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NL Futures analysis


July 28, 2015


With August on the horizon, the odyssey that is the major league baseball season finally has an end in sight. The 60-game sprint has major appeal considering the volume of teams that still have to feel like they have a chance to make the postseason thanks to the second wild card.


Entering Monday’s games, the entire American League and 10 of the National’s teams were within eight games of the final playoff spot. With the trade deadline coming on July 31, a few teams are going to strengthen their chances, following the lead of AL-best Kansas City, which went out and got former Reds ace Johnny Cueto. A few other teams still in contention will wind up sellers, which makes this a great week to get in on MLB Futures.


Odds to win the AL and NL pennants as well as the World Series have been updated at numerous shops, so we’ll post our pre-trade deadline recommendations for the American League here and for the National League below. (Odds via 5Dimes)


Arizona (+12000 to win NL, +23000 to win it all): While Paul Goldschmidt is having an MVP-type season, the Diamondbacks look like a team whose current ceiling is .500. Considering they won 64 games last year in finishing with baseball’s worst record, shooting for the stars and topping 80 would be an impressive improvement. That won’t make the playoffs though.


Atlanta (+10000 to win NL, +22000 to win it all): The Braves knew coming into the season that they were rebuilding and have actually performed far better than expected. Even with Freddie Freeman back, this offense would struggle to do enough damage to win your Tuesday night softball league.


Chi.Cubs (+930 to win NL, +2500 to win it all): Despite falling well behind the Cardinals and Pirates, the Cubs have realistic aspirations of making the postseason since 2008. Including the Bartman game, they’ve lost eight straight and this year’s best-case scenario likely offers one crack to snap that nasty streak and advance in a one-game playoff. You’ll either hear they’re too young or so young they’re bullet-proof, depending on the results. I’d hold off on any serious investments here.


Cincinnati (+16000 to win NL, +32000 to win it all): Selling off Cueto was your cue to check out here, even though the Reds did enter the season with a talent base that should’ve produced more victories than they’ve managed. Manager Brian Price should be on a short leash going forward.


Colorado (+30000 to win NL, +85000 to win it all): Last year’s Rockies won 66 games due to massive injuries. This year’s team barely got going and has often appeared disinterested despite the usual gaudy offensive numbers. Denver baseball fans have been stuck watching their team’s fifth straight losing season tediously unfold.


LA Dodgers (+290 to win NL, +600 to win it all): The brilliance of starting pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke has helped the Dodgers become chalk, but you’re best off pouncing now since there’s a chance they’ll become even more of a favorite to win the World Series. Expected to make an upgrade between now and week’s end, adding an arm like a Cole Hamels would definitely force books to adjust further as the betting public piles on. Yasiel Puig hasn’t even found his groove. The time is now to pounce on Don Mattingly’s Dodgers if you're going to.


Miami (+16000 to win NL, +42000 to win it all): Since Jose Fernandez, Giancarlo Stanton and Dee Gordon have all missed significant time, the Marlins never had a chance this season. The Fish scored four runs in the last three games of their West Coast swing, all losses, but should get Gordon back this week and will have Stanton back soon. They could play a spoiler role in September but have no chance at making the playoffs.


Milwaukee (+25000 to win NL, +80000 to win it all): Starting 4-17 effectively ended their season early. Although the Brewers have put together one eight-game winning streak already, coming up with another wouldn’t make much difference given the hole they’ve dug themselves. No chance here.


NY Mets (+1000 to win NL, +2200 to win it all): It’s tempting to take a shot on those wonderful Mets arms, but adding Jose Uribe and Kelly Johnson to upgrade the lineup isn’t going to cut it in terms of shoring up the massive weakness. David Wright should be back at some point, but expecting him to hit the ground running isn’t something I want to be stuck backing. Tyler Clippard joining the bullpen should help, but expecting New York to fall further out of the Wild Card race appears more likely.


Pittsburgh (+650 to win NL, +1300 to win it all): If Gerrit Cole, Francisco Liriano and AJ Burnett don’t wear down, there’s enough pitching to take a shot here, especially with Cole around to trust in a one-and-done Wild Card. The Pirates are likely to make an addition or two and certainly would pay off handsomely given the current odds. They’ve won 3-of-4 against the Cardinals and Nationals in July, not to mention sweeping the Padres. It’s time to hop on the bandwagon if you’re going to.


San Diego (+5500 to win NL, +21000 to win it all): They’re not through yet, but need to win at nearly a 70 percent clip to overcome a lethargic season thus far. Although the payoff would be tremendous, there’s no way to seriously expect the Padres to play well enough to overcome the seven teams already in front of them. Fairy tale endings are nice, but irrational to consider given what we’ve seen thus far from this bunch of underachievers. Odds are they’ll be sellers.


San Francisco (+860 to win NL, +2200 to win it all): The hottest team in baseball happens to be the defending champs, who have found their footing with wins in 12 of 13 games after opening their series with Milwaukee with a 4-2 win. They’re right on the Dodgers heels and still have a number of intangibles in play, including Madison Bumgarner to pitch a Wild Card game. Take advantage of these odds while your still can. They’re not going to be this friendly much longer.


St. Louis (+350 to win NL, +630 to win it all): The Cardinals have amassed the best record in baseball and are exceptional at home. This bodes well for them since they’ve got a substantial lead for home field advantage in the National League, but there are certainly questions about their starting rotation since it doesn’t appear they’ll replace Adam Wainwright. Although John Lackey, Carlos Martinez, Lance Lynn and Michael Wacha can hold the fort down, there are enough question marks to resist riding with the Redbirds. They’ve added Steve Cishek to the bullpen and are reportedly looking to pick up another bat, but I’d wait to see if there’s not a more lucrative payoff available next month in case they hit a rough patch. At the moment, having the best record in baseball in spite of a few glaring question marks doesn’t make for a good buy.


Washington (+390 to win NL, +725 to win it all): Ace Max Scherzer has done his part in anchoring a rotation that was expected to be baseball’s deepest and most formidable, but only Jordan Zimmermann has joined him in being consistent. Doug Fister, Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez have all had their issues, as has the bullpen. Both the defense and the bats have also had moments that haven’t inspired confidence, though it will help that slugger Jayson Werth is returning to the lineup to provide better protection for standout Bryce Harper. Playing in baseball’s weakest division lends itself nicely to ensuring the Nats will make the playoffs, but nothing Matt Williams has done as a manager leads you to believe he can lead this team to the top.

AL Futures analysis


July 27, 2015


With August on the horizon, the odyssey that is the major league baseball season finally has an end in sight. The 60-game sprint has major appeal considering the volume of teams that still have to feel like they have a chance to make the postseason thanks to the second wild card.


Entering Monday’s games, the entire American League and 10 of the National’s teams were within eight games of the final playoff spot. With the trade deadline coming on July 31, a few teams are going to strengthen their chances, following the lead of AL-best Kansas City, which went out and got former Reds ace Johnny Cueto. A few others still in contention will wind up sellers, which makes this a great week to get in on MLB Futures.


Odds to win the AL and NL pennants as well as the World Series have been updated at numerous shops, so we’ll post our pre-trade deadline recommendations for the American League below and for the National League here. (Odds via 5Dimes)


Baltimore (+1500 to win AL, +3500 to win it all): For the sheer value of it, the Orioles are most certainly worth investing in right now. After a demoralizing sweep at the hands of the Yankees, the Birds rallied to win two of three in Tampa Bay and have the Braves and Tigers coming into Camden Yards this week as they look to surge into August. Steve Pearce just hit the 15-day DL, but this is as healthy as they’ve been all season and the price is right since many have written them off.


Boston (+2500 to win AL, +5000 to win it all): Coming off a 7 RBI-game from David Ortiz and their first post-All-Star series win, it’s now or never for the AL’s biggest disappointment. Flushing money down the toilet would serve the same purpose as backing this bunch.


Chi.Sox (+4000 to win AL, +10000 to win it all): Though they’re coming off a four-game road sweep of the Indians, this team has too many holes to legitimately get behind despite the enticing odds.


Cleveland (+1900 to win AL, +3500 to win it all): Swept by the White Sox to fall to last in the Central, the Tribe is rebuilding on the run as young players like Giovanny Urshela and Francisco Lindor gain valuable experience. That doesn’t serve our purposes.


Detroit (+1600 to win AL, +3000 to win it all): You can’t responsibly buy right now, but if David Price remains on the roster following Friday, I’d suggest picking up a few shares here. Despite being a massive disappointments all season and lingering bullpen woes, they’re still in the wild card hunt. Miguel Cabrera should be back towards the middle of August and has already started moving some in his return from a severe calf sprain. If Price is around, they would be a tough out in a one-game Wild Card playoff.


Houston (+590 to win AL, +1400 to win it all): Though still right there with the Angels in the AL West and atop the Wild Card standings, I recommend passing here. The bullpen is worth backing, but barring another significant addition like Scott Kazmir, the starting pitching remains spotty and there are too many all-or-nothing propositions in the lineup.


Kansas City (+270 to win AL, +630 to win it all): Sign up here. In spite of manager Ned Yost’s maddening decisions, the Royals adding Cueto to a rotation that figures to improve with Yordano Ventura and Danny Duffy coming along strengthens the probability that they will end up with home field throughout the postseason. I don’t see their odds increasing, so you may as well buy now while the getting is good.


LA Angels (+520 to win AL, +1200 to win it all): There are still valid questions over an inconsistent starting rotation and a lineup that has been overly reliant on the brilliance of Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. On blind faith that they add a piece this week and wind up holding off Houston, I’d take a conservative shot here.


Minnesota (+1800 to win AL, +4700 to win it all): Currently the AL’s second Wild Card, it would be surprising to see them hold on to the spot. Their road record is indicative of a team that has played over their heads and is set to suffer a slide.


NY Yankees (+460 to win AL, +1300 to win it all): There’s a genuine dilemma here. The Yanks are thriving and have seen their value take a hit due to a hot streak that has caught everyone’s attention, but waiting a few weeks for them to suffer through a cold spell may not work out. Because they’ve opened a substantial lead in the AL East, picking up a difference-maker out of the bullpen or another bat will almost certainly force books to re-adjust their lines further. Better to get in now and hope Brian Cashman can land an Aroldis Chapman, Craig Kimbrel or Jonathan Papelbon.


Oakland (+3700 to win AL, +9000 to win it all): As the Kazmir deal illustrated, GM Billy Beane is already selling off assets and cutting his losses on a lost season. There’s no reason to invest any energy in the AL West’s worst team.


Seattle (+3300 to win AL, +9000 to win it all): With Felix Hernandez having given up four earned runs in the last 33 innings, he’s definitely locked in on leading his team back into contention. Young starters Hisashi Iwakuma, Mike Montgomery and Taijuan Walker have provided a boost of late, so with James Paxton due back in September, the Mariners arms should hold up. Among the current longshots, this is definitely the one to get behind.


Tampa Bay (+1700 to win AL, +5000 to win it all): A solid bullpen and some promising young bats have kept the Rays in contention, especially with ace Chris Archer emerging as a Cy Young candidate. That said, a losing home record and a lineup filled with guys who have no proven track record performing when the competition intensifies makes this a team to fade.


Texas (+4500 to win AL, +13500 to win it all): The Rangers have more games remaining in Arlington than any team in baseball has left in their own park. Unfortunately, the fact they have baseball’s worst winning percentage at home tempers any enthusiasm regarding that little tidbit. Texas may play the spoiler role well, but don’t expect to see them in the postseason.


Toronto (+1300 to win AL, +3300 to win it all): Their odds are similar to Baltimore’s and their record, .500 through 100 games, is actually superior. Unfortunately, despite one of baseball’s most explosive offenses, the pitching just isn’t there for me to endorse getting behind the Blue Jays. That said, if you're more hopeful or have the inclination they're about to land another arm, now is the time to pull the trigger. Of Toronto’s next 19 games, 16 will be at home, which means their final push is likely to begin now.

Preview: Braves (46-52) at Orioles (48-49)
Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: July 28, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Win streaks have been hard to come by lately for the Baltimore Orioles. Facing a team that has struggled mightily on the road could help them extend their current one.


The Orioles hope to see Ubaldo Jimenez maintain his home success as they try to make it four straight wins Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves.


This hasn't been a very good month for the Orioles, who are 8-13 in July even with their first three-game win streak since late June. They've fallen seven games off the pace in the AL East but are just three behind Minnesota in the race for the final wild-card spot.


It didn't look like the win streak would continue after All-Star closer Zach Britton surrendered a home run to Braves rookie Adonis Garcia in the ninth inning of Monday's series opener. That was the game's lone run to that point, but the Orioles (49-49) scored in the bottom half on J.J. Hardy's sacrifice fly and Matt Wieters led off the 11th with a home run for a 2-1 victory.


'To win the last three games, it's been a challenge for us, so I think it's coming at a good time,' manager Buck Showalter said.


Wieters matched a season high with three hits, connecting for his first home run in 19 games.


'Right now being where we are, cherishing a win is big,' Wieters said. 'To be able to keep piling up wins is what we need to do.'


Baltimore has only scored 12 runs and batted .229 during its three-game streak, instead relying on a starting staff that has posted a 1.31 ERA in those contests.


The Braves (46-53) have lost 14 of 18 on the road, batting .178 with runners in scoring position after Monday's 0-for-9 effort.


Eury Perez had three hits and Nick Markakis added a pair in his return to Baltimore, where he spent his first nine seasons.


Jimenez (7-6, 3.81 ERA) should be happy to be back on the Camden Yards mound after allowing 14 runs and 15 hits over seven innings in his first two starts since the All-Star break - both on the road.


The right-hander lasted a season-low 2 1-3 innings in Thursday's 9-3 loss to the New York Yankees, giving up seven runs, eight hits and three walks.


'I was executing my pitches down in the zone and right now I'm missing right down the middle,' said Jimenez in comparing his success before the break to his struggles after it.


He is 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA in seven home starts, tossing eight innings in a 4-0 victory over Cleveland on June 28 in his most recent appearance.


Jimenez is 2-2 with a 2.57 ERA in his past four starts against the Braves but will be facing them for the first time since 2013.


Jonny Gomes is 7 for 19 (.368) with three homers in this matchup.


Julio Teheran (6-5, 4.49) looks to continue a string of solid outings for Atlanta after going 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in his last four starts.


The right-hander struck out seven of the first 10 batters he faced Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers before struggling with his command in the fifth. He finished with a career high-tying 11 strikeouts over seven innings and allowed three runs in a 3-1 loss.


Teheran, who has never faced the Orioles, is 0-4 with a 7.61 ERA in nine road starts since winning his first of the season.


Travis Snider has the most experience of any Orioles hitter against Teheran, going 3 for 7 with two doubles. Snider is 2 for 31 (.065) this month, however.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Braves at Orioles
Mon, Jul 27 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


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


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

Preview: Phillies (37-63) at Blue Jays (50-50)
Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: July 28, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

The Toronto Blue Jays are running out of opportunities to make a move in the AL East race - something of which they are fully aware.


Following another costly loss, the Jays try to get back on track Tuesday night when they open a two-game home series with the last-place Philadelphia Phillies, who nevertheless have surged over the past two weeks.


Toronto (50-50) continued its up-and-down play Sunday by blowing a 5-3 lead and losing 6-5 in 10 innings at Seattle, the lowlight being a triple play caused by a baserunning blunder. The Jays have gone 9-14 in their last 23.


First-place New York, meanwhile, has baseball's best record in July and its largest lead of the season.


'We've got to go out there and play every day,' left-hander Mark Buehrle said. 'The Yankees, they're not giving up. We've got to obviously just play our game and hopefully win games when they start losing games. I don't think they're going to go on the roll that they are right now, but it could get to the point where it's too late. We've got to keep our heads up and keep on playing. We ran into some good teams and some good pitching. Just the way it goes.'


The Blue Jays have allowed 17 runs in the past three games, with the bullpen giving up three in 3 2-3 innings Sunday. Toronto's 4.07 ERA is near the bottom of the AL.


The club should very happy to be starting a 10-game homestand given its 28-19 record at Rogers Centre. The Jays' struggles on the road have been one of the major factors in their inability to keep up in the race.


'It's disappointing,' manager John Gibbons said after his team finished 3-3 on its West Coast trip. 'We're not in a position to do this. Time's not on our side. We're chasing some pretty good teams. Frustrating, tough game.'


Felix Doubront's last two starts probably won't encourage much optimism from Gibbons on Tuesday. The left-hander has given up seven earned runs over 9 2-3 innings of those games, both on the road.


Doubront (1-0, 4.34 ERA) threw 92 pitches in just 4 2-3 innings Wednesday, allowing two earned runs, seven hits and two walks in a 4-3 loss to Oakland. He's never faced Philadelphia.


He'll likely need be better against the Phillies (37-63), who despite their MLB-worst record have won eight of nine since the All-Star break and scored five or more runs in six of the last seven. They completed an impressive road sweep of the Chicago Cubs in emphatic fashion Sunday, winning 11-5 the day after Cole Hamels delivered a no-hitter.


Ryan Howard homered for the second straight day, Maikel Franco also went deep and had three RBIs and Domonic Brown drove in three for Philadelphia, which piled up 17 hits.


Twenty-one of the club's 40 hits in the three-game series went for extra bases.


" ... The reason you play the young guys ... You kind of hope it comes around in this manner to where you're putting some runs on the board and consistent at-bats," interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "And we're getting more consistent at-bats from these guys, and I think that's why we're scoring more runs."


Rookie left-hander Adam Morgan (1-2, 4.28) is set to make his sixth start for the Phillies after lasting 4 1-3 innings and giving up three runs and nine hits in a 5-4 home victory over Tampa Bay on Wednesday.


Trade rumors continue to swirl around Philadelphia, which could move Hamels, closer Jonathan Papelbon and others before Friday's deadline.


Toronto has won eight straight meetings in this series.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Phillies at Blue Jays
Tue, Jul 28 - 7:07PM EDT


GAME 2
Phillies at Blue Jays
Wed, Jul 29 - 7:07PM EDT

Preview: White Sox (46-50) at Red Sox (44-55)
Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The acquisition of Jeff Samardzija was one of the many moves the Chicago White Sox made in the offseason that had them believing they could make a run at the playoffs.


That hasn't been the case for the majority of the season and with Samardzija set to become a free agent this fall, he's the most likely candidate to be traded before Friday's deadline.


Samardzija takes the mound for what could be his last start with the White Sox on Tuesday night against the last-place Boston Red Sox, but Chicago's recent surge could make the decision on whether to deal him a little tougher.


The White Sox have been at or near the bottom of the AL Central all year behind the fewest runs in the majors, which could lead to them being sellers at the deadline.


Chicago, however, won 10-8 in the opener of this four-game series Monday after scoring 26 times while sweeping a four-game set in Cleveland. The White Sox (47-50), who have won nine of 10 on the road, are within 4 1/2 games of Minnesota for the second wild card.


"It's just the parity of the game right now. Within each front office of every team, they have an idea of how they feel it's going," Samardzija told MLB's official website. "Sometimes the record doesn't totally show the situation of the team, so I'm sure they assess that amongst themselves and go from there."


Contending teams would certainly be interested in Samardzija, who has turned things around after having a 4.93 ERA in early June. The right-hander has since gone 3-1 with a 2.55 ERA in eight starts, allowing one run and four hits in eight innings of an 8-1 win over Cleveland on Thursday.


Samardzija (7-5, 3.91 ERA) hasn't pitched against the Red Sox since 2012, though their top two offseason signings - Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval - faced him when he was with the Cubs and they were in the NL.


Ramirez is 8 for 19 with two doubles and Sandoval has gone 3 for 7 with a homer in the matchup.


The Red Sox added Ramirez and Sandoval after they finished last in the AL East in 2014, but it hasn't helped as that's again their place in the standings.


Boston (44-56) began to sell off parts Monday, sending outfielder Shane Victorino to the Los Angeles Angels for infielder Josh Rutledge. Rusney Castillo was recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket and went 1 for 2 with two runs while starting in right field.


"We'd like to see him get a good chunk of playing time at the major league level and get comfortable with being here every day," general manager Ben Cherington said.


The Red Sox also brought in Wade Miley (8-8, 4.33) during the offseason, and like Samardzija he's been much better of late. The left-hander had a 5.07 ERA in his first 12 starts before recording a 3.33 mark in his last eight.


Miley gave up one run over six innings but continued to struggle with his command as he walked five in a 5-4 walk-off loss to Houston on Thursday. He's among the major league leaders with 44 bases on balls.


Miley didn't walk a batter and allowed two runs over seven innings to beat the White Sox 4-3 in his only matchup May 10, 2014, while with Arizona.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
White Sox at Red Sox
Mon, Jul 27 Final 10 to 8


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 (59-38) at Indians (45-52)
Game: 2
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

The Kansas City Royals are looking for Johnny Cueto to make an impact in the postseason but his presence will first be felt in the starting rotation.


Chris Young makes his case to remain among the starters Tuesday night when the Royals attempt to send the Cleveland Indians to their longest home losing streak in 40 years.


Kansas City (60-38) has matched the best start in franchise history through 98 games, set in 1976 and equaled four years later. The Royals won their only World Series in 1985 and acquiring Cueto from Cincinnati for a trio of left-handers Sunday makes them a favorite for the championship.


Cueto is scheduled to make his debut Friday at Toronto but his arrival will first alter the rotation with Young (8-6, 3.32 ERA) and Jeremy Guthrie - Wednesday's scheduled starter for the finale of this three-game set - the candidates to move to the bullpen.


"We don't have to make (that decision) now," manager Ned Yost told MLB's official website. "And we haven't made it."


Six of Young's seven career relief appearances have come this year, allowing two runs in 12 innings. Guthrie's most recent call from the bullpen came with Colorado in 2012.


"Chris has shown he can do it," Yost said. "Guthrie has never really been put in that position. It all factors in."


Young's latest performance could sway the decision. The right-hander gave up a pair of two-run homers in three innings of a 4-3 loss at St. Louis for his shortest start of the season.


Young has started one of three meetings with Cleveland (45-53) this year, giving up six runs in five innings of a 6-2 loss June 4.


Eric Hosmer has pounded the Indians in 10 games this season, hitting .390 with four homers and 17 RBIs. He matched his season high with four RBIs Monday, connecting for a three-run homer among his three hits in a 9-4 win as Kansas City won for the 15th time in 20 games.


Hosmer is batting .450 in the past 16 games, increasing his season average 28 points to a personal-best .308.


Kendrys Morales doubled on one of his three hits and drove in three runs Monday, giving him seven hits in three games. He's 8 for 19 with eight RBIs in four games at Cleveland this year.


The Indians are facing the possibility of an eight-game home losing streak for the first time since June 1975. They've been outscored 35-9 while losing the first five of this seven-game homestand.


Jason Kipnis expressed his frustration Sunday saying the team's problems stemmed from a lack of accountability.


"That comment had nothing with (manager Terry Francona)," Kipnis said Monday. "Tito is our manager - he's not a baby sitter."


Trevor Bauer gets the ball and he's 3-5 with a 6.40 ERA over his last eight starts after going 3-1 with a 1.75 ERA in his previous five.


The right-hander is 1-3 with a 9.15 ERA in his last four outings at home.


Bauer (8-7, 4.29) was hammered for six runs and three homers in six-plus innings of Thursday's 8-1 loss to the visiting Chicago White Sox.


"The definition of insanity is you try the same thing over and over and expect different result," Bauer said. "I'm not insane, so clearly there's some adjustments to be made."


He's 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA in two starts against Kansas City this year, yielding two runs in 6 2-3 innings to win opposite Young on June 4.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Royals at Indians
Mon, Jul 27 Final 9 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


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


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

Preview: Nationals (52-45) at Marlins (41-58)
Game: 1
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Jordan Zimmermann's ERA is more than two runs higher on the road, and even if he's able to correct that it might not be enough against Jose Fernandez at Marlins Park.


The Miami ace has a chance to be the first pitcher in 33 years to win his first 15 home decisions Tuesday night against the Washington Nationals, and Zimmermann could have the added chore of facing Dee Gordon.


Fernandez (3-0, 2.77 ERA) earned the decision in Wednesday's 5-3 win in Arizona, surrendering three runs and five hits with a season-high 11 strikeouts in seven innings of his fourth start back from Tommy John surgery.


"I feel pretty healthy. I feel real normal," Fernandez told MLB's official website. "I feel, I don't want to say like I was before, but I feel like I have grown as a pitcher."


His last two starts have come on the road after winning his first two at home to get to 14-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 22 career starts in Miami. LaMarr Hoyt was the last to have this sort of career-opening run with 16 wins in 10 starts and 30 relief appearances from 1979-82, though it came with a 3.04 ERA.


Among starting pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched in their home ballpark since the start of 2013, Jacob deGrom's 1.59 mark is closest to that of Fernandez. Aroldis Chapman (1.06) is the only reliever with 100 innings pitched and a lower home ERA.


The electric right-hander has made all three of his career starts against Washington in Miami, going 1-0 with a 0.45 ERA. Ian Desmond (0 for 9 with seven strikeouts) and Bryce Harper (0 for 4 with two strikeouts) have been the main victims on the current roster.


That figures to load the pressure on Zimmermann (8-5, 3.30 ERA), who hasn't lost in his last six starts but is 1-0 with a 5.06 in his past three. The win came over Baltimore on July 11 in his last road start, but he gave up four runs and nine hits in five innings of the 7-4 victory. He's 4-2 with a 4.67 ERA in eight away starts while posting a 2.53 mark in 12 at home.


The right-hander has gone 7-0 with a 2.58 ERA in his last 13 starts against the Marlins, and he's 4-1 with a 2.49 mark in 10 career starts in Miami. Catchers J.T. Realmuto and Jeff Mathis are both 0 for 8 against Zimmermann, but Martin Prado is 9 for 23.


Zimmermann could be catching the Marlins (41-58) at the right time after they concluded a 3-7 road trip with three straight losses to San Diego in which they scored four runs. Miami, though, has won six of seven at home.


The recent struggles came without Gordon, who has been out since July 11 with a dislocated left thumb but could be activated for the series opener. The second baseman's .338 average ranks second in the NL, but he's 3 for 15 against Zimmermann.


The Nationals (52-45) began their own 10-game trip by dropping three of four to Pittsburgh. Michael A. Taylor homered for a second straight game in Sunday's 3-1 loss, and he's 5 for 9 after batting .154 in his previous 13 contests.


"It's nice to hit," Taylor said. "I kind of went through a tough streak. Hopefully, I can build off the last couple and have a couple of more good days."


The lineup could be getting an additional boost with Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman potentially joining Washington on the trip.


The Marlins have won four of six in the season series, including a three-game sweep in Miami from April 24-26.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Nationals at Marlins
Tue, Jul 28 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Nationals at Marlins
Wed, Jul 29 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Nationals at Marlins
Thu, Jul 30 - 12:10PM EDT

Preview: Padres (47-52) at Mets (51-48)
Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

While James Shields' days with the San Diego Padres could be numbered, the New York Mets expect Noah Syndergaard to be one of the cornerstones of their future.


As Shields goes after only his second win in 10 starts, the Padres will try for their fourth straight victory Tuesday night in the opener of a 10-game trip against Syndergaard and the Mets.


Shields (8-3, 3.77 ERA) has been the subject of trade rumors in his first season with San Diego (47-52), which has been a disappointment at 8 1/2 games out in the NL West.


Since going 7-0 with 2.51 walks per nine innings and a 7.2 run-support average in his first 12 starts, the right-hander is 1-3 with 4.56 walks per nine and a 2.8 RSA in his last nine.


Shields hasn't lasted past the sixth in any of his last three starts. He allowed no runs and three hits with seven strikeouts over five innings in Wednesday's 7-1 home loss to San Francisco, throwing 96 pitches.


The 33-year-old is among several big-money players the club could move before the trade deadline.


"It's professional baseball and those types of things happen and whatever happens we are going to move forward," interim manager Pat Murphy told MLB's official website.


San Diego has made a push by winning eight of 11, though it's likely to be too little, too late. The team allowed just four runs in taking the last three of a four-game home series with Miami.


Justin Upton, one of those mentioned in trade rumors, isn't ready to give up. He went 2 for 3 with a home run in Sunday's 3-2 win after going 6 for 56 (.107) in his previous 16 games.


'I think this (Mets) series coming up is a big one for us," Upton said. "We have to play well against a good team with good pitching, so we're going to have to do some good pitching of our own.'


Shields gave up two runs over seven innings in a 7-3 home win over the Mets (51-48) on June 3. Curtis Granderson (7 for 61) and new addition Kelly Johnson (2 for 16) have struggled when facing Shields.


Syndergaard (4-5, 2.97) has solidified his place in New York's young rotation by going 2-1 with a 1.59 ERA with 34 strikeouts over 34 innings in his last five starts.


The rookie right-hander did not factor in a 4-3 loss at Washington on Wednesday when he overcame a season-high five walks and allowed one run in five innings. He's been particularly outstanding at home, going 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA.


The Padres were responsible for Syndergaard's worst outing June 2, tagging him for seven runs over four innings in a 7-2 home win. Derek Norris went 2 for 3 with a home run off him.


Yonder Alonso is batting .389 over a 10-game hitting streak versus New York, which is tied with San Diego for the worst batting average in the majors at .236.


The Mets, two games back in the NL East, took the last two of a four-game weekend series with the Los Angeles Dodgers to open a 10-game homestand.


They bolstered their bullpen Monday, acquiring closer Tyler Clippard from Oakland for minor league pitcher Casey Meisner in a swap of right-handers. The 30-year-old Clippard, who is eligible for free agency after this season, went 1-3 with a 2.79 ERA and 17 saves in 21 chances for the Athletics.


Ruben Tejada went 8 for 14 when New York dropped two of three in San Diego in June. The Mets haven't lost a home series to the Padres since 2009, going 11-6 over that span.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Padres at Mets
Tue, Jul 28 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Padres at Mets
Wed, Jul 29 - 7:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Padres at Mets
Thu, Jul 30 - 12:10PM EDT

Preview: Tigers (48-50) at Rays (49-51)
Game: 2
Venue: Tropicana Field
Date: July 28, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

David Price is in a familiar place, just wearing a different uniform, in the days before the trade deadline.


The Detroit Tigers' 29-year-old left-hander is perhaps the biggest name on lists of players most likely to be traded before Friday's deadline. It's not his first time on the rumor mill.


'I've been through it once before,' Price said Monday, 'and once you go though something you're able to learn more about it. It just makes you more comfortable.'


Price (9-3, 2.31 ERA) is scheduled to pitch Tuesday night on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays, the team that traded him to the Tigers hours before the July 31 deadline last year.


'I kind of had an inkling that I was going to be traded but I had no idea who it was going to be to,' he recalled. 'I thought of a couple teams that it could have been to, and the Tigers weren't one of them. So you've got to be ready for anything; there's no telling where you could go, no telling where you could end up.'


That is a common feeling for a lot of players at this time of year.


'For guys that have been in the big leagues for a few years, they understand there's a little different atmosphere before the trade deadline,' Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said.


Price could be a trade candidate because he is eligible to become a free agent for the first time at the end of the season. In the prime of his career, he could be in line for the kind of contracts signed by current teammate Justin Verlander (seven years, $180 million) and former teammate Max Scherzer (seven years, $210 million).


Price said he would prefer to stay and help Detroit (48-51) get back to the World Series. And he is not convinced the Tigers are ready to trade him.


'The Tigers are never sellers. They're always trying to add pieces and looking to the postseason and beyond,' he said. 'We have a very talented group in this clubhouse and we all know that. If we can play the way we're capable of playing, we'll be playing baseball in October.'


Price pitched a one-hitter in his first start as a visitor to Tropicana Field, a 1-0 loss Aug. 21. He's 6-1 with an AL-best 1.65 ERA in 10 road outings.


He'll be opposed by Jake Odorizzi (5-6, 2.85), who is limiting batters to a .175 average in six home starts in going 2-2 with a 1.40 ERA. He yielded two runs in five innings in Wednesday's 5-4, 10-inning loss at Philadelphia.


The right-hander allowed three runs in 6 2-3 innings in his lone start against Detroit, a 6-0 loss Aug. 20. Yoenis Cespedes has the most experience among the Tigers against him, going 1 for 6.


Tampa Bay (50-51) opened this three-game series with Monday's 5-2 victory behind Curt Casali, who recorded the first multihomer effort of his career and drove in three runs.


The Rays had gone 13 straight games without scoring more than four runs, tied for the longest streak in the majors this season.


'We do need offense right now. That's no secret,' manager Kevin Cash said. 'What (Casali) provided today was a huge lift."


Asdrubal Cabrera will likely be back in the lineup for Tampa Bay. The shortstop was activated following Monday's game after being out with a strained right hamstring.


Cespedes and Victor Martinez combined for four of the five hits for Detroit, which has lost 10 of 14.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Tigers at Rays
Mon, Jul 27 Final 2 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps


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


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

Preview: Pirates (57-41) at Twins (52-46)
Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: July 28, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

No strangers to the wild-card game, the Pittsburgh Pirates might find themselves in another win-or-go-home scenario come October.


So could the Minnesota Twins.


The Twins may already be home by that point if their lineup struggles as much as it has to begin the second half, but Minnesota has a good chance to break out Tuesday night as it faces Charlie Morton to open this two-game series with the visiting Pirates.


Pittsburgh (57-41) was four games under .500 after dropping both contests to Minnesota (52-46) at PNC Park two months ago, but it's since gone a major league-best 39-19.


Amazingly, that's only been good enough to make up a few games on St. Louis. Clint Hurdle's club has baseball's third-best record, but with the Cardinals comfortably ahead in the Central, Pittsburgh may find itself in the wild-card game for a third consecutive season.


That's a destination the Twins would welcome after four straight seasons with 70 or fewer wins. Only one of what was a four-game lead for the AL's second wild-card spot has been shaved off despite Minnesota's 3-6 record since the All-Star break.


The Twins were held to two or fewer runs for the fifth time in eight games in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the New York Yankees, dropping the series after winning 10-1 on Friday and leading 5-0 on Saturday.


'You get the first game and you get a little greedy," manager Paul Molitor said. "We let one slip away (Saturday), and sometimes those things carry over somewhat. So you take your medicine, you lose the series and you move on.'


Minnesota's .283 average with runners in scoring position in the first half was sixth best in baseball, but Molitor's club is coming through at a .200 clip in the second half. Rookie Miguel Sano, who went 14 for 37 with a 1.138 OPS in his first 11 major league games, is 3 for 23 since the break.


Sano is hitting .350 with 11 walks against right-handers, though, and he'll see a vulnerable one Tuesday. Morton (6-4, 4.59 ERA) won his first five starts with a 1.62 ERA, but he's posted a 7.76 ERA in his last six.


Four of the five runs he was charged with over 6 2-3 innings in Wednesday's 5-1 loss at Kansas City came in the seventh, including Mike Moustakas' three-run shot that ended Morton's evening.


"I probably had the best stuff I've had all year," Morton, who has never faced Minnesota, told MLB's official website. "That last inning ruined an otherwise good outing. That seems to have happened a lot this year."


The Pirates took three of four from Washington after starting the second half 1-5, but aside from Jung Ho Kang (.400 since the break) and Starling Marte (.385) they're having some trouble at the plate. Pittsburgh is among baseball's leaders in strikeouts with 102 since the All-Star Game and has the second-fewest walks with 17.


The good news for the Pirates is they'll be facing a pitcher who's allowed the highest opponents' on-base percentage (.360) of any qualified starter. Mike Pelfrey (5-7, 3.94) surrendered 11 more baserunners and four runs - two earned - over six innings Wednesday in a 5-2 loss in Anaheim.


In more bad news, the right-hander has been much better at Target Field, where he's posted a 2.22 ERA in eight starts, and in one of his rare successful road outings he held the Pirates to a run over six innings May 20.


Aramis Ramirez, 0 for 7 so far in his second stint with Pittsburgh, is a career .186 (13 for 70) hitter at Target Field.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Pirates at Twins
Tue, Jul 28 - 8:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Pirates at Twins
Wed, Jul 29 - 1:10PM EDT

Preview: Angels (55-43) at Astros (55-45)
Game: 1
Venue: Minute Maid Park
Date: July 28, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Mike Trout has put up MVP numbers since the Los Angeles Angels sent Houston home just over a month ago, and the Angels have overtaken the Astros for the AL West lead.


He's never been much of a threat at Minute Maid Park, but that could change Tuesday night as the Angels - who might have new acquisition Shane Victorino in the lineup - begin a three-game series with hopes of grabbing a firmer hold on the division.


Trout has batted .371 with a 1.303 OPS, 13 home runs and 23 RBIs in 24 games of the team's 18-7 span dating to June 26, when the Astros (55-45) had a five-game lead over the Angels (55-43) and Texas. Houston has gone 12-13 since.


Trout was 4 for 4 with a grand slam and a solo homer in Sunday's 13-7 home win over the Rangers that snapped a three-game losing streak. His 31 home runs lead the total of teammate Albert Pujols by two for the MLB lead, and he's five off his career high from last season with four games remaining in July.


Reaching 30 in his 97th game marks the fastest pace in club history.


"I don't look at that stuff," Trout said. "At the end of the year, if that's where it's at, then that's where it's at. I'm just trying to do whatever I can to help the team win."


It probably follows that he doesn't look at this stuff: Trout has batted .186 in 19 games in Houston for his worst average at any park in the majors, though he did open his season there with a two-homer, five-RBI game April 17.


Trout could have a new left fielder to get used to Tuesday after Los Angeles acquired Victorino and cash from Boston for infielder Josh Rutledge on Monday. The 34-year-old has spent the past three years in Boston, batting .245 in 33 games this season with two stints on the disabled list, but the Angels have struggled to find production in left after cutting ties with Josh Hamilton in April.


Los Angeles and Houston have split 10 games this season, with the Astros winning five of the last six home matchups.


Houston has dropped two straight and nine of 15, batting .228 in that span. It fell 5-1 at Kansas City on Sunday, and manager A.J. Hinch was already looking forward to the Angels and beyond.


"We have to play the whole schedule. These are three of them," Hinch said. "We have some more in September where we match up in our division. It'll be a fun series, two good teams. It's all part of trying to finish the season over the next couple of months rather than the next couple of days."


C.J. Wilson (8-7, 3.59 ERA) makes for a prime pitcher to break out against, going 1-4 with a 9.59 ERA in his last six starts against Houston. Luis Valbuena (4 for 4 with a home run), Jake Marisnick (4 for 8) and Chris Carter (9 for 27 with two homer) have had the most success, but Valbuena is in a 5-for-32 slump.


Wilson last faced the Astros on June 23 in a 13-3 loss, surrendering seven runs in 3 1-3 innings, but he's been better since. The left-hander gave up two runs in five innings of Wednesday's 5-2 win over Minnesota and is 3-1 with a 2.56 ERA in five starts.


He's up against Collin McHugh in a rematch of last month's game, and McHugh (11-5, 4.25) has won back-to-back starts despite surrendering 18 hits in 13 innings. The right-hander allowed two runs in seven innings of Wednesday's 4-2 home victory over Boston, his third straight home win.


McHugh is 3-2 with a 2.08 ERA in six starts against Los Angeles. Trout is 2 for 11 with a home run and five strikeouts in the matchup, and Chris Iannetta (0 for 8 with four strikeouts) and Erick Aybar (2 for 15) have also struggled.


Matt Joyce is 3 for 10 with three doubles against McHugh, but the left fielder could be headed to the seven-day concussion list after taking a knee to the head Sunday in a collision with Aybar.



SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Angels at Astros
Tue, Jul 28 - 8:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Angels at Astros
Wed, Jul 29 - 8:10PM EDT


GAME 3
Angels at Astros
Thu, Jul 30 - 8:10PM EDT

Preview: Athletics (44-56) at Dodgers (56-44)
Game: 1
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: July 28, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

There was a fear that Brett Anderson's last start could have ended his season. Instead, he'll be back on the mound six days later to take on his former team.


After trading their closer, the slumping Oakland Athletics begin a two-game series in Los Angeles on Tuesday night as the Dodgers open a five-game home stretch against the AL West.


Anderson (5-5, 3.33 ERA) departed last Tuesday's 4-3 loss in Atlanta with what was thought to be a potentially serious Achilles injury after allowing three runs in 2 2-3 innings. After his ERA dipped to a season-best 3.00 on July 1, it's been on the rise in three starts with the left-hander going 0-1 with a 5.52 mark.


He threw a bullpen session Friday and simulated some defensive plays, and things went smoothly enough to avoid the disabled list and get back on the mound after Monday's off day.


"I got through it and it feels good," Anderson told MLB's official website. "My throws were crisper, stronger than the two-plus innings in Atlanta. I simulated coming off the mound for bunts, pushing off the mound, which is always a concern for me."


The focus now shifts to facing the club with which he spent his first five - albeit injury-shortened - seasons from 2009-13, and the A's are countering with their top arm.


Sonny Gray, however, hasn't been quite as sharp in his last two starts after throwing a shutout in his final game before the All-Star break. Gray (10-4, 2.30) gave up two runs and nine hits in seven innings of Wednesday's 4-3 home win over Toronto. He didn't earn the decision and is 0-1 with seven runs allowed in 13 innings since the break, including three home runs after giving up five in his first 18 starts.


Gray has been most effective on the road with a 7-1 record and 1.84 ERA in 11 starts, though run support could be an issue.


After falling 4-3 in San Francisco on Sunday, Oakland (44-56) has lost four straight with nine runs scored and a .214 average, cementing its status as a seller as the trade deadline approaches.


Stephen Vogt is turning in a terrible month at the plate with a .178 average dating to June 30, though Ben Zobrist is hitting .349 in 12 games. His .268 average is higher than it's been since reaching .286 on April 14, he'll be a free agent, and his position versatility is another selling point.


"I understand it's a tough decision for GMs, going, 'What can I get in return for some of these guys?'" Zobrist said. "They're trying to give the organization the best chance to win going forward. But from a player's standpoint, you never want to feel like anyone's giving up."


Zobrist's fate might have come into clearer focus after Oakland sent Tyler Clippard to the New York Mets for minor league pitcher Casey Meisner on Monday. The 30-year-old Clippard, who is eligible for free agency after the season, is 1-3 with a 2.79 ERA and 17 saves in 21 chances.


The Dodgers (56-44) haven't been a whole lot better offensively with a .223 average over a 3-3 span. They lost 3-2 to the New York Mets on Sunday, settling for a road split after winning the first two.


Howie Kendrick is 1 for 17 in his last four games, and the former Los Angeles Angels second baseman went 3 for 17 in his last five against Oakland. Fellow infielder Adrian Gonzalez has batted .167 in his last 20 home games and .160 in his past 12 interleague contests.


Oakland has won 14 of the last 18 meetings, with the clubs' last meeting coming in 2012. The A's 41-27 record in interleague play dating to the start of 2012 trails only Pittsburgh for the best in the majors.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Athletics at Dodgers
Tue, Jul 28 - 10:10PM EDT


GAME 2
Athletics at Dodgers
Wed, Jul 29 - 10:10PM EDT

Preview: Rockies (42-55) at Cubs (52-46)
Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 28, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The Chicago Cubs rebounded from a disappointing weekend with a thrilling victory over the Colorado Rockies in their series opener.


As dramatic as the finish was, that wasn't the only stunner of the evening as shortly after the game ended the Rockies traded five-time All-Star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.


Colorado has a big hole to fill after dealing one of its top players but may have an advantage Tuesday night at Wrigley Field with the red-hot Carlos Gonzalez having another favorable matchup.


It was reported late Monday the Rockies (42-55) traded Tulowitzki to Toronto in a deal for Jose Reyes and minor leaguers. Tulowitzki - in the midst of a six-year, $118 million contract that runs through 2020 - has been a mainstay in Colorado for 10 years and is the midst of another solid season, batting .300 with 12 home runs and 53 RBIs. Reliever LaTroy Hawkins also was included in the deal.


Reyes, a four-time All-Star shortstop who's making $22 million this season and in each of the next two, is hitting .285 with 17 doubles, 16 stolen bases and 36 runs.


'I've talked to these guys as a group about all the distractions that come with the trade deadline,' manager Walt Weiss said before Monday's 9-8 loss.


Chicago (52-46) appeared to be heading to a sure win, entering the ninth inning up 7-4, but the Rockies scored four times to take a one-run lead. Kris Bryant rescued the Cubs from a discouraging defeat by hitting a two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to send the crowd into a frenzy.


"I think it wakes us up a little bit," said Bryant, who went 2 for 5 with three RBIs after going 6 for 50 with one homer and 23 strikeouts in his previous 13 games. "I think we were nonchalant the last couple of games, myself included, but the energy of a walkoff win, a walkoff home run, I think it'll pay off for us moving forward and spark that energy that we had earlier in the year."


Although the Cubs managed to keep pace with San Francisco in the wild-card race and dissolved some of the dejection from being swept by last-place Philadelphia over the weekend, the team still has some issues to resolve.


Rafael Soriano served up the go-ahead homer to Gonzalez - his second homer of the game - in his first appearance since surrendering Jeff Francoeur's 10th-inning homer in Friday's loss. Soriano came in for Jason Motte, who gave up three runs in the ninth.


"We have to sort it out, we have to keep trying to put the right guys on the right people in the latter part of the game," manager Joe Maddon said.


They don't have an ideal matchup from the start with right-hander Dallas Beeler (0-0, 6.43 ERA) going up against Gonzalez.


Beeler, who is making his fifth career start and seeking his first win, has done a solid job against right-handed hitters, limiting them to three hits in 17 at-bats, but lefties are 7 for 14 against him.


The left-handed hitting Gonzalez is batting .312 and has hit all 20 of his homers against righties. He is hitting .162 versus lefties.


Gonzalez has been on a tear lately with three two-homer games in his last four contests. He has 15 RBIs in his last five games and is batting .459 with 10 home runs in 15 contests since July 5.


'I feel thankful that I'm healthy and I'm able to put runs on the board,' Gonzalez said.


Beeler gave up two runs in five innings in his season debut against St. Louis on July 7 before lasting two innings in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader in Cincinnati. He permitted five runs - three earned - in the second inning but the Cubs managed to rally for a 6-5 win.


The Rockies turn to Yohan Flande (0-1, 4.24), who is set to make his first start of the season after seven relief appearances. The left-hander's longest appearance of 2015 came against the Los Angeles Angels on July 7, when he gave up two hits over 5 2-3 scoreless innings.


Two of Flande's 10 starts last season came against the Cubs, and he had a 4.26 ERA in losing both. Flande is without a win in 23 career appearances.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Rockies at Cubs
Mon, Jul 27 Final 8 to 9
Boxscores • Recaps


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


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

Preview: Reds (43-54) at Cardinals (64-35)
Game: 2
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: July 28, 2015 8:15 PM EDT

The St. Louis Cardinals bolstered their bullpen via a recent trade, but they don't have to make any deals to improve the majors' best rotation.


Jaime Garcia returns from the disabled list for his first start in a month, looking to continue his home dominance of the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night.


St. Louis (64-35) acquired former closer Steve Cishek in a trade with Miami last week. Now, the rotation - which boasts a major league-best 2.79 ERA - is getting Garcia (3-3, 1.69 ERA) back for the first time since he allowed one run in seven innings of a 6-1 win over the Marlins on June 24.


The left-hander was 2-0 with a 0.43 ERA over his last three starts before suffering a left groin strain.


The Cardinals are confident the injury is history after he tossed five hitless innings with six strikeouts with Class-A Peoria on Thursday.


"(We) have been very clear that when he's right and he's healthy, we want him on the mound," manager Mike Matheny told MLB's official website. "He's got the capability of doing some pretty impressive things every time he's on the mound.


"We're going to keep pushing it as much as he can, and most of it came back to the fact that he felt very good after his start, and the results were there, the velocity was there. Let's go."


Garcia's return is timely since he's 7-0 with a 2.21 ERA in eight home starts against the Reds (43-54). He's 10-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 14 starts overall.


The Cardinals are on the cusp of winning seven straight meetings with Cincinnati for the first time since 1980-81 after Kolton Wong's grand slam secured Monday's 4-1 victory.


Wong is 7 for 20 with six RBIs this season against the Reds and he's 6 for 18 with a homer off scheduled starter Mike Leake.


Yadier Molina's status is unclear after he left in the fifth inning Monday because he felt ill after being hit in the facemask with a foul ball off the bat of Todd Frazier.


"After the foul ball my stomach started feeling bad," Molina said. "It was nothing in my head, just the stomach."


The Reds traded ace Johnny Cueto to Kansas City on Sunday and Leake (8-5, 3.78) could be next out of Cincinnati before Friday's trade deadline.


The right-hander is making himself an attractive option for a playoff contender, winning three straight starts with a 0.82 ERA.


He allowed one run in eight innings of a 9-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday in what might have been his final home game.


"Each one from here on could be (the last start)," Leake said. "It is what it is. It's not in my control, obviously. If I'm traded, I'm traded. If I'm not, I'm not."


Leake is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in his last three starts at St. Louis. He tossed a four-hitter in a 2-1 loss there April 19.


Joey Votto is 19 for 34 (.559) with 10 runs in 10 his last 10 games. He's 8 for 22 with three homers this season against the Cardinals.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Reds at Cardinals
Mon, Jul 27 Final 1 to 4
Boxscores


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


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

Preview: Brewers (43-57) at Giants (55-44)
Game: 2
Venue: AT&T Park
Date: July 28, 2015 10:15 PM EDT

A favorable schedule is a big reason why the red-hot San Francisco Giants could be atop the NL West for the first time in two months.


The Giants attempt to again capitalize on the last-place Milwaukee Brewers and match their longest home winning streak of the season Tuesday night.


San Francisco (55-44) was 5 1/2 games behind division-leading Los Angeles on July 10. However, a 12-1 stretch has the deficit down to one-half game.


"We've been playing good baseball," Brandon Crawford said. "This is kind of what we were looking for."


The Giants last led the West on May 29 and the schedule is providing a chance to get back there. They're in a fifth straight series against an opponent with a losing record, and their seven consecutive victories over the Brewers (43-57) match their longest streak in the all-time series set from 2002-03.


San Francisco's 4-2 win over Milwaukee on Monday extended its home winning streak to seven games, one shy of its season high from April 21-May 5.


The Giants are averaging 6.2 runs and hitting .324 over the last 13 games with Buster Posey's .469 average leading the way.


Matt Duffy is hitting .414 in the last 13 and he doubled on of his three hits in the opener of this three-game set. He leads all rookies with a .307 average, and is 7 for 17 in six career matchups with the Brewers.


Crawford had a two-run shot Monday, and is 9 for 22 with three homers and six RBIs in the last six games.


San Francisco turns to Matt Cain (2-1, 4.09 ERA), who is starting to feel comfortable on the mound after being out a year recovering from elbow surgery and a forearm flexor strain.


The right-hander allowed one run with six strikeouts in six innings of a 7-1 win at San Diego on Wednesday. That came five days after he gave up four runs and eight hits in five innings of a 6-5 loss at Arizona.


"The biggest thing is to be getting back out there and having fun with it," Cain said. "Everything is coming back together, being able to throw with these guys after having such a long break."


He's 0-2 with a 3.15 ERA in his last three home starts against Milwaukee with the last meeting coming in 2013.


The Brewers are sending Wily Peralta (1-5, 4.00) to the mound for the first time since May 22, when a strained left oblique forced him to leave after four innings of an 11-0 win at Atlanta.


The right-hander allowed two runs with 12 strikeouts in 11 1-3 innings in three rehab starts.


"I finally feel 100 percent," Peralta told MLB's official website. "No pain, I don't feel anything. It's good to be back with the team."


Peralta gave up six runs and nine hits in three innings of a 13-2 loss at San Francisco on Aug. 29. He had won the two previous matchups by allowing one earned run in 13 innings.


He's allowed Crawford to go 3 for 9 with a homer off him.


It's unclear if Ryan Braun will be back in the lineup after he missed a game with lower back tightness. The All-Star slugger is a .346 hitter with seven homers and 16 RBIs in 19 career games in San Francisco, and he's 9 for 25 (.360) against Cain.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Brewers at Giants
Mon, Jul 27 Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps


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


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

Preview: Yankees (56-42) at Rangers (47-51)
Game: 2
Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington
Date: July 28, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The New York Yankees have won five straight against left-handed starters and face another one Tuesday night in Martin Perez.


That should ensure that Alex Rodriguez will remain in the lineup based on the way he has been taking southpaws deep.


The 40-year-old Rodriguez has homered four times in his last two games as he faces Perez for the first time when the Yankees and Rangers continue a four-game series in Arlington.


New York (56-42) improved to 17-11 versus left-handed starters by defeating Matt Harrison in Monday's 6-2 victory. Didi Gregorius was 3 for 4 with a homer and a career-high four RBIs.


Gregorius is 11 for 31 with four homers and 11 RBIs against Texas.


"A guy that we've scuffled with getting out and we've got to find a way to pitch him differently," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said.


Rodriguez also took Harrison deep as he returned to the lineup on his 40th birthday after sitting out Sunday's 7-2 win at Minnesota. He's the fourth player in major league history to homer both as a teenager and in his 40s.


'It's amazing, hitting one as a teenager and hitting one here today,' Rodriguez said. 'A lot has happened, and I'm just happy to be here.'


Rodriguez homered three times in his previous game - all off left-handers.


Now he'll face Perez (0-1, 4.91 ERA), who makes his first home start and third since returning from Tommy John surgery as he searches for his first win since April 23, 2014. Perez was encouraged after surrendering four runs in six innings of Wednesday's 10-8 victory at Colorado.


"I made good pitches," Perez said. "They didn't hit the ball hard, just ground balls and pop-ups. That's part of the game."


Though Perez has never faced the Yankees, Chris Young is 3 for 6 against him. Young will likely start again thanks to a .362 average against lefties.


New York will decide whether Jacoby Ellsbury and Stephen Drew will return to the starting lineup after both began Monday on the bench. Ellsbury, who is 1 for 17 off lefties since the All-Star break, was out with a sore shoulder though he entered as a defensive replacement.


Since the Yankees do not have an off day on this 10-game trip and wanted to give extra rest to starters Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda, they needed a starter for this contest. Manager Joe Girardi will give journeyman Chris Capuano (0-4, 5.64) his first start since May 29.


Capuano went 0-3 with a 6.39 ERA in three May starts before moving to the bullpen, where he has a 5.09 ERA in 12 appearances. Prince Fielder is 4 for 11 with two homers off the left-hander while Adrian Beltre is 2 for 10.


Texas (47-51) has dropped consecutive games after a four-game win streak, falling for the 11th time in 12 home games. The Rangers have baseball's worst home mark at 16-27.


"I don't believe it's a mental thing, these guys are all professional players, they're going to show up in their own ballpark, in their own lockers, in their own uniforms, their home uniforms in front of their fans and come out and play," Banister said. "It's not anything other than that."


Fielder is batting .412 with five homers and 18 RBIs in a 12-game hitting streak against New York.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Yankees at Rangers
Mon, Jul 27 Final 6 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps


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: Diamondbacks (47-51) at Mariners (46-54)
Game: 2
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: July 28, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

The Arizona Diamondbacks got some key at-bats from players with Seattle ties in capturing the opener of a three-game road series with the Mariners.


Now they are ready to show off a youngster they are counting on for a bright future.


Zack Godley makes his first road start after an impressive debut for the Diamondbacks, who seek a fourth straight win Tuesday night.


There's not much on the line in this series of clubs looking to the future, though Jake Lamb and Welington Castillo both had their own incentive in returns to Seattle in Monday's 4-3, 10-inning victory.


Lamb, a Seattle native who attended the University of Washington, delivered the go-ahead sacrifice fly in the 10th in his first game against the team he grew up rooting for.


'I was pretty nervous that first inning, but after that first (at-bat) I took some good pitches, got the walk and that kind of locked me in,' Lamb said. 'It slowed down and I was able to really enjoy the moment and that was awesome.'


Earlier in the contest, Castillo homered against the club that acquired him from the Chicago Cubs on May 19 before trading him to Arizona (47-51) on June 3 for Mark Trumbo. Trumbo went 3 for 4 against the club he spent all of last season with before being dealt.


Godley became the first pitcher since 1900 to throw at least six scoreless innings with no walks and strike out seven or more in his major league debut Thursday in an 8-3 win over Milwaukee. His seven strikeouts over six innings were the most in a big league debut for the Diamondbacks since Max Scherzer struck out that many in relief April 29, 2008.


"I love the intensity," manager Chip Hale said. "That's one of the things we liked about him. He fit right in and didn't seem to be bothered by anything."


The 25-year-old right-hander was previously at Class A Visalia and Double-A Mobile, going 9-4 with a 2.72 ERA in 17 starts - 15 games.


Robinson Cano continued his surge for Seattle (46-54) as he went 2 for 3 with his 11th home run. The second baseman is batting .406 with three homers and eight RBIs in an eight-game hitting streak.


The Mariners trailed 3-0 after two innings before Mike Zunino's tying, two-out RBI single in the ninth. Zunino entered the contest with baseball's worst average among qualifying players at .179.


"We just couldn't get that one hit to put us over the hump but our guys battled back," manager Lloyd McClendon said.


Zunino will likely be the batterymate for starter Hisashi Iwakuma (2-1, 4.50), who allowed two runs with a season-high seven strikeouts in seven innings in Thursday's 3-2, 12-inning victory at Detroit. Iwakuma is 2-0 with a 3.16 ERA in four starts since being activated off the disabled list July 6.


The right-hander has made two relief appearances against the Diamondbacks. He is 3-1 with a 3.21 ERA in seven interleague starts, posting a 5.66 ERA at home compared to 1.33 on the road.


Arizona may want to start Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who was activated Monday and is 4 for 5 against Iwakuma.


NL batting leader Paul Goldschmidt homered to extend his hitting streak to nine games with a .440 average and .615 on-base percentage. He drew three walks to bring his major league-high total to 82.




SERIES AT A GLANCE


GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Mariners
Mon, Jul 27 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps


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


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

MLB


Tuesday, July 28




MLB roundup: A-Rod homers on 40th birthday


ARLINGTON, Texas -- Alex Rodriguez hit a home run on his 40th birthday, and Didi Gregorius set a career high with four RBIs as the New York Yankees pounded the Texas Rangers 6-2 Monday night.


Rodriguez provided an insurance run in the sixth inning with his solo homer to right. The home run off Texas starter Matt Harrison made Rodriguez just the fourth player in the majors to homer in his teens and his 40s.


Gregorius, who matched his career high with three hits, tied the game at 2-2 with a two-run home run off Harrison in the second inning and then broke it open with a two-run single to right in the seventh.


The big night from Gregorius helped make a winner out of Ivan Nova, who allowed two runs in the second inning but that was it in his five innings. Nova allowed five hits and struck out two before turning the game over to the New York bullpen, which produced four hitless innings.


Orioles 2, Braves 1 (11 innings)


BALTIMORE -- Matt Wieters led off the bottom of the 11th with a home run that gave Baltimore a victory over Atlanta.


Wieters crushed a 1-0 pitch from Luis Avilan (2-4) to center to snap a 1-1 tie and give the Orioles their third straight victory. Right-hander Brad Brach (4-2) got the victory thanks to a scoreless 11th.


Atlanta took a 1-0 lead in the top of the ninth on Adonis Garcia's solo homer off Zach Britton, but Baltimore answered in the bottom half against Jim Johnson. Singles by Adam Jones and Wieters put runners on the corners, and J.J. Hardy lined a game-tying sacrifice fly to left.


Rays 5, Tigers 2


ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Nathan Karns threw six-plus innings of one-run ball, and Curt Casali hit two home runs, leading Tampa Bay past Detroit.


The Rays went 13 consecutive games without scoring more than four runs, but they ended that streak when Casali hit a two-run home run in the eighth, his fourth in his past six games.


Detroit was held to two runs or fewer for the fourth time in five games, and it lost all four of those contests.


Royals 9, Indians 4


CLEVELAND -- Eric Hosmer had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs, and Kendrys Morales added three hits and three RBIs as Kansas City routed Cleveland.


Hosmer's three-run home run in the first inning off Cody Anderson set the tone, and the Royals rolled over the reeling Indians. Cleveland lost its fifth in a row and was outscored 35-9 in the five games.


Omar Infante also homered, his first of the year for the Royals, who became the first team in the American League to reach 60 wins.


Cardinals 4, Reds 1


ST. LOUIS -- Grinding his way through seven innings Monday night, Lance Lynn helped St. Louis earn its eighth win in 10 games since the All-Star break.


Kolten Wong provided all the backing Lynn needed with a fourth-inning grand slam.


Lynn (8-5) gave up five hits and a run, walking three and striking out five in his 13th quality start out of 19 outings. He threw 115 pitches, the last one retiring All-Star Todd Frazier on a foulout to first with two runners on to end the seventh as Frazier slammed his bat in frustration.


White Sox 10, Red Sox 8


BOSTON -- Adam Eaton hit a game-opening triple and collected three hits and a pair of RBIs as Chicago topped Boston.


Eaton, who missed Sunday's finale in Cleveland with a shoulder injury, tied the game at 7-7 with a double in the sixth and singled home the go-ahead run an inning later.


Chicago won its fourth straight and pounded out 15 hits while feasting on a shaky start from Red Sox right-hander Joe Kelly, who didn't make it out of the third inning.


Cubs 9, Rockies 8


CHICAGO -- Kris Bryant hit a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth as Chicago rallied to beat Colorado.


Bryant's 14th home run of the season, off John Axford (3-4), drove in Dexter Fowler with two outs.


Colorado's Carlos Gonzalez hit two home runs, including a go-ahead two-run shot in the top of the ninth as the Rockies jumped to a temporary 8-7 lead. Chicago led 7-4 after eight innings.


Giants 4, Brewers 2


SAN FRANCISCO -- Brandon Crawford smacked his 15th home run, and rookie Chris Heston earned his 11th win, leading San Francisco past Milwaukee.


Crawford took over the team lead in home runs during a three-run fourth inning. The shortstop's two-run shot propelled the Giants to their sixth consecutive win, their seventh in a row over the Brewers.


Brandon Belt and Gregor Blanco also drove in runs for the Giants, who fielded their projected Opening Day starting lineup for the first time all season with the reinstatement of Nori Aoki from the disabled list. Aoki went 0-for-3 in his first outing since breaking his leg on June 20.


Diamondbacks 4, Mariners 3 (10 innings)


SEATTLE -- Jake Lamb, a native of Seattle who played at nearby University of Washington, delivered the game-winning RBI with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th as Arizona topped Seattle.


Oliver Perez (2-1) earned the win after blowing the save in the bottom of the ninth, while Andrew Chafin earned his second save of the season with a scoreless 10th.


Mike Zunino sent the game into extra innings with a two-out, RBI single in the bottom of the ninth. That came off Perez, who was trying to earn his first save since 2013 as Diamondbacks closer Brad Ziegler took the night off after appearing in three consecutive games.








Marlins backers profiting with Fernandez at home


History shows Miami Marlins righty Jose Fernandez loves pitching in the friendly confines of Marlins Park.


The Fish are 19-3 in Fernandez's last 22 home starts. He's once again listed as the probable starter at home against Jordan Zimmermann and the Washington Nationals Tuesday.


Miami is presently in the -125 ballpark at sportsbooks.




Teheran, Braves cashing Overs on the road


In Julio Teheran's last nine outings on the road, the Over is a perfect 9-0.


The Atlanta right-hander is the probable starter Tuesday when the Braves take on Ubaldo Jimenez and the Orioles in Maryland.


At the time of writing, the total for the game was off the board.




A's trade RHP Clippard to Mets


The Oakland Athletics traded right-handed reliever Tyler Clippard to the New York Mets for minor-league right-hander Casey Meisner on Monday.


According to multiple media reports, Oakland also is giving New York $1 million in the deal, which leaves the Mets on the hook for just over $2 million of Clippard's remaining salary this year.


Clippard, who stepped in as Oakland's closer after Sean Doolittle was injured, has 17 saves and a 2.79 ERA. He signed a one-year, $8.3 million contract in February after the A's had acquired him from the Washington Nationals in January.


Last season for the Nationals, Clippard was 7-4 with one save and a 2.18 ERA in 75 games. He was named to the All-Star team for the second time in his nine seasons.


Clippard, 30, is expected to be the setup man for Mets closer Jeurys Familia.


Meisner, 20, was a third-round pick of the Mets in 2013. In 18 games for the Mets' Class A teams this year, he is 10-4 with a 2.35 ERA.




Red Sox trade OF Victorino to Angels


The Boston Red Sox traded injury-plagued outfielder Shane Victorino and cash considerations to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for minor-league infielder Josh Rutledge, the Red Sox announced Monday.


To fill Victorino's spot on the 25-man roster, Boston recalled outfielder Rusney Castillo from Triple-A Pawtucket. Castillo was scheduled to start Monday night at Fenway Park against the Chicago White Sox.


Victorino, 34, hit .245 with one homer and four RBIs in just 33 games for the Red Sox this season. He has spent much of the season on the disabled list, first because of a hamstring injury and later with a calf problem.


Victorino was limited to 30 games last season because of hamstring and back problems.


Rutledge, 26, played with the Colorado Rockies from 2012 to 2014. He hit .265 in 105 games last year.


He began the 2015 season on the Angels' Triple-A Salt Lake roster and has hit .274 with five homers and 32 RBIs for the Bees.


Castillo, 28, has made 26 appearances for the Red Sox this season, hitting .230 with one home run.




Blue Jays reportedly acquire Tulowitzki from Rockies


The Toronto Blue Jays have bolstered their epic offense even further by trading for Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki early Tuesday morning, as first reported by Fox Sports.


The Blue Jays will also receive reliever LaTroy Hawkins, in exchange for shortstop Jose Reyes, and two prospects.


Before the trade the Blue Jays, who sit 7.0 games back of the American League East leading New York Yankees and 3.0 games of the wild card are currently 25/1 to win the World Series.