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World Cup 2014 knockout betting: France vs. Nigeria
By PINNACLE SPORTS

Pinnacle Sports has everything you need to wager on World Cup 2014. Find odds and info on all the exciting soccer action in Brazil.

The 2014 World Cup is now at the knockout stage, read this Round of 16 betting preview before placing your bets. With a number of shock results in the tournament so far read for the latest odds, implied probability, handicap form and news surrounding each game.



1998 World Cup winners France are favorites to beat Nigeria and progress to the Quarter-finals.

The French looked explosive in their opening two games – beating Honduras 3-0 and Switzerland 5-2 – before drawing 0-0 with Ecuador to top the group.

Perhaps most importantly manager Didier Deschamps’ squad look happy and well-balanced which France have not had for many years – in 2010 Nikolas Anelka was sent home in the aftermath of a fallout between players and coaching staff.

Despite conceding just two goals there are still doubts defensively, while Karim Benzema has been excellent so far, scoring three times – with another ruled as an own-goal and one more coming just after the final whistle against Switzerland.

Nigeria in comparison qualified behind Argentina after drawing 0-0 with Iran, beating Bosnia and losing 3-2 against the group winners.

As they showed against Argentina, Nigeria are dangerous on the break with the strength of Emmanuel Emenike and the ruthlessness of Ahmed Musa.

On the 1X2 market France are the big 1.529 favorites – which according to the odds gives them a 65.40% chance of winning. On the handicap both teams have covered in two out of three games, and the line is set at 1 goal in favor of France.

Nigeria has its work cut out Monday
Andrew Avery

Despite going tit-for-tat with Argentina in its final group stage game, Nigeria never really looked like they were going to win against Messi and Co.. Monday could prove to be an even tougher challenge as the Screaming Eagles face France, which has been one of the top teams in the World Cup.

France scored eight goals and conceded just two in the group stage, but dominated various statistical categories in the process. Les Bleus lead the World Cup in shots per game with 21 and have dominated aerial duels, winning 65.5 percent of the time, also the best mark in Brazil.

Pinnacle Sports currently lists the French as -214 faves in their first knockout round matchup, with Nigeria +725 and the Draw +359.

Weather report for France-Nigeria
Stephen Campbell

The forecast is currently calling for a clear and sunny afternoon Monday in Brasilia for France and Nigeria's Round of 16 contest. A temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit is expected at gametime.

Pinnacle presently has the French as -220 faves with a total of 2.5.

2Haves2Win MLB...

WEEK 15 TO DATE: 4-1-0 FOR +3.35 UNITS (google it if u must).

COMP PICK:

1* GAME - COL @ WAS: Nationals ML - TBD

Monday's World Cup Tips
By Toby Maxtone-Smith


France vs. Nigeria (ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET)

Both last 16 matches on Monday see a European team, as heavy favourite, play against one of the two African teams left in the World Cup. A double on France and Germany to win in normal time against beat Nigeria and Algeria respectively pays out at just 1.76/1. Will there be an upset, or will the favourites progress?

First up, France face Nigeria at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia. France have been one of the teams of the tournament so far. They scored eight goals in three games in winning Group E, and look a team to be feared. Having been available at around 25/1 to win the World Cup before the tournament started, well done to those who backed Les Bleus at those prices. They look a force to be reckoned with.

Nigeria qualified largely thanks to one good performance. Their 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, where admittedly they deserved victory, came between a dour 0-0 against Iran and a 3-2 defeat to Argentina, and there was little to suggest from their group stage performances that the Super Eagles would go far in Brazil. They are arguably the least impressive team in the last 16.

France are the 2/5 favourites with sportsbook.ag, with Nigeria out at 27/4. A draw is 15/4. These prices seem about right, and there is little room for manoeuvre. I just can’t see Nigeria troubling France here. Their defence is decent without having enough to frustrate the best, while their attack is weakened by the midfield trio’s inability to create. In the ‘To Qualify’ market, you can get France at 5/25, while Stephen Keshi’s Nigeria are 19/5.

Bookies are expecting goals, but only one of the four last 16 matches so far have produced over 2.5 goals. Under 2.5 goals looks appealing at 1/1. Nigeria will find it difficult to break through the French backline, and they will have few chances to do so anyway. If France go ahead early, it is easy to imagine them playing it cautious, conserving energy for the next round. The heat will be strong in Brasilia, and Didier Deschamps will be anxious that his side to not push themselves too hard ahead of a potential quarter-final against Germany.

Top Bet: Under 2.5 goals at 1/1


Germany vs. Algeria (ESPN, 4:00 p.m. ET)

Germany meet Algeria at the Estadio Beira-Rio, in Porto Alegre. After three games in high humidity, it will be the first time Germany play in moderate temperatures, and they are heavy favourites to go through. They topped Group G, but were only genuinely impressive once, in a 4-0 win over Portugal, who had 10 men for most of the match.

Algeria were favourites to finish bottom of Group H, but showed their quality with three impressive results: they were unlucky to lose 2-1 to Belgium in their opening game, before thrashing South Korea 4-2 in their second tie. They secured the draw they needed against Russia, and Vahid Halihodzic’s side are worthy of their place in the last 16. After adding little to World Cup 2010 (they didn’t even score in the three matches they played), they have shown that their squad is full of quality in Brazil, and they will be a force in years to come.

Germany are, of course, heavy favourites. They are 13/50 to win the match in normal time, but given the fact that their first team is so uncertain, this cannot be recommended. A draw is 5/1, with a shock Algeria win, which would make them the first Arab nation to make the quarter-finals of the World Cup, is at 10/1. In the ‘To Qualify’ market, which may be of more appeal to punters, Germany are as short as 1/8, with Les Fennecs (the Desert Foxes) at a much more appealing 23/4.

Germany’s three matches so far have all been played in tough, ultra-humid conditions. No matter how good their preparation has been, this will have taken something out of them. Joachim Löw declined to rotate too much for their essentially dead game against USA, and this may come back to haunt him.

Algeria, meanwhile, have been in peak physical condition, and their relentless hard work in their game against Russia proved how fit these players are. In Sofiane Feghouli and Yacine Brahimi they have two fine playmakers, while Islam Slimani is a good all-round centre-forward. They are surely worth a bet in the handicap market. Algeria +1.5 is a 1/1 shot, and this looks good value to me.

Top Bet: Algeria +1.5 at 1/1

Carlos Salazars Monday Night MLB Bookie Crusher

Texas +143 7:05 pm

MLB

National League
Rockies-Nationals
Flande allowed four runs in five IP in his first MLB start.
Zimmerman is 2-2, 1.18 in his last five starts.

Colorado lost 11 of its last 13 games.
Nationals won nine of their last 12 home games.

Last five Zimmerman starts stayed under the total.

Mets-Braves
Wheeler is 1-3, 6.41 in his last four starts.
Wood has a 2.84 RA in his last six starts.

Mets lost four of their last five games.
Atlanta won six of last seven games, but lost eight of last ten at home.

Seven of last eight Atlanta games stayed under total.

Reds-Padres
Former Padre Latos is 1-0, 2.89 in three starts this season.
Hahn is 3-0, 1.42 in his last three starts.

Cincinnati won 13 of its last 17 road games.
Padres lost four of their last five home games.

11 of last 13 games at Petco Park stayed under.

American League
Rangers-Orioles
Saunders is 0-3, 8.10 in his last four starts.
Jimenez is 0-2, 5.75 in his last four starts.

Rangers lost nine of their last eleven games.
Baltimore lost three of its last four games.

Seven of last ten Texas road games stayed under.

A's-Tigers
Kazmir is 4-1, 3.05 in his last six starts.
Sanchez is 3-0, 2.84 in his last five starts.

Oakland won 11 of its last 14 games.
Tigers won five of their last seven games.

Five of last six Oakland games went over the total.

Rays-Bronx
Archer is 1-2, 5.94 in his last three starts.
Phelps is 2-5, 5.40 in his last seven starts.

Tampa Bay won four of its last five games.
Bronx lost six of its last eight games.

Six of last eight Archer starts stayed under total.

Royals-Twins
Duffy is 2-2, 1.71 in his last five starts.
Pino is 0-1, 6.30 in his first two MLB starts.

Royals lost seven of last ten games, but won eight of last nine on road.
Minnesota lost five of last six games, but won four in row at home.

Under is 3-1-1 in Duffy's road starts this season.

Mariners-Astros
Walker was 1-0, 3.60 in three MLB starts LY; he was 2-1, 4.11 in six starts in AAA this season.
McHugh is 0-3, 4.84 in his last four starts.

Seattle won seven of its last nine games.
Houston lost nine of its last thirteen games.

Five of last seven McHugh starts stayed under.

Angels-White Sox
Richards is 4-0, 1.05 in his last five starts.
Noesi is 1-1, 5.89 in his last four starts.

Angels won seven of last nine games, but lost 11 of last 15 on road.
White Sox won their last three games.

Seven of last eight White Sox home games went over.

Interleague game
Cubs-Red Sox
Arrieta is 3-0, 1.00 in his last four starts.
Peavy is 0-4, 6.16 in his last five starts.

Cubs lost six of their last nine games.
Red Sox won three of their last four games.

11 of last 12 games at Fenway Park stayed under.

Indians-Dodgers
Kluber is 1-1, 1.86 in his last three starts.
Haren is 2-0, 4.98 in his last four starts; Dodgers scored 22 runs.

Cleveland lost six of its last eight games.
Dodgers won 12 of their last 16 games.

Seven of last ten Kluber starts went over the total.

Pitchers allowing runs in first inning:
-- Flande 0-1; Zimmerman 1-16
-- Wheeler 6-16; Wood 4-8
-- Latos 0-3; Hahn 0-4

-- Saunders 2-7; Jimenez 5-16
-- Kazmir 3-16; Sanchez 4-13
-- Archer 4-16; Phelps 0-10
-- Duffy 2-10; Pino 0-2
-- Walker 0-0; McHugh 1-12
-- Richards 3-16; Noesi 3-11

-- Arrieta 3-10; Peavy 4-16 (3 of last 5)
-- Kluber 4-17; Haren 8-16 (4 of last 6)

[h=1]Today's MLB Picks[/h] [h=2]Chicago Cubs at Boston[/h] The Cubs head to Boston tonight to open up an interleague series and come into the contest with a 5-0 record in Jake Arrieta's last 5 starts as an underdog of +110 to +150. Chicago is the pick (+130) according to Dunkel, which has the Cubs favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Chicago Cubs (+130). Here are all of today's MLB picks.

Nigeria tries to upset France on Monday
By: Brian Graham - StatFox


2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

FRANCE vs. NIGERIA

Kickoff: Monday, 12:00 p.m. EDT
Nacional – Brasilia, Brazil

Line:
France -277, Nigeria +700, Tie after Regulation +375
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over -140, Under +110)

France looks to continue its impressive World Cup run when it opens up the knockout stage versus Nigeria on Monday.

France had little problem with Honduras to begin their World Cup quest, winning easily by a 3-0 score, and followed that up with a 5-2 pummeling of Switzerland. Although Les Blues failed to score versus Ecuador, that 0-0 draw was good enough to give them enough points to win Group E. Nigeria did not allow a goal in its first two World Cup contests, drawing 0-0 with Iran before prevailing 1-0 over Bosnia-Herzegovina to end a 16-year win drought at the World Cup that had spanned nine straight winless matches. Nigeria then played very well against heavily-favored Argentina in a virtual home match near their country's border in Porto Alegre, with the Super Eagles falling 3-2 in an entertaining, back-and-forth affair. The one bit of troubling news to Nigeria fans is the inter-squad drama going on with the players skipping practice last week in protest about their bonuses. This matter has still not been resolved.

France star forward Karim Benzema has three of his team's eight goals so far in the World Cup, with one goal apiece for forwards Olivier Giroud and Moussa Sissoko, and midfielders Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena. Other stars for Les Blues in this tournament include midfielders Paul Pogba and Yohan Cabaye, and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who has recorded shutouts in two of the three matches. Although France throttled Switzerland with five goals, they did allow two goals after the 80th minute of that game and got out-possessed 57% to 43%. However, Les Blues buckled down on defense in their most recent match by holding the ball for 60% of the scoreless draw versus Ecuador and reached 20 total shots for the second straight match, putting 13 of those on net. That gives the club a whopping 62 shots for the tournament, with 39 of those on net. After France committed 29 fouls and four yellow cards during their two wins, they committed only six fouls against Ecuador with zero yellow cards.

The Super Eagles were able to get a pair of goals from Ahmed Musa in their loss to Argentina, which saw them get outshot 18-12, including 13-7 for shots on goal. Nigeria had the ball for just 43% of the time. Although goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama surrendered three goals in the most recent match, he also made 10 saves, giving him 20 saves in the three World Cup contests. Nigeria trimmed its fouls from 16 versus Iran to nine against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the Super Eagles committed 17 fouls against Argentina with defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Juwon Oshaniwa both booked for yellow cards. To pull off the huge upset, the Super Eagles know that star forward Emmanuel Emenike, who netted 15 goals in 32 games at the club level this season, will likely have to find the back of the net. But Nigeria has plenty of speedy attackers, such as Musa and Peter Odemwingie that could put France in an early hole.

World Cup Game of the Day: France vs. Nigeria

France vs. Nigeria (-200, +650, Draw +340)

With the temperatures soaring and the games becoming even more important, a little rest could go a long way for France as it prepares to face Nigeria in second round action Monday at the World Cup. The French coasted to back-to-back wins in group stage play, allowing coach Didier Deschamps to rest several regulars in a 0-0 tie with Ecuador. Nigeria is in tough after winning just one of three group stage games, and comes in off a 3-2 loss to Argentina.

The French have traditionally been a tough out whenever they've advanced past the initial group stage, reaching the semifinals five straight times in those situations. They're heavily favored against a Nigerian side that squeaked through Group F and will be without talented midfielder Michel Babatunde. "The team is young, but it's growing fast and learning quickly," Nigerian captain Joseph Yobo told fifa.com. "I don't see what we should be afraid of."

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN

WORLD RANKINGS: France: No. 17; Nigeria: No. 44.

INJURY REPORT: France: D Mamadou Sakho is dealing with a hamstring injury and is considered doubtful. Nigeria: MF Michel Babatunde is out following a broken arm suffered when he was hit with a shot against Argentina; MF Victor Moses is dealing with a muscular problem and his status is in doubt.

WHAT THE SHARPS SAY: "A much revived French side comes into this second round match with high hopes of reaching the Quarter Finals. Nigeria's dismal record of only winning one of their last 11 World Cup games is surely in the players minds and It will be interesting to see how both teams approach this one." Covers Expert Footy Tipster.

ABOUT FRANCE: The French are looking at changes to their lineup despite outscoring opponents 8-2 in group play. with Sakho not expected to play, one of either Laurent Koscielny or Raphael Varane will assume the starting center-back role for Deschamps' team. The changes extend to the team's core offensive options, with Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann making a serious challenge to Karim Benzema's starting spot and Moussa Sissoko in the running to start in place of Paul Pogba.

ABOUT NIGERIA: The loss to Argentina was a difficult one to digest, but did feature at least one encouraging moment provided by Ahmed Musa. The Spartak Moscow forward had a sensational goal in the match at Porto Allegre after failing to impress in his team's opening two games. Team manager Stephen Keshi believes his team is in the right frame of mind, telling reporters: "Whether we are playing Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup or playing against Liberia in a friendly match, I always tell the boys that victory is non-negotiable."

TRENDS:

* Nigeria earned a 1-0 victory in their only previous meeting at Saint-Etienne in 2009.
* The Nigerians have won just one of their previous 11 World Cup matches.
* France is unbeaten in three previous second-round matches at the World Cup, outscoring its opponents 6-1.
* No team had more shot attempts than France (50) during group stage play.

Baseball Crusher
Cincinnati Reds -119 over San Diego Padres
(System Record: 51-0, won last 2 games)
Overall Record: 51-39

Rest of the Plays
Chicago Cubs +130 over Boston Red Sox
Houston Astros -105 over Seattle Mariners
Cleveland Indians +108 over LA Dodgers

BeatYourBookie

MONDAY

MLB BASEBALL


10* Play Oakland +120 over Detroit (MLB TOP PLAY)

Oakland is 21-6 when the total posted is between 8 and 8.5 runs
Oakland is 50-29 when pitching in the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] half of the season
Oakland is 26-15 in road games this season


10* Play Cleveland +100 over Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB TOP PLAY)

Corey Kluber is 6-0 when pitching in an inter-league game the last three seasons
Corey Kluber is 8-2 after giving up two or less earned runs in his last two outings
Corey Kluber has an ERA of 1.86 over the last three starts

=============================================

5* Play New York Mets +150 over Atlanta (MLB BONUS PLAY)
5* Play Texas +150 over Baltimore (MLB BONUS PLAY)

XpertPicks

MONDAY BASEBALL

• Play New York Mets +150 over Atlanta----Top Play (Risk 8% of your Bankroll)

7:00 PM EST

Alex Wood has lost 8 of the last 11 games when the total posted is 7 runs or less and he has lost 9 of the last 14 games vs. division opponents. Alex Wood has lost 6 of the last 9 games when pitching in the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] half of the season and he has lost two of the last three starts with an ERA of 4.76.

• Play Texas +150 over Baltimore----Top Play (Risk 8% of your Bankroll)
  7:00 PM EST

Ubaldo Jimenez has lost 19 of the last 30 games when pitching on a Monday and he has lost 12 of the last 16 games when pitching in the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] half of the season. Ubaldo Jimenez has lost 9 of the last 12 games when the total posted is between 8.5 and 10 runs and he is 0-6 in home games this season with an ERA of 6.28.

FantasySportsGametime

MLB Baseball

1000* Play Washington -200 over Colorado (MLB TOP PLAY)

Colorado has lost 79 of the last 123 road games and they have lost 52 of the last 81 games when playing in the month of June.Colorado has lost 55 of the last 93 games vs. NL East Division Opponents and they have lost 87 of the last 137 games after having won five or six of the last seven games.

=====================================================



50* Play Kansas City -120 over Minnesota (MLB BONUS PLAY)
50* Play New York Yankees -110 over Tampa Bay (MLB BONUS PLAY)

Over sizzling in this World Cup locale
Andrew Avery

Goals were the story of the group stage and a few stadiums were money in the bank for bettors who were on the Over trend.

One such ground was Estádio Nacional in Brasilia. The Over went a perfect 4-0 Over/Under in the group stage with 14 goals scored, good enough for an average of 3.5 goals per game.

Monday's action gets started here with France taking on Nigeria. Sportsbooks currently has the total at 2.5 goals with Over -108 and Under -101.

Germany heavily favored vs. Algeria on Monday
By: Brian Graham - StatFox


2014 WORLD CUP SOCCER

GERMANY vs. ALGERIA

Kickoff: Monday, 4:00 p.m. EDT
Estadio Beira-Rio – Porto Alegre, Brazil

Line:
Germany -400, Algeria +1000, Tie after Regulation +500
Over/Under: 3.5 Goals (Over +150, Under -181)

Group G champion Germany hopes to breeze past heavy underdog Algeria when the two nations meet in Monday's Round of 16 match.

Germany started off its World Cup with 4-0 victory against Portugal, but have been a bit shaky since that opener. After a 2-2 draw with heavy underdog Ghana, they barely topped the United States by a 1-0 score. After losing a late lead in a 2-1 defeat to Belgium in its World Cup opener, Algeria stormed back for a 4-2 victory over South Korea to pick up a crucial three points. A 1-1 draw with Russia assured them a spot in the knockout round.

Thomas Muller has four of the seven Germany goals in this tournament, giving him nine goals in nine career World Cup matches. His tally in the 55th minute on Thursday propelled his country into this knockout round. Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze and Miroslav Klose have the other tallies for the Germans, with Klose's tally marking his 15th career World Cup goal, which ties Ronaldo for the all-time record. It won't be easy for this squad to get great chances against what will be a defensive-minded opponent though. Germany has held possession advantages in all three of their matches, with 59% versus Portugal, 54% facing Ghana and a whopping 63% possession time versus the Americans. For the tournament, they hold a 14-11 edge in corner kicks on their opponents. But after Germany was outshot by a hefty 34-24 margin (19-15 in shots on goal) in the first two matches in the World Cup, they fired 13 shots (9 on goal) in their last contest, while holding their USA opponent to four total shots (1 on goal). The players tasked with feeding goal-scoring stars Muller and Klose are midfielders Toni Kroos -- who has completed 94 percent of his passes in the World Cup -- Mesut Ozi and Lukas Podolski. Germany has allowed only two goals in two matches thanks to the stellar play of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but there have been some defensive breakdowns with midfielder Philipp Lahm and left back Benedikt Howedes the main culprits.

Algeria failed to score a goal in the entire 2010 World Cup, but coach Vahid Halilhodzic's club already has six tallies in its first three matches in this tournament thanks to a more talented roster and a more creative and versatile attack mode that has pushed the tempo on the counter, through crosses and have also improved on set pieces. However, this Algeria team will probably not press the issue too much and would love to settle for a 0-0 draw to take their chances in penalty kicks after extra time. Goalkeeper Adi Mbolhi is athletic enough to make the tough saves needed to survive. The team's penalty-kick goal by midfielder Sofiane Feghouli was its only shot on goal versus Belgium in a match where they attempted just three total shots, but was much more aggressive against South Korea and Russia with 23 total shots, 14 shots on goal, and five shots in net by four different players (2 goals by forward Islam Slimani and 1 goal each for defenseman Rafik Halliche and midfielders Abdelmoumene Djabou and Yacine Brahimi). The attacking Slimani will need to take advantage of a somewhat suspect German defense to give his club any chance at pulling off the gargantuan upset. After being dominated in possession by Belgium (65% to 35%), Algeria held the ball 46% of the time versus South Korea and 47% of the match versus Russia. Algeria has been very physical in this tournament with 49 fouls, and have picked up five yellow cards with midfielder Nabil Bentaleb in the opener, defender Madjid Bougherra in the second match and three players (defender Djamel Mesbah, forward Nabil Ghilas and defender Liassine Cadamuro) booked in the most recent contest.

MLB roundup: Romo out as Giants closer
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

San Francisco Giants reliever Sergio Romo is out as closer, the team announced Sunday.

The Giants will go with a closer by committee, with right-hander Santiago Casilla and lefty Jeremy Affeldt likely to share the role.

Romo has 22 saves this year but has blown three of his last five chances. He blew the save Saturday by allowing a two-run homer to Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips in the top of the ninth inning.

Romo was named closer midway through the 2012 season and has 77 regular-season saves. He has blown five saves this season and has a 5.17 ERA.



---The Arizona Diamondbacks placed shortstop Chris Owings on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder sprain. Owings had missed five of six starts since hurting the shoulder June 20 while sliding at the end of an unsuccessful inside-the-park-homer intent.

The Diamondbacks promoted infielder Nick Ahmed from Triple-A Reno to take Owings' spot and the infielder started at short Sunday.


---Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Hanley Ramirez is listed as day-to-day after straining his left calf in Saturday's 9-1 win over St. Louis.

The Dodgers placed infielder Justin Turner on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain.Turner also was hurt Saturday. Infielder Carlos Triunfel was recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque to fill Turner's spot.


---St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Jorge Rondon was recalled from Triple-A Memphis. To make room, right-hander Eric Fornataro was optioned to Memphis.


---The Seattle Mariners optioned outfielder Stefen Romero to Triple-A Tacoma. The move was made to clear a roster spot for Monday starter Taijuan Walker.


---The Cleveland Indians promoted left-hander T.J. House from Triple-A Columbus. House started the game for Cleveland, while left-hander Nick Hagadone was optioned to Columbus to clear a spot on the 25-man roster.


---Los Angeles Angels left-hander Tyler Skaggs, who has not pitched since June 5 because of a right hamstring strain, threw in the bullpen Sunday and if he has no setbacks could start Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox.



---The Angels signed right-hander Chris Ellis, the third-round pick who was 10-3 with a 2.55 ERA and helped Ole Miss make the College World Series in Omaha.


---The New York Yankees said that left-hander CC Sabathia did not have any problems after making his first rehab start Saturday night and that he will throw a bullpen Monday before making a second rehab start.


---Boston Red Sox hitting coach Greg Colbrunn has been medically cleared and will rejoin the team Monday after suffering a brain aneurysm about a month ago.


---The Milwaukee Brewers optioned right-hander Alfredo Figaro and recalled infielder Jeff Bianchi from Triple-A Nashville.


---Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado continued his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs. He went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored Saturday in his first rehab appearance. He has been out since May 25 with a broken middle finger on his left hand.


---Houston Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel had a soft cast removed from his left wrist and played catch for the first time since being diagnosed with wrist inflammation. Keuchel missed his scheduled start on Saturday.


---The Philadelphia Phillies traded infielder Ronny Cedeno to the Diamondbacks for minor league catcher Raywilly Gomez. Cedeno had been outrighted to Triple-A on Saturday.


---The Phillies designated right-hander Sean O'Sullivan for assignment and called up infielder Andres Blanco from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

O'Sullivan was promoted as a spot starter for the nightcap of Saturday's doubleheader and took the loss. Blanco has not appeared in the majors since 2011.


---The Oakland Athletics placed right fielder Josh Reddick (knee) on the disabled list. Brandon Moss shifted from first base to right field.


---The Miami Marlins, who sent center fielder Jake Marisnick and right-hander Anthony DeSclafani to Triple-A New Orleans after Saturday's game, promoted left-hander Dan Jennings from the same team.