MLB Betting Info. 8/14

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Pirates (58-56) at Dodgers (65-51)


Game: 3
Venue: Dodger Stadium
Date: August 14, 2016 4:10 PM EDT


LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers are banking on Brett Anderson to provide some relief to their ailing starting rotation.


Anderson will make his season debut Sunday when he starts against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the rubber match of the three-game series at Dodger Stadium.


Anderson, in his second season with the Dodgers, is returning after undergoing arthroscopic back surgery for a bulging disk on March 3.


"I'm excited for Brett. It's been a long road for him," Dodger manager Dave Roberts said. "To get him back, I think it's obviously a good thing for us."


The Dodgers could use a major boost from Anderson. With ace Clayton Kershaw (herniated disk) out until September, and the recently acquired Rich Hill (blisters on middle pitching finger) and Bud Norris (mild mid-back strain) on the disabled list for possibly another week, Anderson's addition couldn't be more timely for the Dodgers.


In Saturday's 8-4 win by the Dodgers, starter Brandon McCarthy left with right hip stiffness. McCarthy, who had Tommy John surgery in April 2015, could be headed to the disabled list since the right-hander admitted all is not right with him physically and mentally.


"It has been a (revolving door) but I think each guy that has been given an opportunity has competed really well and given us a chance," said Roberts, who has relied on spot starts from rookies Ross Stripling and Julio Urias, among others. "We're excited (for Sunday) to No. 1 win the series and also get Brett in the mix for 2016."


Anderson made three rehab starts with Class A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Oklahoma City, compiling an 0-1 mark with a 2.25 ERA with 11 strikeouts and one walk in 12 innings.


He last faced the Pirates on July 25, 2014 as a member of the Colorado Rockies, limiting them to two hits in 6 1/3 scoreless innings and earning the win in an 8-1 Rockies' victory. He struck out one and walked four on 102 pitches.


In two career starts against Pittsburgh, Anderson is 1-0 with a 0.68 ERA and has limited the Pirates to a .130 batting average.


Chad Kuhl (2-0, 3.91 ERA) will get the nod for the Pirates. The 23-year-old right-hander worked six innings in his last start, allowing two runs on four hits with four strikeouts and four walks in a 6-4 decision over the San Diego Padres in Pittsburgh last Tuesday.


Kuhl made his big league debut and captured a 4-3 decision over Kershaw and the Dodgers at PNC Park on June 26. It's the only time he's faced the Dodgers.


Pirates manager Clint Hurdle is hoping Kuhl can slow the Dodgers offense, which hammered the Pirates for 17 hits Saturday. The Pirates couldn't take advantage of 11 walks by Dodgers' pitchers and tied a franchise record by stranding 18 runners.


"They were out there. We couldn't get them in," Hurdle said. "I don't think we were doing anything but fight, scratch, claw our way back in the game by getting guys in. Bases loaded twice against McCarthy, a ball in the gap would have been nice. We just weren't able to score."

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Cardinals (61-56) at Cubs (73-42)


Game: 4
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 14, 2016 8:08 PM EDT


CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs own a staggering 13-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.


But manager Joe Maddon is keeping focused and calm.


The teams wrap up a four-game series Sunday night at Wrigley Field.


The Cubs (73-42) took the first two games before the Cardinals won 8-4 on Saturday to snap Chicago's 11-game winning streak.


"My thought process hasn't changed at all," Maddon said about handling the big lead. "It's when you get ready and you walk out there, where's your mind? It's all about your mind. If your mind is locked in and if you're really, truly focused on today, it's pretty easy.


"If you want to take the blinders off and open this whole thing up and look at the macro component, you might get somewhat complacent or lazy, or your focus may wonder. As long as you just approach today, it doesn't matter."


Right-hander John Lackey (9-7, 3.56 ERA) will take the mound for the Cubs and try for his fifth straight quality start. He allowed three hits and one run in eight innings in a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in his last start Tuesday.


The Cubs are getting used to his emotional side.


"He's not going to be out there smiling and he's going to be upset with the umpires," Maddon told MLB.com. "He's going to be upset with his manager. He's going to be upset with teammates on occasion, but that's who he is. When you know that, it's OK."


Lackey is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA this season in three starts against the Cardinals -- his only starts against his former team. He went 16-13 with a 3.10 ERA in 43 starts with St. Louis from 2014-15.


The Cubs are 6-6 against St. Louis this season.


For the Cardinals, right-hander Mike Leake (8-9, 4.79) is expected to start. In his last outing, he walked a season-high four, struck out none for the first time this season, and allowed three runs in six innings against his former team the Cincinnati Reds. He gave up 19 earned runs in his previous three starts.


Leake is 9-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 20 career starts against the Cubs. He ranks second among National League pitchers, behind Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a ratio of 1.42 walks per nine innings.


Though well behind the Cubs in the division, the Cardinals (61-56) remain in the mix for a wild card spot.


The Cardinals are looking for a leadoff hitter now that Matt Carpenter is batting third in the absence of Matt Holliday, who sustained a broken thumb when he was hit by a Mike Montgomery pitch Thursday. Greg Garcia went 0-for-5 batting leadoff Saturday, when Holliday went on the disabled list. Carpenter was 2-for-5 with three strikeouts.


"The three spot is as much psychological as it is strategic," manager Mike Matheny said. "We also need somebody to step up to be that guy at the top of the order. We have a few guys who look like they can help us, kind of give


us freedom to be a little more creative with Carpenter."

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Sunday's Diamond Notes
By Tony Mejia


Hottest team: Cubs (11-1 last 12, 14-2 last 16)
Chicago finally tasted defeat in August, losing their 11-game win streak when its bullpen faded in allowing a five-run eighth that was punctuated by a Randal Grichuk grand slam. Rival St. Louis won 8-4, scoring its largest output since July 29, but is working short-handed since it had to put Matt Adams on the disabled list entering this series and then lost Matt Holliday to a broken hand in the series opener. Aledmys Diaz is also still out, and the Cards have had trouble manufacturing runs without him. They’ll face former teammate John Lackey (9-7, 3.56 ERA), who has allowed a home run in nine of his last 10 starts but has pitched in three straight wins, surrendering just five runs over the last 21 innings. He’s got a 6-4 record and 2.67 ERA at Wrigley Field. Chicago closer Aroldis Chapman hasn’t pitched the last two nights, so he’ll be fresh. MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch reports that Chapman has converted 41 consecutive save opportunities against NL Central teams. Key setup man Pedro Strop also went on the DL Thursday after suffering a knee injury, but Hector Rondon may be ready to return from a triceps injury. Mike Leake (8-9, 4.79) will pitch the Sunday-nighter for St. Louis and has been rocked recently, giving up at least six runs in three of the last four outings. He’s 0-1 against the Cubs this season, which explains why Chicago (-186) is sizeable chalk.


Coldest team: Angels (0-9 last nine)
This is it. Either the Angels find a way to prevail Sunday, or they’ll suffer through a winless road trip, going 0-9. They’ve been outscored by 32-8 through the first three losses of this series against the Indians, but did give Albert Pujols the night off Saturday and played Mike Trout at DH, increasing the likelihood that both will be in the lineup as they try to avoid a sweep in Cleveland. L.A. played both the Mariners and Cubs tough through the first five games of this trek, but have seen the bottom fall out in rainy Northeast Ohio. Although last night’s game was the closest of this series with the Tribe, it offered perhaps the harshest indignity since a pitcher they gave up on, Mike Clevinger, combined with four relievers on a one-hitter. The Angels had never lost nine straight under Mike Scioscia until last night and are in danger of falling 19 games under .500 for the first time under his watch. Jered Weaver (8-9, 5.19) got hit hard by the Cubs in his last start, while Hollywood native and former UCLA Bruin Trevor Bauer (8-5, 3.88) is 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA in his career against the Angels. Cleveland (-180) is heavily favored.


Hottest pitcher: Rick Porcello (15-3, 3.40 ERA)
Porcello hadn’t dropped a decision since May 17 until he began this month by losing a 3-1 pitcher’s duel against Seattle’s Hisashi Iwakuma, giving up three homers over eight innings. He rebounded in his last start with eight more quality frames in a 5-3 win over the Yankees and has now worked 25 of a possible 27 innings over his last three outings. Porcello is definitely in the AL Cy Young mix and is unbeaten at Fenway Park (11-0, 3.12) this season, so it’s not a surprise that his Red Sox are a heavy favorite (-155) despite running up against Arizona ace Zack Greinke (11-3, 3.67). Greinke returned from being out nearly six weeks with an oblique injury an beat the Mets, allowing three runs over six innings, throwing 93 pitches. He’s 8-0 with a 2.47 ERA over his last 10 starts, but he’s hasn’t won in two career starts at Fenway Park. Porcello has only faced Michael Bourn (2-for-12) and Paul Goldschmidt (0-for-3) among players available to be in the Diamondbacks lineup.


Coldest pitcher: Cody Reed (0-6, 6.36 ERA)
Coming off his best outing as a pro, it’s a shame Reed is stuck in this category. The 23-year-old lefty shut out the Cardinals over six innings and had to be horrified watching his bullpen blow a 4-0 ninth-inning lead. His first major league win went up in smoke as a result, but he’s got to be encouraged by his progress and will face a Brewers lineup he should be able to handle since this will only be the third sub-.500 team he’s come up against. The Reds are looking for their first road sweep of 2016 and haven’t broken out the brooms against any opponent since tripping up the Phillies in the season’s first three games. Milwaukee is slightly favored (-115) and will go with Wily Peralta (4-8, 6.38), who is fighting to stay with the organization and tossed six solid innings of two-run ball against Atlanta in his first start since June 11.


Biggest UNDER run: Orioles (9-4, last 13, 25-6 last 31)
The Orioles were shut out for eight innings last night by Madison Bumgarner and friends before Ryan Flaherty's two-out, two-run single in the ninth prevented a shutout and delivered a rare 'over' in a 6-2 loss. Winning kept the Giants one game up on the Dodgers in the NL West, while Baltimore remained a half-game back of Toronto in the AL East. The Birds have to be glad to see a righty considering how helpless they looked against MadBum, even if it happens to be Johnny Cueto (13-3, 2.93). The Giants' top offseason acquisition won 13 of his first 14 decisions, but hasn't tasted a win since before the All-Star break. He's allowed four or more runs in five of his last eight starts, but has a 2.63 ERA at AT&T Park, where he's only allowed two home runs. Lefty Wade Miley (7-10, 4.98) has yet to win since being acquired by the O's, but lost 2-1 at Oakland primarily because his new teammates are slumping. The under is 19-8-1 in Giants games over the last 28. San Francisco (-155) is favored. The total is at 7.5.


Biggest OVER run: Phillies (8-0 last eight, 10-1 last 11)
The Phillies have have seen only one 'under' come in this entire month and will be looking to sweep a team for the first time since July 4-6. Aaron Altherr has two homers and 11 RBIs this month and has gotten plenty of help from a lineup that has finally begun stringing together hits. Lefty Adam Morgan (1-7, 6.65) returns from being demoted, taking struggling Zack Eflin's place in the rotation. He went 5-0 in Triple-A Lehigh Valley since being sent down, flirting with a perfct game in his last start while striking out 11. We'll see if he can keep it up against major league hitters, facing a Colorado line up that has averaged 6.2 runs over the last 15 games. Rockies rookie David Dahl has hit safely in 18 of his 19 games and is batting .342, but Nolan Arenado is 0-for-9 against Philadelphia after coming in on an 8-for-15 tear with three homers and 10 RBI. Tyler Chatwood (10-7, 3.58) was roughed up by the Phillies on July 10, allowing eight hits and four runs in five innings of a 10-3 loss. Oddsmakers have set today's total at 9.


Matchup to watch: Tigers at Rangers
Detroit snapped a five-game losing streak on Saturday night with a 2-0 win in Texas, picking up its first win on a road trip that started when it was swept in Seattle. Lefty Matt Boyd allowed just two hits over seven innings and relievers Shane Greene and Francisco Rodriguez overcame bringing the tying run to the as the Rangers were shut out for just the third time in Arlington this season. The Tigers also improved to 1-4 against the Rangers this season, putting them in position to close this roadie with some momentum before they head back to Comerica Park for 13 of the next 16. They’ll turn to rookie Michael Fulmer (9-3, 2.43), who will qualify for the ERA title if he works six innings against the Rangers, took his first loss since June 17 last time out despite another quality start, getting no run support in a 3-0 loss to the Mariners. This will be Fulmer’s first look at Texas, although he has faced Carlos Beltran, who went 0-for-3 against him while with New York. The Rangers, who own the AL’s best record, and welcome the A’s into town on Monday, counter with A.J. Griffin (5-1, 4.38). He’s given up a homer in nine straight starts and surrendered three runs on four hits in 2.2 innings when he pitched in a 10-5 win at Detroit on May 7. The books are calling this a pick’em.


Betcha didn’t know: With a win over Tampa Bay, the Yankees will be five games over .500 for the first time all season. They would also sweep an opponent for the first time since breaking out the brooms against the Angels June 6-9. Considering all the turmoil and roster turnover, that's amazing, as is the fact they're still only 3.5 games off the pace for the AL's second wild card. You're probably already aware that New York rookies Tyler Austin and Aaron Judge became the first teammates in major league history to hit back-to-back home runs in their first career at-bats, which comes on the heels of a fire sale before the trade deadline and cutting ties with Alex Rodriguez after Friday's win. As a result, this unlikely playoff push will feature the kids, with Gary Sanchez, Austin, Judge and Sunday's starter, 22-year-old Luis Severino (1-7, 6.42), are all expected to get extensive on-the-job training in order to gain experience for next season. Jake Odorizzi (6-5, 3.69) will pitch for the Rays and is 1-1 with a 1.32 ERA against the Yanks this season, though this will be his first outing in the Bronx, where he's 1-3 with an career ERA of 6.00.


Biggest public favorite: Rockies (-135) at Phillies


Biggest public underdog: Royals (+105) at Twins


Biggest line move: Royals (+120 to +105) at Twins

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

'Pitching Duel'


The eyes of most baseball fans as well as those with a penchant for sports gaming with be on what looks to be a pitcher's duel when the Boston Red Sox and Arizona D-Backs conclude a three game series at Fenway Park Sunday afternoon.


The duel in question will be between the BoSox hurler Rick Porcello and the D-Backs' Zack Greinke. To say, there’s No Place Like Home for Porcello would be an understatement. The righthander is 12-0 in his home park this season allowing three or fewer runs in eight of the thirteen starts. On the other mound, we have Greinke (11-3, 3.67 ERA) who has one blemish his last sixteen starts and heads to the hill a sparkling 6-0 the past eight starts in an opposing park allowing two or fewer runs in six of those contest.


Tough picken's but the lean is Boston. The Red Sox not only bring Porcello to the table, the club has enjoyed success hosting the Senior Circuit. In the past 19 such games in front of the home audience the result has been 15 wins, 4 losses including 7-2 this campaign. Additionally, the fact this contest is a day game favors Boston as Red Sox are 14-6 in daylight hours at Fenway.

[TheGame]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

MLB


Sunday’s games


National League


Cardinals @ Cubs
Leake is 1-2, 9.41 in his last four starts; four of his last five went over. Cardinals are 6-4 in his road starts.


Lackey is 2-0, 2.14 in his last three starts; four of his last five stayed under. Cubs are 7-5 in his home starts.


Cardinals lost nine of last 14 games; over is 10-4-2 in their last 15 games. Chicago won 11 of last 12 games; seven of their last 11 stayed under.


Braves @ Nationals
Jenkins is 2-0, 1.50 in his last three starts (under 4-1-1). Braves split his four road starts.


Roark is 3-0, 1.77 in his last three starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Washington won five of his last six home starts.


Braves won seven of last 11 road games; last three Atlanta games went over. Washington won seven of last ten games; their last three games went over.


Rockies @ Phillies
Chatwood is 2-1, 2.55 in his last four starts; Rockies are 8-1 in his road starts. Under is 3-0-2 in his last five starts.


Morgan is 0-7, 8.68 in his last nine starts, last of which was July 7; his last seven starts went over. Phillies lost his last five home starts.


Colorado lost eight of last nine games; over is 5-1-1 in their last six road games. Phillies are 9-6 in last 15 games, over is 9-1-1 in their last 11 games.


Padres @ Mets
Richard is making first ’16 start; he is 50-50, 4.34 in 132 starts. His three starts for the Cubs LY are his only starts
since 2013. He is 0-1, 2.13 in four minor league starts this year.


Matz is 1-5, 3.56 in his last seven starts; under is 7-3-2 in his last 12. Mets lost his last four home starts.


San Diego lost 13 of last 18 road games; six of Padres’ last nine games went over. Mets are 5-12 in last 17 games; seven of last nine games at Citi Field went over.


Reds @ Brewers
Reed is 0-6, 7.91 in nine starts this year (over 6-0-3).


Peralta is 1-3, 6.20 in his last four starts; over is 8-3 in his last 11. Brewers are 3-4 in his home starts.


Reds won three of last four games; over is 4-1-1 in their last six. Milwaukee is 8-5 in last 13 home games; six of last eight games at Miller Park stayed under.


Pirates @ Dodgers
Kuhl is 2-0, 3.91 in five starts this year (over 2-2-1).


Injury-plagued Anderson is making his first ’16 start; he is 37-41, 3.12 in 112 big league starts. He is 0-1, 2.25 in three minor league starts this year. He was 10-9, 3.69 in 31 starts for the Dodgers LY.


Pittsburgh lost nine of last 11 road games; under is 8-5 in their last 13 games. Dodgers won five of last six games; over is 6-1-1 in last eight Dodger home games.




American League


Rays @ New York
Odorizzi is 3-0, 1.69 in his last five starts; four of his last six stayed under. Rays lost his last four road starts.


Severino is 0-7, 8.01 in eight starts this year; three of his last four stayed under. New York lost all eight of his starts.


Rays are 2-8 in last ten road games; seven of their last eight games went over. New York won five of last six games; three of their last four games went over.


Astros @ Blue Jays
Fiers is 2-1, 3.70 in his last four starts; four of his last six went over. Houston is 3-6 in his road starts.


Stroman is 0-1, 3.86 in his last three starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Toronto won three of his last four home starts.


Astros won four of last five games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games. Toronto is 8-4 in last 12 home games; over is 6-3-1 in last ten games at Sky Dome.


Angels @ Indians
Weaver is 0-2, 6.97 in his last four starts; over is 8-3-1 in his last 12. Angels are 4-6 in his road starts.


Bauer is 1-2, 7.86 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Indians are 5-4 in his home starts.


Angels lost 14 of last 16 road games; three of their last five games stayed under. Cleveland is 7-3 in its last ten home games; their last six home games went over total.


Royals @ Twins
Volquez is 0-2, 9.53 in his last three starts; four of his last five went over. Royals are 3-6 in his road starts.


Santiago is 0-2, 7.84 in two starts for the Twins (over 2-0).


Royals won five of last seven games; under is 8-3 in Royals’ last 11 road games. Minnesota lost four of last five games; six of Twins’ last eight home games went over.


Tigers @ Rangers
Fulmer is 0-1, 3.76 in his last four starts; four of his last five stayed under. Detroit is 10-3 in his road starts.


Griffin is 2-0, 4.71 in his last four starts (over 8-5-2). Texas won four of his five home starts.


Tigers lost five of last six games; four of last six Detroit games stayed under. Texas won six of last eight home games; under is 10-2-2 in last 14 Ranger games.


Mariners @ A’s
LeBlanc is 0-0, 6.33 in his last four starts (over 3-1).


Neal is 1-1, 7.71 in two starts this year (over 1-1).


Mariners won seven of last eight games; over is 6-3 in Seattle’s last nine road games. Oakland won four of last six games; six of last nine Oakland games stayed under.




Interleague


White Sox @ Marlins
Sale is 0-2, 2.17 in his last four starts; six of his last nine stayed under. White Sox are 8-3 in his road starts.


Koehler is 3-0, 1.33 in his last four starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Miami won his last three home starts.


White Sox are 6-10 in their last 16 games; three of their last four games stayed under. Miami lost eight of last 11 games; seven of Marlins’ last ten home games went over.


Diamondbacks @ Red Sox
Greinke is 5-0, 2.01 in his last seven starts (under 5-2). Arizona won all six of his road starts.


Porcello is 7-1, 2.84 in his last eight starts; five of his last six stayed under. Boston is 12-0 when Porcello starts at home.


Diamondbacks won four of last six games; six of their last nine road games went over. Boston lost seven of last 11 home games; under is 12-5 in their last 17 games.


Orioles @ Giants
Miley is 0-2, 4.91 in two starts for Baltimore (under 2-0).


Cueto is 1-2, 5.34 in his last five starts; over is 7-3 in his last ten. Giants are 7-2 in his home starts.


Orioles are 6-12 in last 18 road games; under is 13-6-1 in their last 20 road games. Giants are 9-17 in last 26 games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.




Teams’ record when this pitcher starts:


StL-Chi– Leake 10-13; Lackey 13-10
Atl-Wsh– Jenkins 4-2; Roark 14-9 (11-2 last 13)
Col-Phil– Chatwood 12-9; Morgan 2-10
SD-NY– Richard Matz 10-11 (1-6 last 7)
Cin-Mil– Reed 0-9; Peralta 5-9
Pitt-LA– Kuhl 5-0; Anderson 0-0


TB-NY– Odorizzi 11-13; Severino 0-8
Hst-Tor– Fiers 12-9; Stroman 11-12
LA-Cle– Weaver 9-13; Bauer 9-9
Det-Tex– Fulmer 15-3; Griffin 11-4
KC-Min– Volquez 12-12 (0-4 last 4); Santiago 0-2/16-6
Sea-A’s– LeBlanc 5-1; Neal 1-1


CWS-Mia– Sale 15-7; Koehler 10-13
Az-Bos– Greinke 13-5; Porcello 17-6
Balt-SF– Miley 0-2/10-9; Cueto 18-5




# of time pitcher allows 1+ runs in first inning:


StL-Chi– Leake 7-23; Lackey 9-23 (4 of last 4)
Atl-Wsh– Jenkins 2-6; Roark 4-23
Col-Phil– Chatwood 7-21; Morgan 6-12
SD-NY– Richard Matz 6-21
Cin-Mil– Reed 5-9; Peralta 6-14
Pitt-LA– Kuhl 2-5; Anderson 0-0


TB-NY– Odorizzi 5-24; Severino 3-8
Hst-Tor– Fiers 4-21; Stroman 6-23
LA-Cle– Weaver 7-22; Bauer 5-18
Det-Tex– Fulmer 4-18; Griffin 2-15
KC-Min– Volquez 8-24; Santiago 11-24
Sea-A’s– LeBlanc 4-6; Neal 0-2


CWS-Mia– Sale 8-22; Koehler 7-23
Az-Bos– Greinke 6-18; Porcello 7-23
Balt-SF– Miley 7-21; Cueto 6-23




Umpires


StL-Chi– Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Bellino games.
Atl-Wsh– Under is 13-5 in last 18 Hoberg games.
Col-Phil– Six of last eight Johnson games went over.
SD-NY– Four of last five Gibson games stayed under.
Cin-Mil– Under is 10-4-1 in last 15 Blakney games.
Pitt-LA– Under is 10-5-1 in last 16 Fairchild games.


TB-NY– Underdogs won 10 of last 13 Hirschbeck games.
Hst-Tor– Four of last five Diaz games stayed under.
LA-Cle– Underdog split last 12 Fagan games.
Det-Tex– Over is 13-2-1 in last sixteen Knight games.
KC-Min– Underdogs are 9-6 in last fifteen Nauert games.
Sea-A’s– Over is 16-3 in last nineteen Wegner games.


CWS-Mia– Under is 6-0-1 in last seven TGibson games.
Az-Bos– Underdogs won five of last six Barksdale games.
Balt-SF– Under is 7-4 in last eleven Kellogg games.

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Rays at Yankees

Current Conditions - Bronx

Partly sunny 88 °F
Wind: WSW 10.4
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (46-69) at New York Yankees (60-56)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 14 - 1:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

It's another day at Yankee Stadium on Sunday and another opportunity to honor their glorious past as Mariano Rivera's Monument Park plaque dedication ceremony occurs prior to New York trying for a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays. Alex Rodriguez's final game in pinstripes Friday culminated in the Yankees' 6-3 victory while Saturday's 8-4 triumph came after New York's 1996 World Series championship team was honored in a pregame jubilee.

A piece of history was also made Saturday as New York first baseman Tyler Austin and 6-7, 275-pound right fielder Aaron Judge homered five pitches apart in their first major league at-bats, the second time two players accomplished the feat in the same game and the first for teammates. "I think it's good for them to be here today to see that these guys were young, these guys performed at a high level and they had a long run. Let's go do the same thing," Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters, referencing players such as Rivera (652 saves, most in history), Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams that were among the honorees Saturday. New York is 60-56 - matching a season-high at four games over .500 - and has won four straight for the second time since the All-Star break to remain on the periphery of the American League wild card race while Tampa Bay (46-69) continues to play out the string with five losses in its last six contests. The Rays' Jake Odorizzi is 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA in his last five starts and opposes Luis Severino, who returns to New York after a brief stint in Triple A.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (6-5, 3.69 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (1-7, 6.42)

Odorizzi received a no-decision and had his 20 2/3-inning scoreless streak halted when he allowed four runs (two earned) and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings of Tampa Bay's 7-5 loss in Toronto on Monday. The 26-year-old Illinois native pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings in the Rays' 5-1 victory over New York on July 29, improving to 4-5 with a 4.23 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) versus the Yankees - 1-1, 1.32 this season. Odorizzi struggles with Brian McCann (12-for-26, three home runs, 10 RBIs) but fares well against Jacoby Ellsbury and Chase Headley (combined .213 average in 47 at-bats).

Severino yielded five runs and seven hits in 4 1/3 innings of a 5-3 loss in Boston on Tuesday, prompting a demotion to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to work on his off-speed pitches. The stay didn't last long as the 22-year-old Dominican returned to fill the void left in the rotation by Nathan Eovaldi, who left Wednesday's game with an elbow injury and was placed on the disabled list. Severino, who has permitted 110 hits in 110 innings over two seasons, is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in three games (two starts) versus Tampa Bay after pitching two scoreless innings of relief in New York's 5-3 loss at Tampa Bay on July 31.

WALK-OFFS

1. Saturday marked the first time since 1969 (C John Ellis and CF Jim Lyttle) that New York started two players making their major league debuts.

2. Yankees LF Brett Gardner did not play Saturday after getting hit by a pitch above the right ankle Friday and is expected to miss a few games.

3. The Phillies' Heinie Mueller and the Brooklyn Dodgers' Ernie Koy homered in their first career at-bats on April 19, 1938 at Baker Bowl in Philadelphia.

PREDICTION: Rays 3, Yankees 2

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Diamondbacks at Red Sox

Current Conditions - Boston

Partly sunny 86 °F
Wind: WSW 10.4
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (48-68) at Boston Red Sox (63-52)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 14 - 1:35 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Boston Red Sox are about to embark on another long road trip, and a little momentum gained from a three-game sweep would be welcome. The Red Sox will try to pull off that sweep and clinch a winning record on the six-game homestand when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks in the interleague series finale on Sunday.

Boston will play 30 of its final 46 games on the road, beginning with an 11-game trip that will pit it against teams it is challenging for playoff spots in the American League – Cleveland, Baltimore and Detroit – and looked ready to fall out of the race after dropping two of three to the New York Yankees earlier in the week. The Red Sox are bouncing back by getting the league-best offense back in gear and pounded out 15 runs and 19 hits in taking the first two from Arizona. The Diamondbacks won four straight while allowing three runs or fewer in each before coming to Boston. Arizona could use some length out of Zack Greinke on Sunday in his second start since coming off the disabled list after Patrick Corbin and Archie Bradley combined to go seven innings in the first two contests.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (11-3, 3.67 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (15-3, 3.40)

Greinke sat out over a month with an oblique strain but was solid in his return on Tuesday, holding the New York Mets to three runs and five hits while striking out six in as many innings to earn a win. The former AL Cy Young Award winner surrendered three or fewer runs in each of his last seven outings. Greinke is 2-4 in seven career games – six starts – against Boston despite owning a 2.83 ERA.

Porcello is quietly becoming the ace of the staff and can tie Toronto’s J.A. Happ for the major-league lead with his 16th win on Sunday. The New Jersey native held the New York Yankees to two runs and seven hits in eight innings to earn a win on Tuesday – the third straight start in which he completed at least eight frames. Porcello is looking for his first win in his third career start against Arizona and is 15-8 with a 4.11 ERA in interleague play.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox CF Jackie Bradley Jr. (toe) got the night off on Saturday but is expected back on Sunday.

2. Diamondbacks LF Yasmany Tomas (neck) returned from a four-game absence on Saturday and went 0-for-4

3. Boston and former Arizona RHP Brad Ziegler struck out the side on 10 pitches in his first appearance against his former team since the trade last month.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 3, Diamondbacks 2

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Royals at Twins

Current Conditions - Minneapolis

Sunny 69 °F
Wind: NNW 5.8
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Kansas City Royals (56-60) at Minnesota Twins (47-70)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 14 - 2:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

The Kansas City Royals will try to win their fourth straight series in Target Field when they meet the host Minnesota Twins in the rubber match of a three-game set Sunday afternoon. The teams have split the first two encounters, with the Twins claiming Saturday's contest 5-3 to defeat their American League Central rivals for just the second time in the last 11 meetings in Minneapolis.

Kansas City saw Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales - the third, fourth and fifth hitters in the lineup - go 0-for-12 as its three-game winning streak came to an end. Brian Dozier hit a solo homer for Minnesota, giving him 100 for his career, including one in each of his last three games against the Royals. Cheslor Cuthbert went deep for Kansas City to extend his hitting streak to nine games, during which he is hitting .350. Edinson Volquez gets the start in the series finale for the Royals and carries in a 4-1 record and a 2.20 ERA in his career against the Twins, who start Hector Santiago.
TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Edinson Volquez (8-10, 5.03 ERA) vs. Twins LH Hector Santiago (10-6, 4.47)

Volquez allowed four earned runs and struck out 16 batters over 12 1/3 innings in two starts against the Twins early in the season. He is 0-2 with an 8.47 ERA over his last three appearances - giving up 30 hits in 17 innings in that span - and enters this one with a 2-7 record and 6.51 ERA on the road. The 33-year-old will be wary of Twins veteran Joe Mauer, who is 9-for-22 with a homer and a double against him.

Santiago has allowed eight earned runs in 10 1/3 innings over two starts - both losses - since joining the Twins at the trade deadline from the Los Angeles Angels. One of his six straight wins in July came at Kansas City on July 25, when he allowed two runs in 5 1/3 frames to improve to 2-1 with a 1.89 ERA in his career against the Royals. The New Jersey native owns a 7.04 mark in six career games (five starts) at Target Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals are 20-39 on the road a year after going 44-37.

2. Mauer is batting .330 in 173 career games against Kansas City.

3. Dozier has eight homers in his last 14 games.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Royals 4

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Tigers at Rangers

Current Conditions - Arlington

Sunny 82 °F
Wind: N 9.2
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Detroit Tigers (62-54) at Texas Rangers (69-49)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 14 - 3:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

After ending a pair of losing streaks, the Detroit Tigers will try to end an otherwise difficult road trip on a good note when they complete a three-game series at the Texas Rangers on Sunday. A 2-0 victory on Saturday snapped the Tigers' five-game slide and also ended their six-game skid against the Rangers.

The much-needed victory kept Detroit (62-54) within 1 1/2 games of the Boston Red Sox (63-52) in the race for the second wild card in the American League. Matt Boyd and two relievers combined on a three-hit shutout, while veteran Casey McGehee recorded four hits and an RBI in his sixth game since taking over at third base for the injured Nick Castellanos. Dixon Machado, who is filling in at shortstop for the sidelined Jose Iglesias, had a hit and scored a run in his season debut for Detroit. Adrian Beltre had two of the Rangers' three hits and is batting .467 during a seven-game hitting streak.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (9-3, 2.43 ERA) vs. Rangers RH A.J. Griffin (5-1, 4.38)

Fulmer suffered his first loss since June 17 on Monday despite allowing just two runs in seven innings at Seattle. He has let up three earned runs or fewer in 15 of his 18 starts, including three in a row. The former first-round pick of the New York Mets in the 2011 draft is 7-3 with a 2.85 ERA in 13 road outings.

Griffin is 2-0 over his last five starts despite sporting a 5.54 ERA in that stretch. He was knocked around for five runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 frames at Colorado on Tuesday, which was the 28-year-old's 10th straight start in which he failed to complete six innings. Included in that span is a 2 2/3-inning outing at Detroit on May 7, which left Griffin with an 8.76 ERA in three career starts against the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera has multi-hit efforts in 12 of his last 22 games.

2. Rangers RF Shin-Soo Choo is 2-for-17 with six strikeouts in a five-game stretch.

3. Texas is 12-5 in series finales at home.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Rangers 4

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Orioles at Giants

Current Conditions - San Francisco

Partly sunny 55 °F
Wind: WNW 11.5
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (65-51) at San Francisco Giants (66-50)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 14 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: AT&T Park, San Francisco, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


A day after Madison Bumgarner ended a rare winless streak, the San Francisco Giants hope another one of their aces can end his own second-half blues. Johnny Cueto looks for his first victory in more than a month Sunday when the Giants host the Baltimore Orioles in the rubber match of their three-game set.

San Francisco (66-50) has lost most of its 6 1/2-game cushion in the National League West by dropping 17 of 26 since the Midsummer Classic, winning consecutive games only once over that time as Bumgarner and Cueto combined to go 0-5. Bumgarner kept the Giants one game ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers (65-51) with a gem in Saturday's 6-2 victory, however, striking out eight over seven innings. Cueto will try to recapture his first-half form (13-1, 2.47 ERA) and attempt to earn his first victory since July 6 against the Orioles (65-51), who fell one-half game behind American League East-leading Toronto with their fourth loss in six contests. Baltimore holds a 1 1/2-game edge on division rival Boston for the first wild-card spot and hopes to wrap up its 10-game road trip by going 5-5 before returning home for eight in a row starting Tuesday.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), CSN Bay Area

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles LH Wade Miley (7-10, 4.98 ERA) vs. Giants RH Johnny Cueto (13-3, 2.92)
Miley absorbed his second loss in as many tries since coming over from Seattle at the trade deadline in Tuesday's defeat in Oakland, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over six innings. The 29-year-old Louisiana native is 1-8 over his last nine outings despite holding the opposition to three runs or fewer six times. Miley pitched seven strong innings with the Mariners on Sept. 15, 2014 to defeat the Giants, improving to 4-4 in 10 appearances (nine starts) against them.
Cueto continued his recent struggles in a no-decision at Miami on Monday, allowing five runs on six hits - including a pair of homers - while throwing only 76 pitches over five innings. The two-time All-Star is 0-2 with a 5.02 ERA in five trips to the mound since drawing the start for the National League at the Midsummer Classic. Cueto was roughed up by Baltimore in each of his two turns against them last year, losing each time while surrendering 14 runs (13 earned) in 11 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS
1. Giants CF Denard Span drove in four runs Saturday, matching his RBI total from his previous 28 games. 2. Baltimore INF Steve Pearce (right flexor tendon) returned following a five-game absence Saturday but struck out as a pinch hitter in his only plate appearance.
3. San Francisco went 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position Saturday, halting a stretch in which it hit a MLB-worst .180 in those situations since July 1.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Orioles 3

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Mariners at Athletics

Current Conditions - Oakland

Cloudy 57 °F
Wind: WNW 9.2
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Seattle Mariners (61-54) at Oakland Athletics (52-65)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 14 - 4:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


Despite a hiccup to begin the weekend, the Seattle Mariners have used the momentum they generated from a red-hot start to August and an ability to win close games to make their presence felt in the American League wild-card chase. The visiting Mariners hope to improve to 10-2 over their last 12 contests Sunday when they attempt to take the rubber match of a three-game set against the Oakland Athletics.

After falling to .500 following a 2-1 home loss to begin August to fall six games behind Boston (63-52) for the second wild-card spot in the AL, Seattle (61-54) finished out its homestand by winning eight of nine, going 7-1 in games decided by two runs or fewer. The Mariners remained two games behind the Red Sox following Saturday's 4-3 triumph, using homers from Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano to rally from an early deficit before their resurgent bullpen slammed the door with 3 2/3 scoreless innings. The Athletics stopped Seattle's seven-game winning streak at Oakland Coliseum with Friday's 6-3 victory but was unable to collect their fifth win in six tries since getting swept at home last weekend by the Chicago Cubs. Billy Butler continued to swing a hot bat for the Athletics by going 3-for-4 with two doubles Saturday and is hitting .474 with seven multi-hit efforts over his last 11 contests.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle), CSN California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (1-0, 4.71 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Zach Neal (2-1, 4.60)
LeBlanc did not factor into the decision for the fifth time in his six starts Tuesday after allowing four runs on a season-high 10 hits and three walks across five innings against Detroit. The 32-year-old journeyman has served up at least one homer - and nine total - over his last six appearances, which includes a three-inning relief appearance in late July. LeBlanc worked 5 1/3 scoreless frames versus the Athletics in his last outing against them on Sept. 23, 2014, to improve to 1-0 with a 5.17 ERA in four games (two starts) against them.
Neal made a seamless transition from a long-relief role to the rotation for the second time this season to get the win against Baltimore on Tuesday, yielding one run on two hits over 5 1/3 innings. Since his recall from the minors in mid-July, the Oklahoma product has permitted only one run on six hits and a walk in 13 2/3 frames. Neal's only other start in 2016 did not go nearly as well as he was pounded for a season-high seven runs on eight hits across four innings versus the Mariners on May 25.

WALK-OFFS
1. Seattle's bullpen has posted a MLB-best 1.18 ERA since Aug. 1 and allowed one run over its last 27 1/3 innings.2. Oakland LF Khris Davis, who has homered in consecutive games, is hitting .288 with 24 home runs and 60 RBIs at night but only .184 with five homers and 13 RBIs in day games.
3. Each of the Mariners' last 14 games (10-4) have been decided by three runs or fewer.

PREDICTION: Mariners 3, Athletics 2

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Pirates at Dodgers

Current Conditions - Los Angeles

Clouds and sun 69 °F
Wind: N 1.5
5-Day Forecast
GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (58-56) at Los Angeles Dodgers (65-51)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 14 - 4:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A

Brett Anderson looks to bring a dose of stability to the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation on Sunday as the 28-year-old makes his season debut against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates in the rubber match of a three-game series. The Dodgers have won five of their last seven games but may have lost another starting pitcher Saturday when Brandon McCarthy exited with a hip injury.

Anderson had back surgery for a bulging disc in early March but hopes to make an immediate impact on a rotation that has been plagued by a series of injuries. McCarthy said after Saturday’s 8-4 win that he expects to join fellow starters Clayton Kershaw (back), Rich Hill (blister), Bud Norris (back), Alex Wood (elbow), and Hyun-Jin Ryu (elbow) on the disabled list, but Hill and Norris could each return next week, and Kershaw has begun throwing from flat ground. While the Dodgers (65-51) remained one game back of first-place San Francisco (66-50) in the National League West, Pittsburgh (58-56) has gone 24-17 since June 24 to pull within 1 1/2 games of the second wild-card spot. The Pirates tied a franchise record by stranding 18 runners in Saturday’s loss and could be without Starling Marte for Sunday’s series finale after the left fielder exited Saturday’s contest with upper back discomfort.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Chad Kuhl (2-0, 3.91 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Brett Anderson (2015: 10-9, 3.69)

Kuhl made his major-league debut against the Dodgers at PNC Park on June 26 and won a 4-3 decision while yielding three runs over five frames. The 23-year-old was later sent back to Triple-A Indianapolis but returned Tuesday against San Diego and allowed two runs over six innings for his second career victory. The Pirates have won all five games started by Kuhl, who was Pittsburgh’s ninth-round pick in the 2013 draft.

Anderson made 31 starts with the Dodgers last year and threw well in three minor-league rehab outings. “I’m excited for Brett,” manager Dave Roberts told reporters. “It’s been a long road for him. To get him back, it’s obviously a good thing for us.” Anderson last pitched against the Pirates on July 25, 2014, as a member of the Colorado Rockies, allowing two hits in 6 1/3 scoreless innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers 3B Justin Turner was scratched from the lineup Saturday due to a right hand contusion and is listed as day-to-day.

2. The Pirates are 54-0 when leading after eight innings.

3. The Dodgers are 21-10 in day games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Pirates 5

[Satch]

Re: MLB Betting Info. 8/14

Preview: Cardinals at Cubs

Current Conditions - Chicago

Partly sunny 77 °F
Wind: WNW 1.6
5-Day Forecast
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (61-56) at Chicago Cubs (73-42)
DATE/TIME: Sunday, August 14 - 8:08 PM EST
WHERE: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago Cubs finally have their first loss in August, but they can wrap up another series victory – and pad their National League Central lead – with a win over the visiting St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. The Cardinals snapped Chicago’s 11-game winning streak with an 8-4 win Saturday after the Cubs claimed the first two of the four-game set.


The Cardinals were able to break through for their first win in the series – and trim the Cubs’ NL Central lead to 13 games – with a six-run eighth-inning outburst against Chicago’s bullpen. Cubs starting pitchers are 8-0 with a 1.38 ERA in August, a trend right-hander John Lackey hopes to continue when he faces his former team. Lackey is 6-4 with a 2.67 ERA at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs own the majors’ best home mark at 41-18. The Cardinals are a major league-best 33-23 on the road, including a 4-2 mark at Wrigley Field.
TV: 8:08 p.m. ET, ESPN


PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Mike Leake (8-9, 4.79 ERA) vs. Cubs RH John Lackey (9-7, 3.56)
Leake has posted a whopping 7.39 ERA in five starts since the All-Star break and had surrendered at least six runs in three straight outings before breaking that streak last time out. The 28-year-old recorded a quality start Tuesday against Cincinnati, allowing three runs over six innings in a no-decision. Leake is 9-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 20 starts against the Cubs, but he’s 3-2 with a 4.20 ERA in 10 outings at Wrigley Field.
Lackey has recorded four straight quality starts, and the Cubs have won the last three. The 37-year-old shut down another one of his former teams last time out, holding the Los Angeles Angels to one run and three hits over eight innings Tuesday night. Lackey is 1-1 with a 2.70 ERA in three starts against the Cardinals, all of which have come this season.


WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs SS Addison Russell has 15 RBIs in his last 15 games, and 52 of his 71 RBIs have come at home.

2. Cardinals 2B Jedd Gyorko’s home run Saturday was his 10th since July 18 – most in the majors.

3. Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo, who has reached base in 19 consecutive starts, is 10-for-32 with two home runs versus Leake.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Cardinals 4