts after logging a 1.62 ERA in his first seven in the majors. He was charged with eight runs in 2 2-3 innings in a 9-4 loss in Detroit on Wednesday.


He'll face a Diamondbacks team that won three of four over Milwaukee to close out the week after losing eight of nine. Arizona (46-51) won 3-1 Sunday for its second straight shutout and allowed five runs in the series.


"Now we go on the road to the Seattle, a good team, we'll have to keep pitching that way and hopefully getting a few more hits," manager Chip Hale said.


The Diamondbacks, who have never had three consecutive shutouts, can register their second-longest scoreless streak by keeping Seattle off the scoreboard through the seventh inning Monday. Arizona had a record 31-inning run in July 2002.


Ray gave up four runs in five innings in his only start against Seattle, an 8-1 loss Aug. 17 while with Detroit. Robinson Cano, who went 2 for 3 against him, is batting .337 with six homers and 17 RBIs in 22 games this month.


Arizona's Ender Inciarte has one double in five consecutive games and is 10 for 22 in that stretch.


The Diamondbacks took two of three in the most recent matchup against Seattle from June 18-20, 2012, in Arizona. The Mariners are 7-2 at home in the series.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Mariners
Mon, Jul 27 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Mariners
Tue, Jul 28 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Mariners
Wed, Jul 29 - 3:40PM EDT

Preview: Brewers (43-55) at Giants (53-44)
Game: 1
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: July 27, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

Led by baseball's hottest hitter, the San Francisco Giants are on the brink of overtaking first place in the NL West.


There's little to reason to think the streaking Giants' hit parade won't continue Monday night against struggling Kyle Lohse and the visiting Milwaukee Brewers.


The Giants (54-44) won 4-3 against Oakland on Sunday for their 11th victory in 12 games. They're hitting .332 in that span, trimming their deficit behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers from 5 1/2 games to one.


Buster Posey, who had a season-high four hits Sunday, is 23 for 45 with 10 RBIs during that stretch. He's batting a major league-leading .452 since June 25, raising his season average from .287 to .328.


Lohse (5-11, 6.29 ERA) owns baseball's highest ERA, which would be the worst for a full season since Detroit's Nate Robertson posted a 6.35 mark in 2008. The right-hander has failed to record a quality start in five consecutive games.


Manager Craig Counsell cited Lohse's track record, which boasts 147 career wins including 24 over the previous two seasons in Milwaukee, as one of the biggest reasons he's still in the rotation.


"He's had two darn good years here, and you hope he gets it going," Counsell said.


Lohse is 3-4 with a 5.08 ERA in eight career outings against San Francisco and gave up five runs in 5 1-3 innings of an 8-4 loss on May 25.


The Brewers (43-56) have dropped four of five while being shut out in two straight for the first time since April 12-13, 2013, at St. Louis. They've been blanked for three consecutive games once in franchise history, May 3-6, 1972, once against Minnesota and twice against the California Angels.


"We're in a little bit of a drought here, but I'm confident we'll score runs," Counsell said.


It's unclear if Adam Lind, who owns a team-leading .865 OPS, will rejoin the lineup after sitting out Sunday due to back stiffness.


Milwaukee hit .194 while being swept in three games by the Giants at Miller Park from May 25-27, extending San Francisco's winning streak to six in the series. A seventh straight victory would match the longest winning streak in series history, with both teams accomplishing that once previously. The Giants have also taken seven of the last nine meetings at AT&T Park.


San Francisco's Chris Heston (10-5, 3.18 ERA) looks to win a third straight start for the first time in his first matchup with Milwaukee.


Heston is 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA in his last six games, allowing one run over 21 1-3 innings in the last three. He limited San Diego to one hit and two walks in 7 1-3 shutout innings of a 9-3 road victory Tuesday, taking a no-hitter into the sixth and becoming San Francisco's first rookie with 10 wins since Matt Cain in 2006.


Opponents are hitting just .196 against Heston going back to his no-hitter against the New York Mets on June 9.


Nori Aoki, who was 9 for 14 in the first series with a homer off Lohse, could return to the lineup pending a medical examination. He hasn't played since June 20 due to a fractured right fibula but is 3 for 7 against Lohse.


Khris Davis, who is 3 for 22 over his last 10 games and struck out four times in Sunday's 3-0 loss at Arizona, has batted .414 with nine extra-base hits in 11 career meetings with the Giants.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Brewers at Giants
Mon, Jul 27 - 10:15PM EDT


GAME 2
Brewers at Giants
Tue, Jul 28 - 10:15PM EDT


GAME 3
Brewers at Giants
Wed, Jul 29 - 3:45PM EDT

LEADING OFF: Sanchez goes for 8th straight; Markakis returns


July 27, 2015


A look at what's happening all around the major leagues today:




KEEP IT GOING


Anibal Sanchez (10-7) tries to win his eighth straight decision when the Tigers open a three-game series at Tampa Bay. Sanchez has pitched into the seventh inning in each of his past 10 starts. The light-hitting Rays will counter with RHP Nathan Karns (5-5), who went five scoreless innings and homered in a 1-0 win Tuesday night at Philadelphia.


WELCOME BACK


Baltimore manager Buck Showalter expects Nick Markakis will get a great reaction from fans when the former Orioles star returns to Camden Yards for the first time since signing a free agent contract with the Braves during the offseason. Markakis hit .290 with 141 homers and 658 RBIs during his nine seasons with the Orioles.


ON THE ROAD


Edinson Volquez (9-5, 3.15 ERA) starts at Cleveland as the Royals open a 10-game road trip, a day before his old friend and new teammate Johnny Cueto arrives after being acquired by Kansas City in a deal Sunday with Cincinnati.


KEEP ROLLING


Giants rookie Chris Heston (10-5) looks to follow up his impressive outing at San Diego when surging San Francisco begins a three-game series at home against the Brewers. The Giants expect to get left fielder Nori Aoki back from the disabled list because of a broken right fibula that has sidelined him since June 21.


BACK IN ACTION


Texas' Matt Harrison (1-1) will take the ball in the opener of a three-game home series against the Yankees after scattering seven hits through six innings against Colorado last Tuesday for his first win in over 14 months. It will be only his third start this season and ninth over the past three years for the injury-plagued eight-year veteran.

Baseball Capsules


July 26, 2015


NEW YORK (AP) Zack Greinke's shutout streak ended at 45 2/3 innings when the Mets scored the first of two scratch runs against him, and New York beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 Sunday on newcomer Juan Uribe's single off the wall in the 10th.


Jacob deGrom outpitched Greinke in a marquee matchup that lived up to its billing, but Yasmani Grandal hit a tying single in the ninth as Los Angeles erased a two-run deficit against closer Jeurys Familia, who was trying for a four-out save.


Greinke allowed a run in the third on a grounder by deGrom and another in the sixth when rookie Michael Conforto was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.


Jenrry Mejia (1-0) pitched out of a jam in the top of the 10th, striking out rookie slugger Joc Pederson and retiring Howie Kendrick with a runner on third. Juan Nicasio (1-3) got the loss.


RED SOX 11, TIGERS 1


BOSTON (AP) - David Ortiz homered twice and drove in a career-high seven runs to lead Boston.


Ortiz, who had two three-run homers and an RBI single, and Xander Bogaerts each had four of the season-high 20 hits by the Red Sox.


Boston won for just the second time 11 games - with both victories coming in this series.


Nick Castellanos hit a solo homer for the second straight day for the struggling Tigers, who have lost six of nine.


Eduardo Rodriguez (6-3) rebounded from a miserable start by pitching seven strong innings.


Shane Greene (4-8) didn't make it out of the fifth inning for the third straight start since being recalled from Triple-A Toledo. He gave up five runs - four in the fifth - on 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings.


ROYALS 5, ASTROS 1


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Royals traded for right-hander Johnny Cueto, and then used Yordano Ventura's seven sharp innings to beat Dallas Keuchel and the Astros.


Ventura (5-7) allowed one run and six hits in just his second win in his last seven starts.


The Royals announced during the game that they had acquired Cueto from Cincinnati for minor league left-handers Brandon Finnegan, John Lamb and Cody Reed, drawing a big cheer at Kauffman Stadium.


Keuchel (12-5), who started for the American League in the All-Star Game, was tagged for a season-high 10 hits in 6 2/3 innings. He also allowed five runs, matching a season high.


PIRATES 3, NATIONALS 1


PITTSBURGH (AP) - Gerrit Cole became the majors' first 14-game winner, leading Pittsburgh to the victory.


Cole allowed one run and seven hits in 7 2/3 innings while improving to 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA in four July starts. The right-hander struck out eight and walked none.


Cole (14-4) also became the first Pittsburgh pitcher with 14 wins before August since Dock Ellis in 1971.


Danny Espinosa chased Cole with a single that put two runners on for Bryce Harper, who grounded out against left-hander Tony Watson. Mark Melancon picked up his major league-best 32nd save with a scoreless ninth.


Michael Taylor homered for NL East-leading Washington, and Joe Ross (2-3) struck out seven while pitching six innings of three-run ball.


PHILLIES 11, CUBS 5


CHICAGO (AP) - Ryan Howard homered for the second straight day, rookie Aaron Nola got his first major league win and Philadelphia completed a three-game series sweep.


Maikel Franco also went deep as the major league-worst Phillies collected 17 hits in their eighth win in nine games since the All-Star break. Franco and Domonic Brown each drove in three runs a day after Cole Hamels threw no-hitter against the Cubs.


Nola (1-1) allowed four runs and five hits in 7 2/3 innings in his second career start. The touted prospect also had an RBI single in Philadelphia's three-run fourth.


With the game out of hand, Cubs catcher David Ross pitched a perfect ninth. He then hit a solo homer in the bottom half of the inning.


Chicago right-hander Jason Hammel (5-5) was tagged for six runs and eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.


WHITE SOX 2, INDIANS 1


CLEVELAND (AP) - Carlos Rodon pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and Carlos Sanchez homered for the second straight day, powering the White Sox to the road win.


Rodon and Sanchez, both rookies, helped the White Sox finish off their first four-game sweep in Cleveland since July 14-17, 2005. Chicago outscored the Indians 26-5 and never trailed in the series.


Rodon (4-3) recorded the longest outing of his career in his first win since June 20. The left-hander struck out nine and allowed five hits in 6 2/3 innings.


David Robertson allowed a run in the ninth before finishing for his 21st save.


The Indians have lost six straight at home and are 19-30 at Progressive Field. Danny Salazar (8-6) yielded two runs in 6 2/3 innings.


YANKEES 7, TWINS 2


MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Yankees right-hander Nathan Eovaldi pitched impressively into the ninth inning, and Chase Headley and Stephen Drew homered.


Eovaldi (10-2) came out to start the ninth but was pulled after giving up a leadoff double to Miguel Sano. He allowed eight hits and walked one while reaching double-digit wins for the first time.


Headley had two big hits against Kyle Gibson (8-8) - the first a solo homer in the fifth that made it 1-all, and then a two-run single the next inning that knocked the Twins starter out of the game.


BRAVES 3, CARDINALS 2


ST. LOUIS (AP) - Adonis Garcia's first career home run broke a tie and rookie Matt Wisler worked seven strong innings for Atlanta.


Wisler (5-1) allowed two runs and seven hits in his longest outing since he pitched eight innings in a win over the Mets in his major league debut on June 19.


The Braves took advantage of Michael Wacha's wildness for a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Ryan Lavarnway doubled into the left-field corner to score Eury Perez, who had worked a one-out walk from an 0-2 count. Following a two-out walk to Jace Peterson, Cameron Maybin singled in Lavarnway.


Wacha (11-4) allowed three runs and five hits in six innings. Steve Cishek, acquired in a trade with Miami on Friday, tossed a scoreless eighth inning in his Cardinals debut.


Jim Johnson got three outs for his ninth save.


ORIOLES 5, RAYS 2


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Nolan Reimold had a two-run double among three hits, and the Orioles beat the Rays for their second straight win after a four-game skid.


Wei-Yin Chen (5-6) won for the first time in four starts against Tampa Bay, giving up two runs and six hits while striking out three in 5 1/3 innings.


Caleb Joseph hit a two-run homer for the Baltimore.


Evan Longoria and Logan Forsythe homered for the Rays on consecutive pitches in the fourth. In his fifth start since returning from Tommy John surgery, Matt Moore (1-2) allowed five runs and eight hits in five innings.


Four relievers finished for the Orioles. Zach Britton earned his 25th save.


PADRES 3, MARLINS 2


SAN DIEGO (AP) - Justin Upton homered and Odrisamer Despaigne pitched six solid innings to lead San Diego.


Upton, mentioned in various trade rumors, hit his 16th home run and also singled. Yonder Alonso also had two hits.


Despaigne (4-7) gave up a run and two hits with two walks and struck out three. He also hit a batter. The win was San Diego's third straight and Despaigne's first since beating the Pirates on May 31.


Joaquin Benoit pitched the eighth and Craig Kimbrel got the last three outs for his 29th save in 30 chances.


The Padres have won nine of the last 11 games against the Marlins at Petco Park.


Mat Latos (4-7) gave up all three runs and six hits while striking out six in six innings.


GIANTS 4, ATHLETICS 3


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Tim Hudson earned a win against the only team he had never beaten in a 17-year big league career, helping San Francisco complete a sweep in the Bay Bridge Series.


Matt Duffy hit a two-run homer in the first and drove in three runs, and Brandon Belt added an RBI single in the initial inning to back Hudson (6-8), who became the 15th pitcher to defeat all 30 current teams in the majors.


Hudson also won his first game since turning 40 on July 14.


Buster Posey had a season-high four hits in the Giants' sixth straight home win, fifth in a row overall and 12th in 14.


A's rookie Kendall Graveman (6-7) lost his third straight start and has failed to make it out of the fifth in any of those outings.


ANGELS 13, RANGERS 7


ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Mike Trout had a grand slam and a solo shot among his season-high four hits to lead Los Angeles.


C.J. Cron also went deep and rookie Andrew Heaney kept his unblemished record intact, helping the Angels end a three-game skid and regain sole possession of the AL West lead by a game over the Houston Astros.


Heaney (5-0) allowed two runs and six hits over six innings in his sixth start for the Angels after making five starts last season with the Miami Marlins and going 0-3 with a 5.83 ERA in seven total appearances.


The 24-year-old left-hander has thrown at least six innings and allowed fewer than three runs in all of his outings this season. The only pitcher in club history to do that in each of his first seven starts with the club was Jered Weaver in 2006.


Nick Martinez (5-6) was charged with four runs and six hits in five-plus innings for Texas.


MARINERS 6, BLUE JAYS 5, 10 INNINGS


SEATTLE (AP) - Franklin Gutierrez homered with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning to give Seattle a win in a game the Mariners kept close with the aid of a triple play.


Gutierrez jumped on an 0-2 pitch from Aaron Loup (2-5) and drove it over the wall in left-center for his third homer.


Nelson Cruz brought the Mariners even at 5-5 in the seventh with his 25th home run, a two-run shot to left off Bo Schultz.


Joe Beimel (2-1), who struck out one in one relief inning, picked up the win for the Mariners.


With Toronto leading 4-3, the Mariners turned a triple play in the fourth inning. Ezequiel Carrera drew a leadoff walk and moved to third on Kevin Pillar's single. Ryan Goings bounced out to first and Pillar was hung up between first and second, and Carrera stuck between third and home. Both runners ended up at third base and each was tagged out by catcher Mike Zunino.


DIAMONDBACKS 3, BREWERS 0


PHOENIX (AP) - Jeremy Hellickson threw six strong innings, Chris Owings drove in two runs with a pinch-hit, two-out double and Arizona beat suddenly punchless Milwaukee, which was shut out in consecutive games for the first time this season.


Jake Lamb tripled, doubled, drove in a run and scored another for the Diamondbacks, who put a successful finish to an otherwise disappointing 4-6 homestand.


After scoring 27 runs in the four games before coming to Arizona, the Brewers managed just five in four against the Diamondbacks. Arizona won Saturday 2-0 behind right-hander Rubby De La Rosa.


Hellickson (7-6) allowed four hits, struck out six, walked three and hit a batter. Relievers Andrew Chafin and David Hernandez threw a perfect inning apiece before Brad Ziegler completed the shutout for his 17th save, the last 15 in a row.


Matt Garza (5-11) gave up three runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings for Milwaukee.


ROCKIES 17, REDS 7


DENVER (AP) - Nolan Arenado, Ben Paulsen and Carlos Gonzalez each homered in a 10-run third inning to help Colorado beat Cincinnati on a day when the Reds traded ace Johnny Cueto.


It was a big afternoon for Paulsen, who finished with a career-high four hits that included a triple and two solo homers. Gonzalez also had two homers and drove in a career-best six runs.


Colorado had eight hits in the third, including back-to-back homers by Arenado and Paulsen, to turn a 4-2 deficit into a 12-4 lead.


Michael Lorenzen (3-5) was roughed up for eight runs in 2 1/3 innings.


Kyle Kendrick (4-11) yielded six runs in five shaky innings for his first win since June 23.


Before the game, Cincinnati finalized a deal that sent Cueto to the Kansas City Royals for three pitching prospects.

Royals' World Series odds jump after acquiring Cueto


The Kansas City Royals acquired Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto on Sunday, and their championship odds are on the rise as a result.


K.C. was 4/1 to win the World Series prior to the trade at the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook but have since been adjusted to 7/2 favorites.


The Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals are behind the Royals at 6/1 with the Washington Nationals' chances coming in at 7/1.


---------------------------------




Gausman hurting the pockets of Orioles bettors


The Baltimore Orioles are 1-5 in Kevin Gausman's last six starts but will have an opportunity to right the ship Monday against the Atlanta Braves.


Atlanta is scheduled to send southpaw Alex Wood to the hill.


The O's are presently in the -153 ballpark at sportsbooks.

Pro Baseball Trend Report




COLORADO (42 - 54) at CHICAGO CUBS (51 - 46) - 8:05 PM
JORGE DE LA ROSA (L) vs. KYLE HENDRICKS (R)


Top Trends for this game.


COLORADO is 108-150 (-36.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 3-22 (-17.2 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 39-87 (-37.3 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 210-283 (-81.0 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 108-150 (-36.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 64-105 (-39.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 27-66 (-32.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 13-40 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 2-18 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
DE LA ROSA is 5-24 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 34-24 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 68-64 (+8.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DE LA ROSA is 48-30 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 48-29 (+20.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
DE LA ROSA is 22-14 (+10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 1438-1599 (-284.4 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 154-126 (-48.3 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 769-749 (-172.3 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1381-1512 (-259.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 20-24 (-12.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 208-182 (-48.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season since 1997.


Head-to-Head Series History


CHICAGO CUBS is 2-1 (+1.0 Units) against COLORADO this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)


JORGE DE LA ROSA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
DE LA ROSA is 3-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.72 and a WHIP of 1.321.
His team's record is 4-2 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)




KYLE HENDRICKS vs. COLORADO since 1997


HENDRICKS is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.11 and a WHIP of 1.298.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)


CINCINNATI (43 - 53) at ST LOUIS (63 - 35) - 8:15 PM
RAISEL IGLESIAS (R) vs. LANCE LYNN (R)


Top Trends for this game.


CINCINNATI is 43-53 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CINCINNATI is 51-80 (-24.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 43-53 (-11.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 63-35 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 36-13 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ST LOUIS is 25-13 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 63-35 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 43-24 (+16.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 51-22 (+25.9 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ST LOUIS is 117-66 (+39.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
LYNN is 25-11 (+13.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CINCINNATI is 514-582 (+29.6 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.




Head-to-Head Series History


ST LOUIS is 5-1 (+3.8 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.6 Units)




RAISEL IGLESIAS vs. ST LOUIS since 1997


IGLESIAS is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.4 units)




LANCE LYNN vs. CINCINNATI since 1997


LYNN is 6-3 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.82 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 8-3 (+4.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+4.0 units)




MILWAUKEE (43 - 56) at SAN FRANCISCO (54 - 44) - 10:15 PM
KYLE LOHSE (R) vs. CHRIS HESTON (R)


Top Trends for this game.


MILWAUKEE is 43-56 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 43-56 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 31-47 (-16.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 60-74 (-20.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 54-44 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 212-106 (+41.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 54-44 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1055-884 (+117.6 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 108-85 (+13.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 34-20 (+13.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 11-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Monday over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 15-23 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in home games in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-11 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.




Head-to-Head Series History


SAN FRANCISCO is 3-0 (+3.3 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)




KYLE LOHSE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997


LOHSE is 4-5 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.34 and a WHIP of 1.508.
His team's record is 5-5 (-0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.9 units)


CHRIS HESTON vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.




DETROIT (48 - 50) at TAMPA BAY (49 - 51) - 7:10 PM
ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R) vs. NATE KARNS (R)


Top Trends for this game.


DETROIT is 236-200 (-26.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
DETROIT is 147-221 (-57.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 24-33 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 33-41 (-11.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
DETROIT is 59-64 (-18.9 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 66-66 (-17.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 126-136 (-31.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 17-28 (-13.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 60-72 (-33.3 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 10-20 (-13.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
TAMPA BAY is 10-19 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 61-73 (-33.5 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 83-89 (-18.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 69-81 (-32.6 Units) against the money line in games played on artificial turf over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 90-101 (-25.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 30-40 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 22-31 (-11.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.




Head-to-Head Series History


There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997


SANCHEZ is 2-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 5.08 and a WHIP of 1.256.
His team's record is 4-2 (+2.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-2. (+0.9 units)




NATE KARNS vs. DETROIT since 1997


No recent starts.




CHI WHITE SOX (46 - 50) at BOSTON (44 - 55) - 7:10 PM
JOHN DANKS (L) vs. JOE KELLY (R)


Top Trends for this game.


DANKS is 7-21 (-13.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHI WHITE SOX are 7-1 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in road games in July games this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 80-80 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 540-572 (+37.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 375-375 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win since 1997.
CHI WHITE SOX are 110-91 (+30.4 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997.
BOSTON is 44-55 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 609-549 (-79.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 12-29 (-21.7 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 58-72 (-33.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 22-28 (-14.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 18-27 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 37-49 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
BOSTON is 29-36 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BOSTON is 31-43 (-17.9 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 16-27 (-14.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
BOSTON is 46-52 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KELLY is 2-9 (-8.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)




Head-to-Head Series History


There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.




JOHN DANKS vs. BOSTON since 1997


DANKS is 4-6 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 4.95 and a WHIP of 1.476.
His team's record is 4-7 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-7. (-4.8 units)


JOE KELLY vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997


No recent starts.




KANSAS CITY (59 - 38) at CLEVELAND (45 - 52) - 7:10 PM
EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R) vs. CODY ANDERSON (R)


Top Trends for this game.


KANSAS CITY is 59-38 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 26-17 (+11.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 77-56 (+25.8 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 24-15 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
KANSAS CITY is 59-38 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 38-27 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 41-21 (+18.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 35-25 (+8.7 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
KANSAS CITY is 28-17 (+11.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
KANSAS CITY is 37-19 (+16.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.
VOLQUEZ is 32-20 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 45-52 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 19-30 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 14-26 (-17.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 41-52 (-23.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 28-32 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-17 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-27 (-10.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.




Head-to-Head Series History


KANSAS CITY is 5-4 (+1.2 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
6 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.9 Units)


EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997


VOLQUEZ is 1-2 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 11.47 and a WHIP of 2.624.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)


CODY ANDERSON vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.




NY YANKEES (55 - 42) at TEXAS (47 - 50) - 8:05 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. MATT HARRISON (L)

Top Trends for this game.


TEXAS is 47-50 (+11.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TEXAS is 44-46 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
TEXAS is 36-33 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TEXAS is 31-28 (+10.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
TEXAS is 26-16 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
NY YANKEES are 55-42 (+4.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 50-37 (+4.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
NY YANKEES are 35-27 (+14.6 Units) against the money line in road games against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 33-21 (+9.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
NOVA is 10-1 (+8.9 Units) against the money line on the road with a money line of -100 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
TEXAS is 35-63 (-27.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 49-74 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 23-52 (-31.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 13-32 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 29-46 (-19.1 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-32 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History


TEXAS is 3-0 (+4.9 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)


IVAN NOVA vs. TEXAS since 1997


NOVA is 2-2 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.433.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)


MATT HARRISON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997

HARRISON is 2-3 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 3.70 and a WHIP of 1.485.
His team's record is 2-3 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-2. (+0.8 units)




ATLANTA (46 - 52) at BALTIMORE (48 - 49) - 7:05 PM
ALEX WOOD (L) vs. KEVIN GAUSMAN (R)


Top Trends for this game.


ATLANTA is 61-74 (-24.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 27-34 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
WOOD is 13-20 (-13.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 148-119 (+32.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 81-52 (+21.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-10 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 130-105 (+26.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 80-66 (+14.7 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 68-44 (+22.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-11 (+13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 38-34 (+25.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +150 to +175 since 1997.
ATLANTA is 35-33 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 27-34 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.


Head-to-Head Series History


There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.


ALEX WOOD vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
No recent starts.


KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.




ARIZONA (46 - 51) at SEATTLE (46 - 53) - 10:10 PM
ROBBIE RAY (L) vs. MIKE MONTGOMERY (L)


Top Trends for this game.


ARIZONA is 110-149 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 110-149 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 42-66 (-24.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 12-4 (+9.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
ARIZONA is 25-16 (+9.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
SEATTLE is 46-53 (-12.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 4-11 (-8.7 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 this season.
SEATTLE is 19-30 (-22.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 22-28 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 41-52 (-16.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 46-51 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 15-30 (-19.9 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 29-31 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 14-22 (-19.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons.


Head-to-Head Series History


There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.


ROBBIE RAY vs. SEATTLE since 1997


RAY is 0-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.800.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)


MIKE MONTGOMERY vs. ARIZONA since 1997


No recent starts.

2015 baseball information




National League


Rockies @ Cubs


de la Rosa is 0-1, 5.82 in his last three starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten.


Hendricks is 2-1, 1.97 in his last five starts; five of his last six stayed under.


Cubs just got swept at home by Philly; Chicago is 2-5 in last seven games overall, 5-2 in its last seven games with Colorado (over 4-2 in last six). Rockies are 3-5 in last eight games (over 4-2-1 in last seven).


Reds @ Cardinals


Iglesias is 0-2, 6.75 in his last four starts, last three went over.


Lynn is 3-0, 1.60 in his last five home starts; nine of his last ten starts overall stayed under the total.


Cincinnati lost four of last five games with St Louis; over is 5-3 in last eight series games. Reds lost three of last four games; over is 4-1-1 in last six. St Louis won five of last six games; under is 4-0-1 in last five.


Brewers @ Giants


Lohse is 0-2, 6.60 in his last three starrts; three of his last four road starts stayed under the total.


Heston is 4-0, 2.03 in his last six starts (over 4-2).


Giants won last six games with Milwaukee; three of last four went over total. SF won 11 of its last 12 games overall. Brewers lost four of last five games; they got shut out last two days- their last three games stayed under.


American League


Tigers @ Rays

Sanchez is 7-0, 3.32 in his last eight starts; Tigers scored 59 runs in the eight games- his last six starts all went over.


Karns is 0-1, 1.50 in his last three home starts; five of his last seven starts overall stayed under the total.


Detroit lost nine of is last thirteen games; three of its last four games stayed under total. Tigers lost six of last nine games with Tampa Bay- five of last seven series games went over. Rays lost three of last four; under is 6-1-2 in their last nine games.


White Sox @ Red Sox


Danks is 2-0, 2.25 in his last four starts, three of which stayed under.


Kelly is 0-2, 6.75 in his last four starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten.


White Sox won its last four games, allowing five runs; Chicago lost seven of last ten games with Boston, which lost eight of last ten games overall-- over is 5-3 in their last eight games.


Royals @ Indians


Volquez is 1-1, 2.96 in his last four starts; over is 6-2-1 in his last nine.


Anderson is 2-1, 1.91 in his last five starts (under 3-2).


Cleveland-Kansas City split last ten games (over 7-2-1); Royals won six of last nine games overall (under 5-0-1 in last six). Indians were just outscored 26-5 in losing four straight to White Sox- six of their last eight games went over. .


Bronx @ Rangers


Nova is 1-3, 4.70 in his last four starts (under 3-0-1).


Harrison is 1-1, 5.40 in his two starts (over 1-1).


Bronx won eight of last ten games (under 5-3 in last eight); they lost last four games with Texas, allowing 33 runs (under 7-3 in last ten). Rangers won four of last fivegames (over 6-2 in last eight).


Interleague


Braves @ Orioles


Wood is 2-1, 6.87 in his last four starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven.


Gausman is 0-2, 11.17 in his four starts (under 3-1).


Atlanta lost three of last four games with Baltimore; last three stayed under, but teams are meeting for first time since '12. Braves lost three of last four games- under is 7-1-1 in their last nine. Orioles won last two games, allowing three runs; under is 4-1-1 in their last six.


Diamondbacks @ Mariners


Ray is 1-4, 5.14 in his last six starts; four of his last five road starts stayed under the total.


Montgomery is 0-2, 10.54 in his last three starts; under is 4-2-1 in last seven.


Arizona lost eight of last ten games with Seattle; teams are meeting for first time since '12. D'backs won three of last four games; six of their last eight stayed under total. Seattle won three of last four games; five of its last six went over the total.


Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Colo-Cubs-- de la Rosa 9-7; Hendricks 9-10
Cin-StL-- Iglesias 2-4; Lynn 11-7
Mil-SF-- Lohse 7-13; Heston 12-7


Det-TB-- Sanchez 11-9; Karns 8-10
CWS-Bos-- Danks 8-10; Kelly 5-10
KC-Clev-- Volquez 14-6; Anderson 4-1
NY-Tex-- Nova 2-3; Harrison 1-1


Atl-Balt-- Wood 8-12; Gausman 1-3
Ariz-Sea-- Ray 3-7; Montgomery 4-6


Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Colo-Cubs-- de la Rosa 6-16; Hendricks 4-19
Cin-StL-- Iglesias 1-6; Lynn 6-18
Mil-SF-- Lohse 10-20; Heston 1-19


Det-TB-- Sanchez 4-20; Karns 8-18
CWS-Bos-- Danks 6-18; Kelly 7-15
KC-Clev-- Volquez 5-20; Anderson 1-5
NY-Tex-- Nova 1-5; Harrison 0-2


Atl-Balt-- Wood 5-20; Gausman 3-4
Ariz-Sea-- Ray 2-10; Montgomery 1-10

DUNKEL'S HIGHLIGHTED GAME


Arizona at Seattle - Monday July 27, 2015


The Diamondbacks head to Seattle tonight to face a Mariners team that is 5-13 in its last 18 games as a favorite of -110 to -150. Arizona is the pick (+110) according to Dunkel, which has the Diamondbacks favored by 2. Dunkel Pick: Arizona (+110). To get all of today’s MLB picks, click on the date below.




MONDAY JULY 27, 2015


Colorado
@
Chicago Cubs
Game 901-902
July 27, 2015 @ 8:05 pm


Dunkel Rating: Colorado
(DeLaRosa) 12.883
Chicago Cubs
(Hendricks) 16.359
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Chicago Cubs
by 3 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Chicago Cubs
-175
No Run Total
Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs
(-175); N/A




Cincinnati
@
St. Louis
Game 903-904
July 27, 2015 @ 8:15 pm


Dunkel Rating: Cincinnati
(Iglesias) 14.881
St. Louis
(Lynn) 16.380
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: St. Louis
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: St. Louis
-215
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: St. Louis
(-215); Over




Milwaukee
@
San Francisco
Game 905-906
July 27, 2015 @ 10:15 pm


Dunkel Rating: Milwaukee
(Lohse) 17.339
San Francisco
(Heston) 16.287
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Milwaukee
by 1
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: San Francisco
-180
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Milwaukee
(+160); Under




Detroit
@
Tampa Bay
Game 907-908
July 27, 2015 @ 7:10 pm


Dunkel Rating: Detroit
(Sanchez) 16.680
Tampa Bay
(Karns) 15.011
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Detroit
by 1 1/2
6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Tampa Bay
-120
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Detroit
(+100); Under




Chicago White Sox
@
Boston
Game 909-910
July 27, 2015 @ 7:10 pm


Dunkel Rating: Chicago White Sox
(Danks) 12.594
Boston
(Kelly) 16.101
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Boston
by 3 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Boston
-135
9
Dunkel Pick: Boston
(-135); Over




Kansas City
@
Cleveland
Game 911-912
July 27, 2015 @ 7:10 pm


Dunkel Rating: Kansas City
(Volquez) 17.387
Cleveland
(Anderson) 14.791
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Kansas City
by 2 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Kansas City
-115
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Kansas City
(-115); Over




NY Yankees
@
Texas
Game 913-914
July 27, 2015 @ 8:05 pm


Dunkel Rating: NY Yankees
(Nova) 15.526
Texas
(Harrison) 16.461
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Texas
by 1
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: NY Yankees
-135
9
Dunkel Pick: Texas
(+115); Under




Atlanta
@
Baltimore
Game 915-916
July 27, 2015 @ 7:05 pm


Dunkel Rating: Atlanta
(Wood) 14.620
Baltimore
(Gausman) 12.800
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Atlanta
by 2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Baltimore
-170
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta
(+150); Under




Arizona
@
Seattle
Game 917-918
July 27, 2015 @ 10:10 pm


Dunkel Rating: Arizona
(Ray) 16.995
Seattle
(Mntgmery) 15.122
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total: Arizona
by 2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total: Seattle
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Arizona
(+110); Over

Monday's six-pack


Current spreads on some NFL spreads down the road.......


Week 2-- Seahawks @ Packers (-3)
Week 3-- Broncos @ Lions (even)
Week 4-- Cowboys @ Saints (-1)
Week 5-- Steelers @ Chargers (-2)
Week 12-- Ravens (-2.5) @ Browns
Week 17-- Patriots (-1.5) @ Dolphins


-----------------------------------


Monday's List of 13: Nobody asked me, but.........


13) Johnny Cueto to the Royals for three lefty pitchers; then the Reds go out and give up 17 runs to the Rockies. When the front office runs a white flag up the flagpole, players follow suit. A's got swept in San Francisco after trading Scott Kazmir.


12) Thats not to say that over the long haul, these are bad moves, just that 2015 is over for selling teams and players/coaches are showing up just because they have to.


11) It is always very cool to see Hall of Famers introduced before the ceremonies in Cooperstown. Hank Aaron remains the most underrated player ever.


10) Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher threw out the first pitch at the Rays' game in St Pete Sunday; Bucs' QB/FSU alum Jameis Winston caught the pitch.


9) We criticize the NFL for anti-celebration rules, then you see Arena League players mimicking WWE celebrations after TDs and you realize why the NFL rules exist.


8) Really, really like the Pirates' throwback uniforms, which they wear at home every Sunday- they're the uniforms from the 1971 World Series champs.


7) Pirates' RF Gregory Polanco made a great throw to nail Bryce Harper out at 2B on a ball he hit off the RF wall yesterday. Great play fielding the carom, then a better throw nailing Harper at second base.


6) I trust Hillary Clinton about as far as I can throw my car. (not far)


5) Why would major league teams bother to send scouts to see Cole Hamels pitch? What don't they already know about the guy? Just watch the games on satellite.


4) Training camp starts this week; how is it possible that Tom Brady's status has not been clarified? Don't the Patriots have to know how to prepare?


3) Tim Tebow has been working with former big league pitcher Tom House on his throwing nechanics; House was a reliever for the Braves who caught Hank Aaron's 715th home run in the Atlanta bullpen. He used to be the Rangers' pitching coach.


2) Why did the Royals trade for Johnny Cueto? KC starting pitchers have tossed the fewest innings of any team in baseball this season- they need an ace to take some of the stress off their excellent bullpen.


1) My daytime movie watching ends August 12, when NFL Network start re-running all the NFL preseason games- they'll have all 65 games over four weeks.

Monday's Tip Sheet


July 27, 2015




Detroit Tigers at Tampa Bay Rays | 7:10 p.m. ET

This is a big, big series for the Detroit Tigers. With the trade deadline looming, being this Friday, it could be this huge road set with the Tampa Bay Rays -- a team they are currently tied with as both seek to draw closer to a Wild Card berth -- that determines whether they are buyers or sellers, which would then impact the futures of some very, very important players on their roster. One, of course, is former Ray David Price, whom Tampa Bay will face later on in the series, but for now, they draw Anibal Sanchez (10-7, 4.59 ERA) in this series opener. While his ERA would seem to indicate a down season for the 31-year-old right-hander, his recent success might indicate otherwise, as Sanchez has brought that mark down more than a full run since the end of May. Furthermore, he’s won seven straight decisions and the Tigers have won his past eight starts. Even so, Sanchez is interestingly a +110 road ’dog, which could be standout value considering his current streak.


This is also a very important series for the Rays, as these three games also might determine whether or not they are buyers or sellers at the deadline, after having a grasp on first place in the AL East at certain points throughout the season. They’ll counter with rookie Nathan Karns (5-5, 3.47 ERA) in the series opener, which is a fine option to lean on when you consider that Karns has pretty much been as dependable as any rookie this season. In 19 starts, he’s allowed more than two runs only five times, making him a friend for ‘under’ bettors. In fact, he’s cashed the under in five out of his past seven assignments. Predictably, the linesmakers have set the over/under line at 7.

New York Yankees at Texas Rangers | 8:05 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Once again, another nationally-televised Major League Baseball game on ESPN is another affair involving the New York Yankees. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the Yankees continue to roll with their first-place standing in the AL East. What was once a dogfight between all five teams -- who, at one point, were all within 6.5 games of each other -- has seemingly disintegrated, as New York now towers over second-place by 6.5 games alone, with everyone further behind in tow. Being 8-2 in their last 10, the Yankees are looking to keep it going, but will have to avenge an early-season series sweep at the hands of the Rangers to do so. Ivan Nova (2-3, 3.34 ERA) gets the nod for game one, making his sixth start of the season after returning in late-June. He’s been pretty consistent thus far, going five innings or more in all of his outings, while allowing three runs or less in four of them. In the process, his strikeouts have been down since coming back from Tommy John surgery, having registered three or less punch-outs in all but one of his starts.

Facing him in this series opener is another pitcher who just recently returned from a lengthy stint on the disabled list, that being Matt Harrison (1-1, 5.40 ERA), who will be making just his third start of the year. In his first two outings, the results were a complete mixed bag, as in his season debut, he was tagged by the Diamondbacks for six runs in four innings of work, but in his last assignment, which came at dangerous Coors Field in Colorado, he mustered up six shutout innings of seven-hit ball, while issuing only one free pass. Texas has improved again as of late, winning four of their past five in trying to get back to .500. They’re +110 home ’dogs at the moment in this one.

Milwaukee Brewers at San Francisco Giants | 10:15 p.m.

In one of the two late games on this final Monday in July, the Brewers and Giants will begin a three-game set, as San Francisco looks to continue its streaking as of late that has pulled them within one game of first-place in the NL West. In fact, the Giants have won 12 of 14 and have a nice opportunity to continue that in a series against the lackluster Brewers. Chris Heston (10-5, 3.18 ERA) takes the ball in game one, and while he might not be the frontrunner for the NL Rookie of the Year award, he’s certainly in the conversation, as he’s been as consistent as any freshman pitcher in the league this year. Already having a no-hitter under his belt, “Steady Hesty” has been very reliable, and is heating up once again, as he’s yielded a grand total of one run over his past three starts, spanning 21 1/3 innings. As a result, he’s a heavy -170 home favorite.

The high chalk also has much to do with his counterpart this evening, that being veteran Kyle Lohse (5-11, 6.29 ERA), who has been having one of the worst seasons of his 15-year career. He’s actually been so bad that while the Brewers are clearly sellers at the trade deadline, it’s hard to see any contender even want Lohse, despite his success and playoff experience in the recent past. If they do trade him, it will probably be for an absolute minimal gain. In any case, the Brewers have lost six of Lohse’s last eight starts, as the 36-year-old has surrendered four runs or more in four of his past five. The over/under is currently 7.5.

Yankees, Rangers clash


July 27, 2015




NEW YORK YANKEES (55-42) at TEXAS RANGERS (47-50)


First pitch: Monday, 8:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: New York -110, Texas +100, Total: 9


The New York Yankees look to win their seventh straight series when they head to the Lone Star State and take on the Texas Rangers on Monday night.


The Yankees were treading water in the early parts of the season, going in and out of first place in what has become a mediocre division, but have found a great rhythm and are 7-2 since the All-Star break as they hold a 6.5-game lead over their closest divisional rivals; the Blue Jays.


Most recently, they took on another tough competitor in the Twins over the weekend and were able to win two of the three contests, combining for 15 runs scored in the two victories. New York took the rubber-match of the set on Sunday by a score of 7-2 behind seven hits; four of which went for extra bases. A big contributor was 3B Chase Headley (.263) who had a homer and three RBIs and is 10-for-32 (.313) with nine RBIs in the nine games since the break.


On the other side of the diamond, the Rangers continue to fall out of the AL West race, but have looked solid of late with wins in four of their last five games. All of those came on the road where they have played nine straight and followed up a series win in Colorado with victories in 2-of-3 games against the Angels.


They failed to get the sweep against Los Angeles, though, with a big 13-7 loss on Sunday afternoon despite getting 12 hits and going 3-for-9 with RISP. One of the best hitters on the team since the break has been 2B Rougned Odor (.271), who is 16-for-40 (.400) with four homers, 10 RBIs and 11 runs.


The pitching matchup in this one will feature RHP Ivan Nova (2-3, 3.34 ERA) of the Yankees as he faces LHP Matt Harrison (1-1, 5.40 ERA) of the host Texas group. New York bumped its road record to an even 25-25 on the year with its win on Sunday as it takes on these Rangers who are a meager 16-26 (.381) in front of their fans. Texas has gotten the best of the Yankees since the start of the 2013 campaign, going 10-7 in that time while posting a 4-3 record at home in that stretch.


Trends show that New York is 38-23 (.623) when the money line is +125 to -125 this year as the Rangers are 29-17 (.630) after having won five or six of their last seven games in the past two years.


Outfield depth in the form of OFs Mason Williams (Shoulder) and Slade Heathcott (Quad) are missing for the Yankees as 2B Jurickson Profar (Shoulder) remains out for the duration of 2015 for the home squad.


Nova successfully made the long trek back from Tommy John surgery and has been solid in his five starts since his return. Much of the success has come from batters hitting a putrid .253 BABIP against him which has led to a 4.82 FIP (Fielder Independent Pitching), showing that he is expected to regress.


One of his issues has been minimal strikeouts (4.6 K/9) as he has already allowed four home runs in his 29.2 innings pitched (1.21 HR/9). He has struck out more than three batters just once in that time, but is coming off a quality start when he earned a win against the Orioles after going six innings of three-hit, two-run baseball with three strikeouts. He has gone 2-2 (2-3 team record) with a 4.80 ERA (1.43 WHIP) and did well (7 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 4 K) when facing them in 2013.


OF Josh Hamilton (6-for-10, 3 doubles) has had no issues when taking on Nova, while on the other hand, SS Elvis Andrus is hitless in eleven at-bats against the 28-year-old.


The Yankees bullpen has gone 17-9 with a 3.38 ERA (1.17 WHIP) and is 32-for-39 (82%) in save chances while striking out 10.01 batters per nine innings as a group (2nd-best in MLB). Andrew Miller (1.57 ERA, 23 saves) has yet to blow a save on the year and is striking out a ton of batters (14.2 K/9) while holding 83.3% of runners on base.


After two huge seasons in 2011 and 2012, where Harrison combined to go 32-20 with an ERA lower than 3.40 each year, the lefty has tallied a mere eight starts since the start of 2012 as he is coming off his most recent injury; a spinal fusion surgery. He’s hit the mound twice since his return and is still on an innings pitch limit as he continues to get his arm back to where it was. Harrison was phenomenal in his last time out, going six shutout innings with seven hits allowed and two strikeouts in Colorado.


Over his five outings against the Yanks, he is 2-2 (2-3 team record) with a 3.70 ERA (1.49 WHIP) and actually has more walks (11) than strikeouts (8) in his last three attempts. DH Alex Rodriguez will look to continue his huge comeback campaign as he is 5-for-12 with two doubles and five RBI against Harrison in his career. On the other hand, 1B Mark Teixeira (2-for-13, 2 doubles) and OF Jacoby Ellsbury (3-for-14) have struggled against the lefty.


The relievers for the Rangers have been poor as a unit this year, going 15-14 with a league-worst 4.59 ERA (1.37 WHIP) and have been successful in 25-of-37 (68%) save opportunities. Shawn Tolleson (3.19 ERA, 17 saves) has just one blown save this year after beginning the season as the set-up man.

Cardinals are Monday's top play


The public loves the St. Louis Cardinals in their game against the Cincinnati Reds Monday night, according to our Covers Consensus.


A whopping 77.36 percent of wagers are backing the Cardinals in the opener of a three-game series at Busch Stadium, despite the heavy -184 chalk.


The Cardinals send right-hander Lance Lynn (7-6, 2.80 ERA) to the mound to go up against the Reds' righty Raisel Iglesias (1-2, 5.45 ERA).