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CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

John Deere Classic Preview

July 7, 2015

Tournament: John Deere Classic
Date: July 9-12
Venue: TPC Deere Run
Location: Silvis, IL

Just a week ahead of the third major of the season, the players head to the John Deere Classic for a typically high scoring affair at TPC Deere Run. There has not been a victor at this event in the single digits since 1975 and ever since coming to this par-71, 7,268-yard course for the first time in 2000, the average winner’s score has been a blistering 19.3 strokes under par with Americans taking the trophy in each of the last eight installments.

Some solid golfers have etched their names into the trophy recently as Jordan Spieth became the first teenager to win on the PGA TOUR when he won in 2013 as he followed up a great showing by Zach Johnson (-20) in his 2012 victory. The most dominant man here has been Steve Stricker who has three of his 12 career wins when playing at this course and won each year from 2009-2011 with an average mark of 22.7 strokes under par. He also holds the record at this event for lowest aggregate score (258) and best mark to par (-26) when he outlasted Paul Gyodos by two strokes.

In 2014, it was Brian Harman who obtained his first PGA victory, just beating out Zach Johnson by a stroke behind four rounds of 68 or better. Pacing the field this week will be world No. 2, according to the Official World Golf Rankings, Jordan Spieth, as he is the only golfer from within the top-25 as most rest before the next major. The next best players according to their rankings are No. 29 Zach Johnson, No. 36 Kevin Kisner and No. 38 Ryan Moore.

There will be plenty of fireworks on the course this week so let’s take a look at a few golfers who could card the most birdies and eagles while outpacing the rest of the field.

Golfers to Bet

Zach Johnson (11/1): Johnson has made being a professional golfer look simple with his play at TPC Deere Run as he owns a win in 2012 while being sandwiched between three other top-three finishes. As mentioned before, he narrowly earned a second victory at this course last year, losing by a stroke to Brian Harman despite posting a ridiculous 21-under-par score with a score of 64 or better on Thursday and Sunday. He has at least one victory in seven of the last eight years, but has yet to break through in 2015 with 13 cuts made in 17 events (76%) as he is on pace for the worst year since 2008. The 11-time TOUR winner will get back to the top this week and turn around his season on a course he has previously dominated.

Kevin Kisner (80/1): Unlike Johnson, Kisner has not done too well at the John Deere Classic, and before a solid 20th last year, he missed the cut in the previous two attempts. Despite that, he earns his spot here and high odds from Vegas based on his stellar season to this point. He has more than tripled his earnings from last year with some outstanding play which has had him in three playoffs this season; all of which eventually ended in a runner-up finish. Kisner has shown up in all types of tournaments with high finishes in both events where the fields are thin, and also at big ones like the U.S. Open (12th) and the PLAYERS which was one of his second-place performances. Taking Kisner and his solid driving accuracy (69.28%, 18th on TOUR) would be riding the hot hand, and his is hotter than anyone on TOUR at the moment.

Scott Brown (65/1): The very shallow field this week allows for Brown to improve on his solid recent play as he has been able to make it to the weekend in 11 of the last 12 tournaments while doing no better than 12th. Overall on the year, the 32-year-old has five top-25 showings and earlier in the season he looked great when he finished in the top-10 at both the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and Puerto Rico Open. As usual, he has been able to do well amongst the field at the John Deere Classic, getting three straight top-25 finishes while getting a seventh in 2012 and fifth last year when he putt 1.803 strokes better than the field and hit 76.8% of fairways. He will look to do well on the greens again after having a putting average of 1.748 this year (40th on TOUR), and if he can do this again he should be near the top of the leaderboard on Sunday.

Chez Reavie (110/1): Reavie substantiated his solid recent stretch with yet another great outing when he finished in a tie for 22nd last week in West Virginia; his third consecutive top-25 finish of the year. At the Greenbrier Classic, the former Sun Devil was able to hit an incredible 83.9% of fairways and putt better that the field by .892 strokes. The flat iron, which typically hinders his game, has been great as he has done much better than his opposition in three of the past four events played. He’s made a mere 6-of-16 (38%) cuts on the year, but is running hot at the moment and could surpass plenty of expectations once again.

Jon Curran (140/1): Curran has made just 12-of-22 (55%) cuts this year, but has made the most of those weekend visits with five top-10s and a runner-up finish. He has two such finishes in the past month and a half as he shot a combined 22-under par between the AT&T Byron Nelson and Travelers Championship. His short game has been on point as he is 34th in sand save percentage (57.94%) and 25th in scrambling (62.96%) while hitting better than 73% of fairways in three of his last four performances. The rookie has already eclipsed a million dollars in earnings this year and should once again be in the money with a chance at a very high standing.

Odds to win John Deere Classic - per Sportsbook.ag

Jordan Spieth 7/2
Zach Johnson 11/1
Kevin Kisner 19/1
Ryan Moore 29/1
Brian Harman 35/1
Harris English 35/1
Justin Thomas 35/1
Robert Streb 40/1
Seung-Yul Noh 45/1
Steve Stricker 45/1
Tony Finau 45/1
David Hearn 60/1
Pat Perez 60/1
Shawn Stefani 60/1
Steven Bowditch 60/1
George McNeill 65/1
Scott Brown 65/1
Boo Weekley 70/1
Danny Lee 70/1
Jason Bohn 70/1
Jerry Kelly 70/1
Patrick Rodgers 70/1
Bryce Molder 75/1
Kevin Chappell 75/1
Kevin Streelman 75/1
Scott Piercy 75/1
Scott Langley 80/1
Brendon de Jonge 95/1
Chris Stroud 95/1
Whee Kim 95/1
Carl Pettersson 110/1
Charles Howell III 110/1
Chez Reavie 110/1
Daniel Summerhays 110/1
Bo Van Pelt 120/1
Chad Campbell 120/1
Chad Collins 120/1
Chesson Hadley 120/1
Jason Kokrak 120/1
Jhonattan Vegas 120/1
Luke Guthrie 120/1
Will Wilcox 120/1
Brian Campbell 140/1
Jon Curran 140/1
Jonathan Byrd 140/1
Tim Clark 140/1
William McGirt 140/1
Greg Chalmers 150/1
Jonas Blixt 150/1
K.J. Choi 150/1
Kyle Stanley 150/1
Scott Pinckney 150/1
Camilo Villegas 160/1
Johnson Wagner 160/1
Kevin Stadler 170/1
Billy Hurley III 190/1
Brian Stuard 190/1
David Toms 190/1
Fabian Gomez 190/1
Hudson Swafford 190/1
J.J. Henry 190/1
Jeff Overton 190/1
Max Homa 190/1
Michael Thompson 190/1
Robert Garrigus 190/1
Stuart Appleby 190/1
Retief Goosen 200/1
Jason Gore 210/1
John Huh 210/1
Martin Flores 210/1
Stewart Cink 210/1
Jim Herman 220/1
Aaron Baddeley 240/1
Adam Hadwin 240/1
Andrew Svoboda 240/1
Ben Crane 240/1
Brice Garnett 240/1
Cameron Percy 240/1
Carlos Ortiz 240/1
Erik Compton 240/1
John Merrick 240/1
Nicholas Thompson 240/1
Rod Pampling 240/1
Spencer Levin 240/1
Troy Merritt 240/1
Will MacKenzie 240/1
Zac Blair 240/1
Alex Cejka 250/1
Brian Davis 250/1
Bryson Dechambeau 250/1
Gonzalo Fdez-castano 250/1
Kyle Reifers 250/1
Mark Wilson 250/1
Michael Putnam 250/1
Ryo Ishikawa 250/1
S.J. Park 250/1
Vaughn Taylor 250/1
Alex Prugh 300/1
Andrew Loupe 300/1
Derek Ernst 300/1
Jonathan Randolph 300/1
Lucas Glover 300/1
Roberto Castro 300/1
Tommy Gainey 300/1
Andres Gonzales 350/1
Nick Taylor 350/1
Richard Sterne 350/1
Ricky Barnes 400/1
Tom Hoge 400/1
Charlie Wi 450/1
Chris Smith 450/1
D.A. Points 450/1
Davis Love III 450/1
Derek Fathauer 450/1
Eric Axley 450/1
John Rollins 450/1
Ken Duke 450/1
Tom Gillis 450/1
Troy Matteson 450/1
Vijay Singh 450/1
Andrew Putnam 500/1
Ben Curtis 500/1
Benjamin Alvarado 500/1
Bill Lunde 500/1
Blake Adams 500/1
Byron Smith 500/1
Carlos Sainz Jr. 500/1
Carson Schaake 500/1
Heath Slocum 500/1
Jim Renner 500/1
Josh Teater 500/1
Lee Mccoy 500/1
Mark Anderson 500/1
Mark Hubbard 500/1
Mike Weir 500/1
Neal Lancaster 500/1
Oscar Fraustro 500/1
Roger Sloan 500/1
Ryan Armour 500/1
Sam Saunders 500/1
Scott Verplank 500/1
Steve Wheatcroft 500/1
Steven Alker 500/1
Tim Herron 500/1
Tim Petrovic 500/1
Tim Wilkinson 500/1
Todd Hamilton 500/1
Trevor Immelman 500/1
Troy Kelly 500/1
Tyrone Van Aswegen 500/1
Zack Sucher 500/1
Zack Vervaecke 500/1

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Mickelson mum on laundering allegations

July 8, 2015

GULLANE, Scotland (AP) Five-time major champion Phil Mickelson refused to comment on allegations linking him to an illegal gambling operation, saying Wednesday he is used to being an ''object to be discussed.''

ESPN reported last week that $2.75 million belonging to Mickelson was transferred to a former sports gambling handicapper, who pleaded guilty to laundering money. According to court documents obtained by ESPN, the money was part of ''an illegal gambling operation which accepted and placed bets on sporting events.''

''The fact is, I'm comfortable enough with who I am as a person that I don't feel I need to comment on every little report that comes out,'' Mickelson said, when asked for a response to the ESPN report.

ESPN reported that Mickelson, one of the biggest names in the sport, hasn't been charged with a crime and isn't under federal investigation.

Gregory Silveira of La Quinta, California, pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering of funds from an unnamed gambling client of his between February 2010 and February 2013, according to ESPN, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 5.

''When I started to understand that I was more of an object to be discussed, it took out the personal element of when people say things,'' Mickelson said. ''People are going to say things good, they are going to say things bad. They are going to say things true, they are going to say things not true.''

Mickelson was more forthcoming on the issue of Donald Trump's comments about Mexican immigrants, saying he was ''disappointed'' and that the real estate mogul's remarks have put golfers ''in an awkward situation.''

''We don't agree with those comments but we are appreciative of what's done to promote the game of golf, and that puts everybody in a tough spot,'' Mickelson said.

Trump, a Republican presidential candidate, is facing a backlash, with the PGA of America announcing Tuesday it is moving the Grand Slam of Golf from his course in Los Angeles. NBC, Univision and Macy's are among several businesses that already have cut ties to Trump over his comments.

Trump has a long-standing relationship with golf, however, and his remarks about Mexican immigrants - who, he has claimed, are ''criminals, drug dealers, rapists, etc'' in many cases - have placed golf in a difficult situation.

While Mickelson is a high-profile player to speak out, fellow American Ryder Cup players Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker, who are also playing the Scottish Open in Gullane this week, didn't want to weigh into the controversy Wednesday.

Mickelson is back on Scotland's east coast for the first time since winning the 2013 British Open at Muirfield, a course situated a short walk from Gullane. Mickelson closed with a 6-under 66 - playing the last six holes in 4 under - to lift the claret jug for the first time, for what he says is ''probably the most special victory of my career.''

The 45-year-old American hasn't won a tournament since.

''I am going to stop by (Muirfield),'' said Mickelson, who has his family with him in Scotland this week - just as he did in 2013 when he won the Scottish and British Opens in successive weeks. ''I'd love to just walk the back nine again. It's probably the best nine holes of golf I've ever played.''

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Rory McIlroy pulls out of British Open

July 8, 2015

The photo Rory McIlroy posted to Instagram on Wednesday shows his feet up, a black air cast around his left ankle, as he watches Wimbledon on television. The claret jug was positioned beneath the screen.

When it comes to a Grand Slam championship in his own sport, the world's No. 1 golfer will be reduced to watching this year.

Two days after the stunning news that he ruptured a ligament in his left ankle, McIlroy pulled out of the British Open at St. Andrews, the first time in 61 years that the defending champion will not be in the field.

He injured his ankle over the weekend playing soccer with friends in Northern Ireland. McIlroy held out hope he could still make it to St. Andrews next week, but he decided it was not worth risking a full recovery.

''After much consideration, I have decided not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews,'' McIlroy said on his Instagram post.

''I'm taking a long-term view of this injury and, although rehab is progressing well, I want to come back to tournament play when I feel 100 percent healthy and 100 percent competitive.''

Ben Hogan in 1954 was the last British Open champion who did not defend. Hogan, who was nearly killed in an automobile accident in 1949, won the only British Open he played in 1953 at Carnoustie.

''We are naturally very disappointed that Rory will be unable to defend his title at St. Andrews next week,'' the R&A said in a statement. ''Rory will play in many more Open Championships and our primary concern is for his complete recovery.''

He was replaced in the field by Russell Knox, who grew up in Inverness in the north of Scotland and will be making his Open debut.

Though it wasn't a big surprise that he withdrew - not after the photo Monday of McIlroy on crutches - it was no less jarring that golf's best player would not be at the home of golf to defend his title.

His absence makes Jordan Spieth the favorite at St. Andrews in his quest for the Grand Slam. Spieth is only the fourth player since 1960 to have won the Masters and the U.S. Open in the same year.

''It's hugely disappointing, especially with him and Jordan and everything that's going on,'' Graeme McDowell said from the Scottish Open.

''It was looking to be a really exciting Open for all involved. I'm sure he's really disappointed. ... No one would love to stop Jordan in his tracks next week more than Rory. With the fun rivalry going on and everything, he's going to be gutted. I saw the golf course last Saturday. I believed that Rory was rightly a favorite. I thought he'd get it done around there.''

Still to be determined is how long the ankle injury keeps McIlroy out of golf.

He also is the defending champion in the Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone on Aug. 6-9, and the PGA Championship the following week at Whistling Straits. McIlroy finished one shot out of a playoff when the PGA Championship was last held there in 2010.

''We want him back. Everybody does,'' Spieth said Tuesday at the John Deere Classic. ''It's unlucky, it's unfortunate, and I'm sure he's taking it harder on himself than anybody else.

''But I don't think he did anything wrong, it was just an unfortunate situation. And hopefully, he rebounds quickly and gets back right to where he was.''

Spieth will have a chance to replace McIlroy at No. 1 in the world with a good finish at the John Deere and a victory at St. Andrews.

Tiger Woods is the only other No. 1 player to miss a major championship - the British Open and PGA Championship in 2008 recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, and the Masters last year when he had surgery on his back.

Knox was first alternate from the world ranking published Monday, and he was hopeful he would get into his first Open.

This wasn't what he had in mind.

''Everyone is gutted for Rory,'' Knox said after his pro-am round at the Scottish Open. ''He is in the prime of his career and would have had a great chance to win there. Nobody wants to get in because someone else got injured. It's a horrible way to get in, I guess, but I'm very happy I'm in the field.''

McIlroy has never won at St. Andrews, though the Old Course is special to him. It was at the Dunhill Links in 2007 that he finished third to earn his European Tour card.

And he tied a major championship record with a 63 in the opening round of the 2010 British Open at St. Andrews, only to follow with an 80 when a big wind arrived the next day. He tied for third that year.

He put a scare into the leaders at Chambers Bay in the final round of the U.S. Open, closing with a 66.

''It bodes well for the rest of the summer the way I've hit the ball this week,'' McIlroy said before leaving Chambers Bay.

''And I've got a couple of weeks to work on my putting and get that up to the shape that it has been in. If I can do that ... I'm really excited about what can happen over the summer.''

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Wie ready for title defense at US Open

July 8, 2015

LANCASTER, Pa. (AP) Michelle Wie breaks into a huge smile any time she recounts her first major victory.

But it's not the clinching putt, award ceremony or winner's trophy that brightens Wie's smile. Oddly, she says it's the way she handled a damaging double-bogey on the 16th hole of the final round of last year's U.S. Women's Open, cutting her lead to a single stroke. She went on to birdie 17 and close out a two-stroke win for her first major title.

A year later, she's still most proud of how she handled the challenging turn of events in the biggest event in women's golf.

''A lot of people talk about hole No. 17 when I birdied, but I think the moment I was most proud of was when I made that double bogey putt on 16,'' Wie said this week as she prepared to defend her title. ''That, for me, was the moment that I felt like I was the most in control that I've ever been.''

Wie finished with three victories last season, but 2014's happiness has morphed in 2015's hardship.

Her season has been slowed by injury and illness. She has battled strep throat and a sinus infection, and she's just showing signs of moving past a debilitating left hip injury that forced her to withdraw from a tournament at Kingsmill after one round. She's still looking for a top-10 finish, with her best a tie for 11th in the Lotte Championship.

''It's definitely been a tough year with my game,'' she said. ''It's definitely not been as good as I want to be. But at the same time, I'm taking it day by day. Every day feels better than the day before.''

If her game is in shape in Amish Country this week, Wie could make a run at becoming just the eighth player to repeat as champion. The 6,400-yard, par-70 Lancaster Country Club layout calls for long, accurate drives and pinpoint putting, and Wie thinks she is up for the challenge.

''It has its challenges, it has its difficulties, but I think it's a great golf course,'' she said. ''It's going to be a really great mix of holes.''

---

CADDIE-GATE

Predictably, USGA officials were asked on the eve of the championship about Tuesday's decision to remove the caddie for Sei Young Kim from the championship for taking photos of internal notes on the course setup.

Paul Fusco had previously worked for Paul Casey and Steve Flesch on the PGA Tour and for Na Yeon Choi on the LPGA Tour.

Diana Murphy, the USGA's vice president and chairman of the championship committee, said the decision was made to protect the entire field.

''Golf is a game of honor and integrity,'' Murphy said. ''And unfortunately we found a caddie who was attempting to get some information that would benefit his player and not the whole field. ... So it was a terribly poor judgment on his part.''

Murphy said the player was able to find a replacement caddie quickly.

---

BY THE NUMBERS

There were a record 1,873 entries for this year's championship, easily eclipsing the previous high of 1,702 for last year's event at Pinehurst No. 2.

Laura Davies, of England, is the senior competitor at 51 years old. The winner of the 1987 championship also has the most U.S. Women's Open starts among the 156-player field with 27, including this year. American Cristie Kerr and Aussie Karrie Webb are next with 20 apiece.

Suzuka Yamaguchi, of Japan, is the youngest competitor in the field at 14 years, 11 months and 10 days old, as of Thursday.

The USGA is hosting its 83rd championship in Pennsylvania. The first championship was the Women's Amateur at Philadelphia Country Club in 1899.

---

TOUGH TO DEFEND

History is not on Michelle Wie's side as she tries to defend her U.S. Women's Open title.

Only seven players have claimed the championship in consecutive years: Mickey Wright (1958-59), Donna Caponi (1969-70), Susie Maxwell Berning (1972-73), Hollis Stacy (1977-78), Betsy King (1989-90), Annika Sorenstam (1995-96) and Karrie Webb (2000-01).

---

PRIZE MONEY INCREASE

It didn't take too long for word of an increase in the purse for the 70th U.S. Women's Open to find its way to the players.

Two-time major champion Brittany Lincicome found out via Twitter that the purse for this week's championship at Lancaster Country Club increased to $4.5 million, a half-million dollar increase over last year.

''What would we do without social media?'' Lincicome asked. ''I don't normally pay attention to the prize. But I thought that was very neat. ... It's amazing to see the purse go up that much. It's gone up significantly over the last couple of years, which is pretty amazing. Women's golf is going up, and it's a great time to be a part of the Tour.''

In 2013, the championship's purse was $3.25 million.

---

PALMER, NICKLAUS AND OAKMONT TOGETHER AGAIN

Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer have been named honorary co-chairmen of the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, site of one of their legendary duels.

The legends squared off in an 18-hole playoff in 1962 at the Pittsburgh-area course. A 22-year-old Nicklaus beat Palmer for the first of his four U.S. Open titles.

''Oakmont has always been such a very special place to both of us, and it was the backdrop for one of our great battles on the golf course,'' Nicklaus said.

Palmer, a Pittsburgh-area native, has a storied history at Oakmont, where he played his 32nd and final U.S. Open in 1994.

''I have treasured Oakmont since I played there for the first time when I was just 12 years old,'' Palmer said.

The ninth U.S. Open at Oakmont is set for next June 16-19.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

At the Gate - Thursday

July 8, 2015

With two races under his belt, it does not appear as if Zenyatta’s first foal is going to follow in her footsteps and become a star.

Cozmic One made his second career start at Belmont Park on Wednesday in a maiden special weight race, and was soundly beaten by 11 ¾ lengths for the top spot. The colt was dead on the tote board, drifting up from his 4-1 morning line to 7-1 and after saving ground in the early going came with a four wide bid and had no punch in the stretch.

The colt made his much-anticipated debut at Santa Anita on April 17 going a mile and was sent off at 9-5. He trailed throughout, finishing dead last in a six-horse field.

He is trained by John Shirreffs, who trained the great Zenyatta, who earned $7.3 million while winning 19 of her 20 career starts including beating the boys in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in 2009. Her lone loss was a runner up finish in the 2010 Classic.

She won the Eclipse Award for top older female three years in a row from 2008 to 2010 and was named Horse of the Year in 2010.

The reports for her son was that he was working much better than he had prior to his debut, but he failed to show it on the track on Wednesday.

On the bright side, Shirreffs is known to bring them along slower than most and is patient with his runners, so perhaps we have not seen his best yet.

However, getting drilled by a combined 20 ¼ lengths in his first two career outings is not exactly the kind of start Zenyatta fans were hoping for.

Here is today’s opening race from Belmont Park to get the day off to a good start:

BEL Race 1 Md $40,000 (1:20 ET)
1 A Marked Man 5-2
4 Hard Rock Playin 12-1
7 Momma's Mark 5-1
11 River Knight 3-1

Analysis: A Marked Man made a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot last out at seven furlongs here over ground labeled as good. The gelding has landed in the money in four straight starts without picking up his diploma but catches a field here he should be able to handle.

Hard Rock Playin was sent off at just less than 7-1 in his debut going six furlongs on the turf here but came with a five wide run and then backed up to finish a well beaten 11th. He has a decent turf pedigree, by Rock Hard Ten out of a Gone West mare that has dropped one turf winner. The Pompay barn is 15% winners with second out maidens. Lopez takes the call and this guy should be a decent price.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 2-1 or better.
EX: 1,4 / 1,4,7,11
TRI: 1,4 / 1,4,7,11 / 1,4,7,9,11

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Belmont Park:

BEL Race 8 OClm $62,500N2X (4:57 ET)
3 Doc Almon 4-1
9 Classy Class 5-2
8 Havana 3-1
6 Warrior's Crown 6-1

Analysis: Doc Almon has won back to back, taking a pair of Alw-3 optional claimers for the Jacobson barn that claimed him for $50,000 back in April. He actually drops a condition here and is tagged for $62,500. He ran a decent third three back against $50,000 in his last go over the surface where he is 0 for 3. He owns a solid pace profile throughout and looks well spotted here.

Classy Class stalked the early pace and did not have enough punch in the stretch in a fourth place finish in the Woody Stephens (G2) last out. He finished third in a couple of Grade 3 races on the inner track earlier this year. He has won two of his three trips over the main track here and the class relief should get him back on track here.

Wagering
WIN: #3 to win at 3-1 or better.
EX: 3,9 / 3,6,8,9
TRI: 3,9 / 3,6,8,9 / 1,3,6,8,9

Live Longshots:
These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Belmont Park
R1: #4 Hard Rock Playin 12-1
R9: #6 Midsummer Delight 10-1
R9: #5 Esky 8-1

Good luck today!

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Jordan spurns Mavericks for Clippers

July 8, 2015

DALLAS (AP) Two people with knowledge of the situation tell The Associated Press that DeAndre Jordan has reneged on his verbal agreement to join the Dallas Mavericks and will instead remain with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Jordan made the switch after a face-to-face meeting at his Houston home with a contingent of Clippers including Blake Griffin and Paul Pierce, the people said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the NBA's ban on public comments before players can sign contracts, starting at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday.

It was a surprising reversal for Jordan, the defensive pillar who agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal with the Mavericks last week.

The Mavericks and Jordan's agents tried to reach him repeatedly while he met with the Clippers, but were unsuccessful.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Ex-Laker Lin agrees to deal with Hornets

July 8, 2015

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a contract with free agent Jeremy Lin, a person familiar with the situation said Wednesday night.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the move cannot be announced until Thursday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Lin essentially announced the deal, posting on his Instagram page Wednesday night ''Lets goooooo!! (hash)BuzzCity'' and attached a photo of the Hornets' team logo.

Lin is entering his sixth NBA season. He had a brief but memorable stint with the New York Knicks in 2012 and also played for the Warriors, Rockets and Lakers.

The 26-year-old Lin played in 74 games last season for the Lakers, averaging 11.2 points and 4.6 assists. He shot 42.4 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from 3-point range.

He's expected to back up point guard Kemba Walker in Charlotte.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Lin shoots 43.9 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from beyond the arc. Walker shoots 39.5 percent overall and 31.8 percent on 3s.

It's the latest move by general manager Rich Cho, who has worked hard to revamp the roster after the team failed to make the playoffs last season.

Among the other new faces on the Hornets' roster this season include Nicolas Batum, Spencer Hawes, Jeremy Lamb and rookie Frank Kaminsky, the national player of the year in college last season.

Lin earned immense popularity with the Knicks during the ''Linsanity'' craze. After being claimed off waivers, Lin made his way into the starting lineup following a slew of injuries. He became the first NBA player to have at least 20 points and seven assists in his first five games.

The following year the Knicks allowed Lin to walk in free agency after the Rockets signed him to a three-year, $25 million contract. He spent two seasons in Houston before being traded to the Lakers.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Cubs' Bryant to participate in HR Derby

July 8, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) The Reds' Todd Frazier is paired with two-time champion Prince Fielder of Texas in the first round of Monday's All-Star Home Run Derby in Cincinnati.

In this year's new format, Chicago Cubs rookie Kris Bryant is in a pairing with the Los Angeles Angels' Albert Pujols, Toronto's Josh Donaldson is in a bracket with the Chicago Cubs' Anthony Rizzo, and Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Joc Pederson takes on Baltimore's Manny Machado.

The Frazier-Fielder winner faces Donaldson or Rizzo, and the Bryant-Pujols winner goes against Pederson or Machado.

Brackets were based on season home run totals through Tuesday.

Each batter gets five minutes per round, and home runs in each batter's final minute stop the clock. Players can earn up to 1 minute, 30 seconds of bonus time based on home run distance.

''Swinging for five minutes, that's going to be a really long time. Really long,'' Pederson said. ''Hopefully I don't have to go first and I can watch how some of the veterans go about it.''

Pederson has selected Triple-A coach Johnny Washington to pitch to him.

''He's been with me since Day 1,'' he said. ''It's only appropriate that he gets to come along and gets to share in this event, see how far we've come together.''

Bryant said his father, Mike, will throw to him. Mike Bryant taught Kris to hit at a young age, passing along the lessons he learned from Ted Williams during the two spring trainings he was a Boston Red Sox farmhand in the early 1980s.

''I'm probably doing it more for him so he can experience it with me,'' Kris Bryant said Wednesday. ''We always talked about it growing up and now it's here.''

Bryant thinks Rizzo may have an advantage at Great American Ball Park.

''Cincinnati's a pretty good left-handed hitter's ballpark,'' Bryant said. ''Hopefully, I win it, but if he wins, that's great, too.''

Fielder won the derby in 2009 and 2012. He will be participating for the sixth time, matching Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa, and trailing only Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGwire.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Yankees recall Miller, Ellsbury from DL

July 8, 2015

NEW YORK (AP) The New York Yankees got two of their stars back, activating center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury and closer Andrew Miller from the disabled list.

Ellsbury was in the Yankees' lineup Wednesday against Oakland, batting leadoff and playing center field. Manager Joe Girardi said Miller would immediately step into his stopper role.

''It's a big lift to get two players like that back,'' Girardi said. ''These are real impact players.''

Miller was perfect in 17 save chances in his first season with the Yankees before going on the DL June 11 with a forearm strain. Miller's return pushes All-Star Dellin Betances back to setup duties. Betances had five saves filling in but gave up home runs in consecutive games, including a go-ahead drive to Brett Lawrie on Tuesday night.

Ellsbury has been out seven weeks with a knee injury. He had a .412 on-base percentage in 37 games and was hitting .324.

The Yankees optioned outfielder Ramon Flores and right-hander Nick Rumbelow to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Nationals' Span out with back spasms

July 8, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) Nationals center fielder Denard Span will be sidelined through the All-Star break because of lingering back spasms.

The leadoff hitter won't play in any of Washington's remaining four games before the All-Star game. The NL East leaders host Cincinnati on Wednesday night and play at Baltimore this weekend.

''No, no chance,'' Span said.

Span had an MRI this week. A specialist will examine the results Thursday, manager Matt Williams said. For now, Span won't be put on the disabled list.

Span is batting .305 with a team-high 11 stolen bases.

''I've still been maintaining my play on the field. We didn't think it was anything serious,'' he said. ''But it's got to the point now where I've got to figure out what's going on. This is bigger than today. I want to play another 10 years so I need to figure this out.''

Span missed five of Washington's last 12 games, including the final two games against the Reds.

''I'm definitely not helping the team by doing what I've been doing for the last three or four weeks, missing games here and there,'' Span said.

Williams deemed the injury ''perplexing.''

''Four or five days in a row he's great and then all of a sudden it crops up again,'' the manager said. ''We'll get him to see a specialist and talk about it. ...Hopefully at some point (Thursday) we'll have a better answer.''

Infielder Yunel Escobar (hamstring strain) is available off the bench Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday's 5-0 loss, Williams said.

The Nationals also recalled right-hander Taylor Hill and optioned righty Taylor Jordan to Triple-A Syracuse.

Hill made six appearances over two previous stints with the Nationals this season, going 0-0 with a 3.75 ERA. He went 3-3 with a 4.68 ERA in 12 starts at Syracuse.

Jordan is 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA in three games with Washington this season

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Dodgers send reliever Garcia to Triple-A

July 8, 2015

LOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Dodgers sent reliever Yimi Garcia to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday to get in extra work around the All-Star break.

Garcia was sent down two days after making his first start since 2011 when he was in the minors. He replaced Carlos Frias, who went on the disabled list last week, in the rotation against Philadelphia, and gave up two runs and four hits in two innings.

Manager Don Mattingly said the move is to give Garcia ''a breather'' since he has made a team-high 40 appearances and allow him time to work on his fastball command. The 24-year-old right-hander is 3-2 with a 4.10 ERA while striking out 53 in 37 1/3 innings.

After opening the season by allowing one run in his first 14 appearances, Garcia has posted a 6.26 ERA in his last 26 games since May 11.

The All-Star break begins Monday. The Dodgers resume play on July 17, when they open a 10-game road trip in Washington.

The Dodgers selected the contract of right-handed reliever Chin-hui Tsao from Triple-A and recalled right-hander Josh Ravin from Oklahoma City. They optioned left-hander Ian Thomas to Triple-A along with Garcia, and designated left-hander Eric Surkamp for assignment.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Royals' Vargas to return after break

July 8, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Royals could soon have their banged-up starting rotation back to normal.

Right-hander Yordano Ventura will come off the disabled list Thursday to start the series finale against Tampa Bay, and left-hander Jason Vargas is expected to return from the DL after the All-Star break. Both have been out since early June.

Ventura has been dealing with ulnar neuritis, a condition involving the inflammation of the ulnar nerve in the arm that causes weakness in the hand. Vargas has had a left flexor strain.

The Royals optioned reliever Brandon Finnegan to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday and recalled right-hander Aaron Brooks, who served as their 26th man in Tuesday's doubleheader.

The Royals will need to make another roster move when Ventura is activated.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

LEADING OFF: King Felix faces Angels once again, Price rolls

July 8, 2015

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

YOU AGAIN?

Mariners ace Felix Hernandez starts for the 44th time in his career against the Angels. He's 13-13 in those games, but is 5-0 with an 0.93 ERA in his last nine tries. King Felix opposes Garrett Richards at Safeco Field.

ENCORE, ENCORE

Marlins star Jose Fernandez starts the opener of a four-game series at home against Cincinnati. He won last week in his return from Tommy John surgery, pitching six innings vs. San Francisco and hitting a home run, too.

CAMPAIGN STOP

Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki would be thrilled to make his fifth All-Star team, but not if it means pushing his way in. He's among the five candidates in fan voting for the last roster spots in each league - balloting ends Friday. ''If I gather enough votes from the fans, that it would obviously be appreciated. And an honor,'' he said. ''But I don't think I'll do much campaigning on my part.'' Tulowitzki and the Rockies host Atlanta.

STATE YOUR CASE

Zack Greinke (7-2) makes his final push to start the All-Star Game when he pitches at Dodger Stadium for first-place Los Angeles against Kevin Correia (0-3) and last-place Philadelphia. Greinke leads the majors with a 1.48 ERA and is working on a career-best scoreless streak of 27 2-3 innings.

PRICE IS RIGHT

All-Star lefty David Price (8-2, 2.54 ERA) has won four straight decisions - two with complete games - going into his start for the Tigers at Minnesota, a team he has beaten twice this season. Price has the third-best road ERA in the league (1.86). He will face Twins righty Mike Pelfrey.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Baseball Capsules

July 8, 2015

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) All-Star Jacob deGrom allowed two hits over eight innings, Eric Campbell hit a two-run homer and the New York Mets beat the San Francisco Giants 4-1 Wednesday to win consecutive road series for the first time this season.

Juan Lagares also drove in a run for the Mets, who took advantage of an error by All-Star shortstop Brandon Crawford to break a 0-0 tie in the sixth.

DeGrom (9-6) allowed a double to Hunter Pence in the third inning and a bloop single to Brandon Belt in the fourth, then retired 13 consecutive batters. The reigning NL Rookie of the Year, deGrom struck out 10 and walked one. He is 5-1 with a 1.09 ERA in day games.

Mets starting pitchers have allowed three or fewer hits in each of their last four starts.

Jeurys Familia got two outs for his 24th save in 26 chances.

In his second start after missing 2 1/2 months because of a strained back, Jake Peavy (0-4) gave up two runs - one earned - and six hits in seven innings.

BREWERS 6, BRAVES 5

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Carlos Gomez hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the eighth inning and also had a solo shot in the sixth to help Milwaukee beat Atlanta.

The Brewers trailed 5-3 before Gomez's eighth home run off reliever Luis Avilan (2-3), who failed to hold the lead for Julio Teheran and Atlanta. Shane Peterson and Gerardo Parra each reached on bloop hits before Avilan struck out Jonathan Lucroy. Gomez followed and drilled a 3-1 pitch into the seats.

Jeremy Jeffress (3-0) picked up the win with 1 1-3 scoreless innings of relief, and Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth for his 19th save in as many chances.

Teheran pitched seven strong innings but Atlanta failed to sweep the three-game series.

TWINS 5, ORIOLES 3

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Brian Dozier and Joe Mauer hit back-to-back home runs with two outs in the sixth inning, propelling Minnesota past Baltimore to complete a three-game sweep.

Manny Machado and Chris Davis hit consecutive homers off Casey Fien in the eighth for the Orioles, but Glen Perkins got his 28th save in 28 attempts with a perfect ninth.

Tommy Milone (5-1) stayed unbeaten in seven starts since being brought backfrom Triple-A Rochester at the beginning of June, striking out five in seven innings to lower his ERA to 2.84.

Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez pitched five scoreless innings, but he needed a season-high 110 pitches to finish them. Bud Norris (2-9), who was bumped from the rotation last week, took over in the decisive sixth.

TIGERS 5, MARINERS 4

SEATTLE (AP) - Jefry Marte got an RBI double for his first major league hit, then added a solo home run that sent Detroit over Seattle.

Marte made his big league debut last Sunday and had struck out in his only at-bat. The 24-year-old played first base while the Tigers are minus injured Miguel Cabrera.

Making his first start, Marte doubled during a three-run second and scored later in the inning.

Marte homered in the fourth against J.A. Happ (4-6) to make it 4-2.

Nick Castellanos hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh that broke a 4-4 tie.

Anibal Sanchez (8-7) got the win. Joakim Soria put two runners on base in the ninth but finished for his 19th save in 21 opportunities.

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Preview: Athletics (39-47) at Yankees (44-39)
Game: 3
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: July 09, 2015 1:05 PM EDT

Masahiro Tanaka is enduring the longest winless stretch of his career and he's up against a pitcher who has dominated the New York Yankees.

The Oakland Athletics' Jesse Chavez is 4-0 against New York, though his 1-5 record in day games could be a cause for concern Thursday.

The Yankees and Athletics have traded one-run wins in this series heading into this finale in the Bronx that features right-handers on the mound.

Tanaka (4-3, 3.94 ERA) is 0-2 with a 6.26 ERA in his last four starts after yielding three runs over six innings in Friday's 7-5, 12-inning home win over Tampa Bay. He did not allow a homer after he was taken deep three times in each of his previous two starts.

The Japanese star won his lone start against Oakland (39-48) by surrendering one run over six innings in a 2-1 home victory June 5, 2014.

Chavez (4-8, 3.20) owns a 21-31 career mark with a 4.40 ERA and has only beaten one team more than twice - the Yankees. He is 4-0 with a 1.63 ERA in five appearances - three starts - against them.

The journeyman can become the 15th pitcher to improve to 4-0 in as many starts versus New York (45-39) among pitchers whose careers began in 1914 or later. He scattered seven hits over eight innings in a 3-0 home victory May 31.

Chavez dropped his second straight outing Friday by giving up four runs over 6 1-3 innings in a 9-5 loss to Seattle. He is 1-5 with a 3.89 ERA in seven day games - six starts.

Mark Teixeira has faced him the most among the Yankees, going 3 for 12. Brett Gardner is 2 for 11 and Brian McCann is hitless in seven at-bats with four strikeouts.

McCann is expected to return to the lineup after resting in Wednesday's 5-4 victory.

The Yankees bounced back from Tuesday's 4-3, 10-inning defeat behind Teixeira's two solo homers and some excellent defensive work by the first baseman.

"I've been saying it all year long, he's a run producer and so important to us defensively and he had a great day," manager Joe Girardi said.

Stephen Drew also homered to raise baseball's worst average among qualifying hitters to .179. The Yankees' three homers matched their total from their first five meetings with the A's.

"That's a big part of our game and that's how we're going to win games by hitting the ball out of the ballpark," Girardi said. "And we're designed to do that here, that's what we're made up to do."

Jacoby Ellsbury went 1 for 4 in his return from the disabled list while Chase Headley will likely miss a second straight game with a sore right calf.

The A's are a major league-worst 7-22 in one-run games. They look to improve to 14-7 in their last 21 day games after starting 1-13.

Oakland's Billy Burns is 12 for 28 against New York and 8 for 23 in a five-game hitting streak. He leads all rookies with 81 hits.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Athletics at Yankees
Tue, Jul 7 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Athletics at Yankees
Wed, Jul 8 - Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Athletics at Yankees
Thu, Jul 9 - 1:05PM EDT

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Preview: Rays (43-43) at Royals (48-33)
Game: 4
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: July 09, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

Just when the Kansas City Royals' rotation is getting healthy, the AL leaders lost Alex Gordon to an injury.

Yordano Ventura makes his first start in nearly a month as the Royals look to overcome the absence of one of their All-Stars and go claim a fifth straight win Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Kansas City (49-33) beat Tampa Bay 9-7 on Wednesday, but it will attempt to complete a four-game sweep without Gordon.

The left fielder collapsed to the ground with a strained groin chasing Logan Forsythe's inside-the-park homer in the fourth inning.

"He heard it pop, which isn't good," manager Ned Yost said. "The doctors didn't think it detached from the bone, which is a good thing. But it kind of took the wind out of the sails."

Yost told MLB's official website Gordon underwent an MRI on Wednesday night.

The Royals will be at full strength on the mound once Jason Vargas returns from a left hip flexor sprain after the All-Star break.

Ventura (3-6, 4.68 ERA), meanwhile, is back in the rotation after a bout with ulnar neuritis, a condition in the arm that causes weakness in the hand. That limited him to three innings of a loss at St. Louis on June 12.

He gave up four runs with nine strikeouts and six walks in two rehab starts in the minors.

"He's ready," Yost told MLB's official website. "He's ready to go."

Ventura, however, is 1-6 with a 5.17 ERA over his last 10 starts, losing three of four at home behind a 5.75 ERA.

He's allowed four runs in 11 innings while not getting a decision in two starts against the Rays (43-44), but all of that damage came on a grand slam by Kevin Kiermaier in a 5-4 road win July 9, 2014.

Jarrod Dyson replaced Gordon on Wednesday and hit a two-run inside-the-park homer. He has two hits and four runs in two games during this series and is 8 for 24 in his last 10 contests, increasing his season mark 20 points to .273.

Lorenzo Cain is 14 for 26 with five doubles and six RBIs in his last seven games after finishing a triple shy of the cycle with three RBIs on Wednesday.

One of six Royals named to Tuesday's All-Star Game, Cain is hitting .391 over his last 11 meetings with Tampa Bay.

The Rays - batting .215 while losing 10 of 11 games - squandered a 14-hit effort Wednesday.

Nathan Karns (4-4, 3.21) would appreciate any offensive help as he faces the Royals for the first time.

The right-hander has a 1.78 ERA and 10.09 strikeouts per nine innings over his last five starts but he's 1-1 since he's been backed by two total runs - none in the last three games.

Karns gave up two scores in the opening inning Saturday before tossing six scoreless, striking out a career-high 10 and not figuring in the decision of a 3-2 loss to the New York Yankees.

"You know sometimes curveball better in one inning, changeup the other," Karns told MLB's official website. "Overall just the ability to be able to mix it up throughout the game and keep all three pitches throughout the game I think was what worked for me, and ultimately throwing strikes."

Karns is 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA in six road starts.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Royals
Mon, Jul 6 - 8:10PM EDT ( rain out )
Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Royals
Tue, Jul 7 Final 1 to 7 5 to 9
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Rays at Royals
Wed, Jul 8 - Final 7 to 9
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Rays at Royals
Thu, Jul 9 - 2:10PM EDT

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Preview: Cardinals (54-30) at Pirates (49-34)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: July 09, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

The Pittsburgh Pirates have clawed their way back into what seemed to be a runaway divisional race, and following yet another series sweep, have a chance to pull even closer in the NL Central.

They open a critical four-game set Thursday night with the St. Louis Cardinals, who seem to have finally recaptured some momentum following a lackluster stretch.

St. Louis (54-31) owns a 4 1/2-game lead over Pittsburgh (50-34), but has watched its sizable advantage diminish with six losses in the last 10 games. The Cardinals were swept in a doubleheader Tuesday but rallied Wednesday on Jhonny Peralta's two-out, two-run go-ahead home run in the ninth inning of a 6-5 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

"Any win against the division is huge for us," Michael Wacha told MLB's official website. "That homer was pretty big for us. It gives us a little happy flight going into Pittsburgh, and hopefully we can take care of business there."

The Pirates, who trailed St. Louis by nine games on June 29, have experienced no such adversity, piling up an MLB-best 32 wins since May 22. They have won five straight and matched a franchise record with their 10th sweep Wednesday, beating San Diego 5-2.

Andrew McCutchen is 6 for 15 with four RBIs over Pittsburgh's current winning streak, and the Pirates' pitching staff has posted a 2.02 ERA.

"They played so well for so long, and it just goes to show how our guys persevered," manager Clint Hurdle said. "They stayed the course, kept taking care of today's game, and it has gotten us here."

St. Louis' Carlos Martinez (9-3, 2.70 ERA) could derail that run, as the right-hander has a 6-1 record and 1.35 ERA over his last nine starts. But looking to make his final case to make the All-Star team, Martinez is facing one of the few teams who hit him hard this season.

Martinez, who is one of five players contending for the NL's All-Star Final Vote, allowed a season high-tying seven runs in 5 1-3 innings of a 7-5 loss to Pittsburgh on May 9.

"Carlos is really just getting on the map here," manager Mike Matheny said of his 23-year-old starter. "I think the fact that he's in those discussions right now is a huge compliment to him. You never know how this can play out."

Martinez will face Jeff Locke (5-4, 4.15), who is coming off the best start of his career. The left-hander yielded two hits and struck out six over eight innings of a 1-0 win against Cleveland on Saturday - his first scoreless start of seven or more innings since June 19, 2013.

For Locke, that dominant showing proved he belongs in a rotation that features three pitchers - A.J. Burnett, Gerrit Cole and Francisco Liriano) with a sub-3.00 ERA.

"Everyone in the rotation has done it most of the season, and you never want to feel like you're the weak link," Locke said. "You want to put forth the best effort."

Locke has led Pittsburgh to a victory in four of his six career starts against the Cardinals and pitched 6 2-3 solid innings while not factoring into the decision of a 4-3 win May 10.

Neil Walker is 3 for 10 with two home runs and a triple against Martinez, and Gregory Polanco is 4 for 5.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Pirates
Thu, Jul 9 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Cardinals at Pirates
Fri, Jul 10 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Cardinals at Pirates
Sat, Jul 11 - 7:15PM EDT

GAME 4
Cardinals at Pirates
Sun, Jul 12 - 8:05PM EDT

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Preview: Reds (38-44) at Marlins (35-49)
Game: 3
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: July 09, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Jose Fernandez shook off a lackluster opening inning and put himself on the verge of a modern-era record in his highly anticipated return from Tommy John surgery for the Miami Marlins last week.

In his encore, Fernandez will try to improve to 14-0 in his own park Thursday night against the Cincinnati Reds.

Fernandez gave up a pair of runs in the first inning in his first major league start in nearly 14 months last Thursday against San Francisco, but he settled down to allow one in his final five innings in a 5-4 victory.

The right-hander also hit his second career homer in his first win since April 29, 2014, and joined David Palmer as the only pitchers since 1914 with a 13-0 home record. Palmer accomplished that feat from 1979-84 for the Montreal Expos.

Fernandez's three earned runs and seven hits allowed were his most in 21 starts in Miami.

"We got a win. I think that's all I can ask for. I'm healthy. That's all I can ask for," he said. "Obviously, I would have love to have pitched a little better. ... Hopefully, the next one will be better, but it's exciting I got the first one out of the way."

While seeking to make history, Fernandez (1-0, 4.50 ERA) will try to lead Miami (35-50) to a fourth consecutive home win and end its four-game overall losing streak. The Marlins wrapped up their two-game stay in Boston with a 6-3 defeat Wednesday and made three errors to finish with five in the series, one more than in their previous nine games.

"Just sloppy," manager Dan Jennings said. "It's really uncharacteristic of who we've been. We have to do a better job of taking care of the ball. There's no excuse for that."

Fernandez will face a Reds team that's totaled 15 runs in its first six games this month. However, Cincinnati (38-44) claimed a 5-0 win in Washington on Tuesday before Wednesday's finale was rained out.

"We've had some really strange issues," manager Bryan Price said. "I think we've done fairly well dealing with the challenges. ... I don't think it's been an issue - certainly not an excuse for being six games under .500."

The rainout means that Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.58) will likely get an extra day of rest, but the Reds might choose to call up David Holmberg for his season debut.

"We'll get together collectively and discuss our options," Price told MLB's official website. "There could be a lot of moving parts in this. A lot of things that may change because of this. We'll see."

Lorenzen is 2-1 with a 2.78 ERA in his last four starts but lasted just four innings in a 12-1 loss to Milwaukee on Friday, his first since June 11. The rookie was a 5-2 winner against Miami on June 21, yielding two runs in seven innings, and helped Cincinnati take two of three in that visit from the Marlins.

The Reds have won seven of their last eight games in Miami and claimed three of four in their most recent trip July 31-Aug. 3.

Fernandez gave up two runs in seven innings in his only home start against Cincinnati, a 5-3 loss in 10 innings May 16, 2013. He's 0-1 with a 5.73 ERA in two lifetime matchups.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Marlins at Red Sox
Tue, Jul 7 Final 3 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Marlins at Red Sox
Wed, Jul 8 - Final 3 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Reds at Marlins
Thu, Jul 9 - 7:10PM EDT

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Preview: Astros (49-37) at Indians (39-44)
Game: 4
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 09, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Cody Anderson won't be able to set a record for the lowest ERA through four starts, though what he is doing is quite impressive.

The rookie right-hander has been mowing down major league hitters and faces the team with baseball's most homers for the first time in Thursday night's home contest against the Houston Astros.

Anderson (1-1, 0.76 ERA) is the first pitcher to throw at least 7 2-3 innings in each of his first three starts since Pittsburgh's Tim Wakefield did it in 1992. He's the first to pitch at least seven innings in three in a row since Oakland's Rich Harden in 2003.

"I'm just going out focusing on what I have to do to help our team win," Anderson said. "I'm just trying to do the best I can and then use tomorrow to get better."

A shutout Thursday would lower his ERA to 0.56. The lowest mark in the majors for a pitcher in his first four starts since 1914 is shared by Detroit's Bernie Boland, the New York Yankees' Cliff Markle and the Los Angeles Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela at 0.25.

Anderson went the distance for the first time Saturday as he threw a six-hitter in a 1-0 loss at Pittsburgh. He is limiting hitters to a .171 average.

Cleveland pitchers have recorded 780 strikeouts - 31 in this series - to lead baseball while Houston (49-38) hitters have struck out 816 times to top the majors.

"These guys have good pitching," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "Our guys, we haven't been able to scratch out enough."

The Astros, though, also have a major league-best 121 homers and look to add to that total and split this four-game set. They opened it with Monday's 9-4 victory before totaling two runs the next two nights.

Houston could have Luis Valbuena back in the lineup after the third baseman missed the last three games with a sprained big toe. Valbuena, who leads the team with 19 homers, is fourth-worst in the majors with a .203 average.

This would mark Valbuena's first game in Cleveland since he played for the Indians from 2009-11.

Teammate Chris Carter is second-worst with a .190 average and mired in a 3-for-39 slide in his last 10 road games while failing to go deep. He's also hitless in his last 12 at-bats.

Evan Gattis matched Carter with his 15th homer in Wednesday's 4-2 defeat. Gattis is batting .371 during a nine-game hitting streak.

Cleveland (40-44) has captured seven of 10. Michael Brantley is 4 for 7 with a homer and four runs scored in his last two games.

The Astros will recall Brett Oberholtzer (2-1, 4.32) from Triple-A Fresno - his seventh call-up from Triple-A not including rehab stints since 2013 - to start. He was sent there after allowing six runs over 1 1-3 innings in a 9-6 loss to the New York Yankees on June 27 in which he did not get a decision.

The left-hander is 0-3 with a 2.21 ERA in three starts against the Indians in which the Astros have totaled two runs. Lefty-swinging Michael Bourn is 1 for 11 against him and could be rested for this game while Mike Aviles is 2 for 10 in this matchup.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Indians
Mon, Jul 6 Final 9 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Indians
Tue, Jul 7 Final 0 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Astros at Indians
Wed, Jul 8 - Final 2 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 4
Astros at Indians
Thu, Jul 9 - 7:10PM EDT

CNOTES · Jul 9, 2015

Preview: Tigers (43-41) at Twins (46-39)
Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: July 09, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

David Price got back on track quickly after one of his least effective performances in the past two months and will try to keep his win streak intact in his final start before the All-Star break.

A matchup with Minnesota could help Price, given his recent outings against the Twins, and he'll try to deny them a fourth consecutive win Thursday night.

Price (8-2, 2.54 ERA) was charged with four earned runs for the first time in 10 starts since May 8 in a 5-4 win against the Chicago White Sox on June 28, but he rebounded with an 8-3 victory versus Toronto on Saturday by yielding one run - on a solo homer - in seven innings.

"I felt good. That's a tough team. They score runs in bunches so I'm definitely very happy with the outcome," the left-hander said.

Price will head to his fifth All-Star Game next week but first will try to earn a fifth consecutive win. He enters this matchup with a 1.90 ERA during his win streak - which has covered six outings - and also has a 1.21 ERA in beating the Twins (46-39) in three straight starts.

He began this season coming one out shy of a shutout in a 4-0 victory April 6 and yielded three runs in 6 1-3 innings in a 5-4 win at Target Field on April 27. Price is 6-1 with a 2.31 ERA in his last eight starts versus the Twins.

With Price's help, the Tigers (43-41) are 7-2 against their AL Central rivals this year and took two of three in their only other visit to Minnesota from April 27-29.

The Tigers head into this series batting .328 and averaging 6.0 runs in their last 12 games despite Miguel Cabrera going on the disabled list Saturday. The first baseman is expected to miss at least six weeks because of a strained left calf.

Detroit had 11 hits in a 5-4 victory over Seattle on Wednesday - its fourth in six games - and Jefry Marte had the first two of his career, a solo homer and an RBI double.

The Twins, meanwhile, completed a three-game sweep of visiting Baltimore with a 5-3 victory Wednesday as Brian Dozier's two-run homer highlighted a three-run sixth and Eric Fryer added a two-run double an inning later.

Dozier, one of five candidates for the AL's final All-Star spot, has a league-best 47 extra-base hits and is among MLB's leaders with 64 runs.

"I hope people are paying attention," manager Paul Molitor said. "You just couldn't ask for more for a first-half performance. I hope he gets rewarded."

Minnesota hasn't won four in a row since matching a season high with five consecutive victories May 23-27, and Mike Pelfrey (5-5, 3.94) will likely need an improved performance to get the Twins there.

The right-hander is 0-3 with an 8.51 ERA in his last five starts and failed to pitch past the fifth inning for the third time in that stretch Saturday, giving up three runs in four-plus innings in a 5-3 win at Kansas City.

Pelfrey was charged with five runs and 10 hits in 4 2-3 innings in a 13-1 loss in Detroit on May 14. He was 2-0 with a 2.29 ERA in his previous three matchups, including a 3-2 home victory April 28.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at Twins
Thu, Jul 9 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Tigers at Twins
Fri, Jul 10 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Tigers at Twins
Sat, Jul 11 - 4:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Tigers at Twins
Sun, Jul 12 - 2:10PM EDT