Friday 5/26/17 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

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Teddy Covers

Atlanta vs. San Francisco
Play: San Francisco -115

To say the betting markets HATE Matt Cain is something of an understatement. How much do they dislike Cain? Well, this is only the second time he’s been favored all year (higher than -110). The first came at home against the lowly Padres with Jhoulys Chacin on the hill. And here, against a Braves team that’s five games under .500 and just lost their best hitter to the DL, Cain still is only in the -115 range, even AFTER a market move in his favor in early betting action on Friday.

In his road starts, the markets have been 100% correct in fading the aging Giants hurler – he’s thrown well only once in five tries, including a particularly ugly outing in St Louis last weekend. But pitching in his comfort zone on a typical cool May evening in San Francisco, Cain offers legitimate bet-on potential, especially in this attractive underdog price range.

The numbers don’t lie. Matt Cain has a 8.28 ERA on the highway this year, but he’s allowed only three runs in his four starts here at AT&T Park; a bet-on hurler in a ballpark where fly balls tend to die on the warning track. That home ERA includes 6.1 innings of one run ball against the potent Dodgers lineup in his last outing.

And make no mistake about it – even after a rough week in Chicago, the Giants are on a legitimate uptick right now. They had won eight of ten prior to running into the Cubs. Meanwhile, Atlanta has cooled off too since Freddy Freeman went on the DL, closing out their homestand with a pair of ugly losses to the Pirates.

Atlanta’s Jamie Garcia is a lefty, and San Francisco has struggled in the aggregate against opposing southpaws this season. But Garcia certainly isn’t mowing opposing hitters down these days. He’s notched only one win in eight previous starts, and both his FIP and his xFIP are considerably higher than his ERA. Current Giants Brandon Belt and Buster Posey both have excellent track records against Garcia; a hurler who hasn’t thrown many gems in recent seasons.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Chip Chirimbes

Cubs vs. Dodgers
Play: Dodgers

Chicago's Jake Arrieta (5-3, 4.80 ERA) will start for Chicago and he will have memories of his no-hitter against the Dodgers in 2015 his only career win (1-3) against Los Angeles. The Dodgers who have won six of their last eight and are 18-8 at home will send Alex Wood (5-0, 1.88) to the hill and he is working on 18+ scoreless innings. He has allowed just 31 hits in 43 innings with a 0.93 WHIP in his last five starts.

 

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Shadow Sports Syndicate

MLB WASHINGTON ‑1 ‑180

 

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Line Mover Sports

MLB ORIOLES/ASTROS ‑120 u9.5

 

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Sportsbook Advisor

MLB CUBS +130

 

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AASI Wins

MLB LOS ANGELES DODGERS ‑130

 

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Golden Lock Sports

MLB NEW YORK YANKEES ‑165

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets at Pirates
GAME: New York Mets (19-26) at Pittsburgh Pirates (22-26)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh Pirates got their bats going over the past few days, just in time for a matchup with New York Mets star right-hander Jacob deGrom in the opener of a three-game series at home Friday night. The Pirates gained a split of a four-game series in Atlanta with Thursday's 9-4 win and they averaged 8.7 runs and 14 hits over the final three games of the set.

Adam Frazier homered twice, drove in six runs and scored four times in the last two contests versus the Braves, pushing his average to .361. He and his teammates will look to stay hot against deGrom, who is coming off his best start of the year with seven scoreless innings and nine strikeouts in a win over the Los Angeles Angels. The right-hander had his scheduled start Thursday pushed back a day in order to avoid inclement weather in New York, where the Mets were playing the finale of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres. Rafael Montero struggled in place of deGrom and a ninth-inning rally was not enough as New York fell 4-3 to cap a 3-3 homestand.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), ROOT (Pittsburgh)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (3-1, 3.56 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Chad Kuhl (1-4, 5.85)

DeGrom has given up nine runs on 16 hits in 11 innings over his last two road starts and lost his only previous decision in Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old leads the National League with 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings but he also has the highest walk rate of his career (3.7). Josh Harrison and Gregory Polanco are both 1-for-8 against deGrom, combining for seven strikeouts.

Kuhl limited the Philadelphia Phillies to one hit in five scoreless innings Sunday after giving up 10 runs in nine frames over his previous two outings. He has an unsightly 8.20 ERA and 2.09 WHIP in five home starts and has gone no further than five innings in six consecutive starts. The Delaware native has never faced the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates RF Andrew McCutchen, who is batting .203, has been held out of the starting lineup two games in a row.

2. New York 1B Lucas Duda was 5-for-10 with five RBIs and three runs scored in the series versus San Diego.

3. The Mets activated SS Asdrubal Cabrera (thumb) from the 10-day disabled list Thursday and optioned C Kevin Plawecki to Triple-A Las Vegas.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Pirates 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Athletics at Yankees
GAME: Oakland Athletics (21-25) at New York Yankees (27-17)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

The New York Yankees will have to hope an unscheduled day off won't snap the momentum the team gathered by winning three of its last four games. The Yankees, who had a scheduled series finale at home against Kansas City postponed due to rain on Thursday, will host the Oakland Athletics in the opener of a three-game series on Friday.

The day off gives an extra bit of rest to New York right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who is trying to recover from a rough last two outings. Tanaka's struggles are the outlier for a Yankees staff that is surging of late with two or fewer runs allowed in the last three wins, including a 3-0 triumph over Kansas City on Wednesday. The Athletics' staff was not quite as sharp while surrendering 23 runs in back-to-back setbacks but recovered behind ace Sonny Gray in a 4-1 win over the Miami Marlins on Wednesday that wrapped up a 4-2 homestand. Oakland will try to coax a similar effort on Friday out of right-hander Kendall Graveman, who goes up against Tanaka.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBC Sports California (Oakland), WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Kendall Graveman (2-2, 3.83 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (5-3, 6.56)

Graveman is trying to snap a string of six consecutive winless starts and allowed two or fewer earned runs in six of his eight outings this season. The 26-year-old endured his third straight no decision last Friday despite limiting the Boston Red Sox to two runs and six hits in six innings. Graveman is 1-1 with a 3.06 ERA in three career starts against New York and earned the win in his lone appearance at Yankee Stadium.

Tanaka lasted only three innings at Tampa Bay on Saturday, permitting six runs on nine hits - including three homers. That followed a wretched outing at home versus Houston, when he was pounded for a career-worst eight runs and surrendered four homers in only 1 2/3 innings. Tanaka is 3-0 with a 1.31 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 2B Jed Lowrie is 10-for-17 with six runs scored in the last four games.

2. New York CF Jacoby Ellsbury was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list after slamming into the wall making a catch on Wednesday.

3. Oakland OF Khris Davis homered three times in the last six games, bringing his season total to 14.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Yankees 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres at Nationals
GAME: San Diego Padres (18-31) at Washington Nationals (28-18)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Nationals Park, Washington, District of Columbia

Max Scherzer is mired in a three-start winless stretch and looks to end the victory drought when the Washington Nationals host the San Diego Padres on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. Scherzer has struck out 25 batters in 19 innings during the streak but also has served up four home runs.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner is tied for third in the National League with 76 strikeouts and will be aiming to pitch Washington to its fourth win in five games. Anthony Rendon is swinging a hot bat as he went 6-for-12 with four homers and nine RBIs in a three-game series against Seattle. The Padres have won three of their last four games, including back-to-back one-run victories over the New York Mets. Rookie Hunter Renfroe is in the midst of a hot stretch during which he is 8-for-16 with a homer and four doubles over his last four games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Luis Perdomo (0-1, 5.79 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (4-3, 3.02)

Perdomo was hammered by Arizona in his last outing as he gave up eight runs and 11 hits over three-plus innings. The 24-year-old worked six frames in four consecutive starts before suffering through the worst performance of his career. Perdomo defeated the Nationals last season, when he allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings.

Scherzer lost to Atlanta in his last turn, when he surrendered three runs and four hits - two homers - over five innings. The 32-year-old is 2-2 with a 2.57 ERA in eight career starts against the Padres while posting a 1.02 WHIP and holding them to a .190 average. Scherzer has been hit hard by Wil Myers (4-for-9, two homers) but has shut down Erick Aybar (3-for-23).

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals bench coach Chris Speier will serve as manager for the series as Dusty Baker left the team to attend his son Darren's high-school graduation near Sacramento, Calif.

2. San Diego 2B Yangervis Solarte went 5-for-10 with four walks in the series against the Mets.

3. Washington RF Bryce Harper is just 4-for-30 over his last eight contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 8, Padres 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Reds at Phillies
GAME: Cincinnati Reds (22-24) at Philadelphia Phillies (16-29)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Cincinnati Reds have snapped out of their slump with three wins in five games, but must buck history to keep it going when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night for the opener of a three-game series. The Reds have not won a series at Philadelphia since 2006, going 0-9-1 in the last 10 sets with just 10 victories in 35 games overall in that span at Citizens Bank Park.

Cincinnati, which lost seven straight contests between May 12-19, won two of three against Cleveland earlier this week before Thursday’s finale of the home-and-home Ohio Cup series was postponed by rain. Zack Cozart looks to extend his hitting streak to nine games for the Reds, who will send Tim Adleman to the mound against Philadelphia’s Aaron Nola in the first game of the series. The Phillies ended their five-game slide on Thursday when first baseman Tommy Joseph singled in the winning run in the 11th inning for a 2-1 triumph against Colorado for just their fifth victory in the last 25 contests. Joseph also homered to tie the game in the seventh inning for his sixth blast in May after launching just one in April.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tim Adleman (2-2, 6.19 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (2-1, 3.52)

Adleman was knocked around by Colorado last time out, giving up six runs and seven hits over 4 2/3 innings, coming on the heels of a one-inning stint at San Francisco due to a neck strain. The 29-year-old Georgetown product posted back-to-back wins to start May, holding the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh to five runs over 11 innings combined. Adleman lost his only start against the Phillies in 2016, allowing three runs over five frames.

Nola was solid in his first start in a month after dealing with back issues, permitting just one run and four hits in seven innings of a 1-0 loss to Pittsburgh. The 23-year-old LSU product gave up eight runs and 20 hits over 16 innings in his three starts during April when he went 2-0. Joey Votto is 0-for-5 and Scott Schebler 0-for-3 with three strikeouts versus Nola, who is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two career starts against Cincinnati.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco, who leads the team with 28 RBIs, returned to the lineup Thursday after being rested two straight days and went 1-for-5.

2. The Reds claimed RHP Jake Buchanan off waivers from the Chicago Cubs Thursday and placed LHP Amir Garrett (hip) on the 10-day disabled list.

3. Cincinnati INF Jose Peraza is 13-for-40 with four extra-base hits during a career-high, 11-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Reds 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rangers at Blue Jays
GAME: Texas Rangers (24-24) at Toronto Blue Jays (21-26)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

The Toronto Blue Jays are far from a completely healthy team, but they are hopeful they will get the left side of their infield back just in time to get thrown into the fire of their recent rivalry with the Texas Rangers. Following their first winning road trip of the season, the Blue Jays look to continue their recent improved play Friday when they begin a 10-game homestand with the first of three against Texas.

Some of the bad blood in this series stems from Toronto eliminating Texas in the American League Divisional Series in each of the last two seasons, but perhaps no single action captures the tenor of the disdain both teams have for each other more than Rougned Odor punching Jose Bautista in the jaw for an aggressive slide the last time these teams met in the regular season last season. "You want to go out and win every game, but they fire us up a little bit. There are some obvious emotions that get people fired up. We are looking forward to a fun series," Friday starter A.J. Griffin told MLB.com. The Blue Jays, who are 15-9 since their dreadful 6-17 start, are optimistic shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (hamstring) and third baseman Josh Donaldson (calf) will both come off the disabled list in time for the opener. The Rangers overcame their own miserable start by winning 10 straight from May 9-19 but are 1-4 since, and they fell to 5-16 over their last 21 road contests after getting swept in Boston.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Southwest (Texas), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH A.J. Griffin (4-1, 5.02 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Mike Bolsinger (0-2, 6.32)

Griffin led Texas to victories in each of his first six starts, but that streak came to an emphatic end Saturday at Detroit, surrendering career highs in earned runs (nine) and homers (four) over 3 1/3 innings. Since authoring his second career shutout May 9 to cap a four-outing stretch in which he went 4-0 with a 1.38 ERA, the 29-year-old is 0-1 with a 14.05 ERA in his last two turns. Griffin has performed well in five career starts versus the Blue Jays, going 2-0 with a 2.39 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.

Bolsinger, who hasn't earned a victory in over a year, saw his winless streak extended to seven turns Saturday in Baltimore, settling for a no-decision after getting tagged for four runs on six hits and five walks in 5 1/3 frames. The Arkansas alum has yet to complete six innings despite throwing at least 92 pitches in each of his three outings, issuing 11 free passes over 15 2/3 innings. Jonathan Lucroy (3-for-7, one homer) is the only healthy Texas hitter to ever face Bolsinger, who will face the Rangers for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays 1B Justin Smoak's 13 homers versus the Rangers are his second-most against any opponent, while his .292 average versus his former team is his highest mark against any AL foe.

2. Texas struck out 20 times in Thursday's series finale with Boston - one shy of a club record and two fewer strikeouts than it recorded over the previous four games combined.

3. Tulowitzki and Donaldson have played a total of 25 games in 2017 after the duo combined to miss 38 last season.

PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Blue Jays 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Royals at Indians
GAME: Kansas City Royals (19-27) at Cleveland Indians (24-21)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Progressive Field, Cleveland, Ohio

The Cleveland Indians look to begin turning their fortunes around at home when they host the American League Central-rival Kansas City Royals on Friday night for the first of a three-game series. The Indians, who were tied for the second-best home record in the majors last season (53-28), have won just eight of 19 at Progressive Field to start 2017 after Thursday’s postponement against Cincinnati.

Francisco Lindor boasts a 10-game hitting streak (11-for-40) while teammate Michael Brantley has hit safely in nine in a row (10-for-24) for Cleveland, which lost two of three to the Reds after an inspiring three-game sweep at Houston. The Indians, who went 14-5 against the Royals last season and took two out of three contests at Kansas City earlier this month, will send right-hander Mike Clevinger to the mound for the series opener after his Thursday start was rained out. The Royals lost three of four games before being washed out at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, which gave them a chance to adjust their rotation with right-hander Ian Kennedy getting the start on normal rest Friday. Second baseman Whit Merrifield has hit safely in 10 straight games for Kansas City, going 13-for-37 in that stretch, but went 1-for-12 versus Cleveland earlier this month.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FSN Kansas City, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Ian Kennedy (0-4, 4.06 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (2-1, 1.56)

Kennedy lasted just two innings in his last start at Minnesota, allowing five runs on three hits (two homers) and three walks in an 8-4 loss. The 32-year-old USC product, who has permitted 10 runs in his last two outings after giving up two or fewer in four straight games, owns a 5.79 ERA on the road but has limited opponents to a .193 batting average overall. Brantley is 0-for-4 with two strikeouts versus Kennedy, who is 2-4 with a 5.19 ERA in eight career starts against the Indians.

Clevinger had a no-hitter through six innings last time out at Houston and finished with eight strikeouts and two hits allowed over seven scoreless innings. The 26-year-old Florida native was outstanding in his season debut at Kansas City, permitting one hit over 5 2/3 scoreless frames with five strikeouts on May 7. Clevinger, who was 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA in two outings (one start) against the Royals last season, has walked 11 in 17 1/3 innings in 2017.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City LHP Mike Minor has not allowed a run in nine straight appearances, striking out 16 in 12 1/3 innings during that span.

2. Cleveland OF Lonnie Chisenhall was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list Thursday.

3. Royals OF Alex Gordon has hit safely in five consecutive games (6-for-15, four walks) to raise his average to .179.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Royals 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Angels at Marlins
GAME: Los Angeles Angels (25-25) at Miami Marlins (16-29)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida

The Miami Marlins are tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the fewest wins in the majors (16) and are 1-4 against teams from the American League West over the last two weeks. The Marlins will face their third AL West opponent in their last four series when they host the Los Angeles Angels on Friday in the opener of a three-game interleague set.

Miami is 3-9 in interleague play and followed up an 11-9 win over the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday with a 4-1 setback on Wednesday. The Marlins totaled four runs in a three-game home sweep by the Houston Astros from May 15-17 and dropped two of three at Seattle last month as part of their struggles against the AL West. The Angels visited the New York Mets in interleague play last weekend and dropped two of three before splitting a four-game series at Tampa Bay this week while managing a total of nine runs against the Rays. Los Angeles will try to generate offense from someone other than Mike Trout in support of right-hander Jesse Chavez, who opposes Miami's Dan Straily on Friday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Los Angeles), FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jesse Chavez (4-5, 4.61 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Dan Straily (2-3, 3.70)

Chavez got plenty of help from his offense on Sunday and ended up with a win against the New York Mets despite allowing five runs on seven hits over 5 2/3 innings. The 33-year-old surrendered three home runs in that outing and at least one blast in each of his last seven appearances. Chavez has made 10 appearances - two starts - in his career against Miami and is 1-2 with a 7.27 ERA.

Straily is flashing dominant stuff and allowed four or fewer hits in each of his last eight outings. The Marshall product owns 48 strikeouts in 48 2/3 innings but has issued 22 walks as well and completed at least six innings only twice in the last eight turns. Straily spent 3 1/2 seasons in the AL West with the Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros and is 1-4 with a 7.81 ERA in eight career starts against Los Angeles.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels OF Cameron Maybin (knee) left Thursday's game at Tampa Bay and is day-to-day.

2. Miami 2B Dee Gordon is 10-for-22 over his last five games.

3. Los Angeles DH Albert Pujols is three home runs away from 600 and has never homered at Marlins Park, which opened in 2012.

PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Angels 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mariners at Red Sox
GAME: Seattle Mariners (21-27) at Boston Red Sox (25-21)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

The Seattle Mariners finally found some success on the road but must pay a visit to the surging Boston Red Sox when the teams open a three-game series at Fenway Park on Friday. Nelson Cruz's three-run homer lifted the Mariners to a 4-2 win in Washington on Thursday, snapping the club's six-game losing streak away from home and ending a five-game slide overall.

"Everything starts with one game," Cruz told reporters. "A win can definitely change everything." The Red Sox know that all too well, having snapped a three-game skid with a rout in Oakland on Sunday and then building off that win with a three-game sweep of Texas to open the homestand, capped by a 6-2 triumph Thursday in which Boston pitchers recorded 20 strikeouts. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia left the victory with pain in his left knee, the same knee on which he had surgery in October and also hurt last month after a hard slide by Baltimore third baseman Manny Machado. Eduardo Rodriguez will look to stay hot on the mound for the Red Sox as he opposes Seattle veteran Yovani Gallardo.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT (Seattle), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Yovani Gallardo (2-4, 5.84 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (3-1, 3.10)

Gallardo allowed three runs or fewer in four of five starts before being lit up for 10 runs (nine earned) in 3 2/3 innings of a loss to the Chicago White Sox on Saturday. The 31-year-old, who has given up five of his seven home runs this season over his last three games, has a 6.41 ERA in four career starts at Fenway Park. Pedroia is 7-for-18 with a home run and a double against Gallardo.

Rodriguez has tossed a career-high six straight quality starts while posting a 2.61 ERA after lasting eight frames in a win at Oakland on Sunday. He will be making his first start at home since April 30, when he limited the Chicago Cubs to a run in six innings while striking out a season-high nine. The 24-year-old gave up a run and three hits in 6 1/3 innings but did not factor into the decision in his only prior start against Seattle last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners RHP Edwin Diaz recorded his first save since May 9 after being temporarily removed from the closer's role.

2. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts was 7-for-14 with seven runs scored and five RBIs in the Texas series.

3. The Red Sox have won five of the last six series with the Mariners at Fenway.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Mariners 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles at Astros
GAME: Baltimore Orioles (25-20) at Houston Astros (32-16)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

The Baltimore Orioles are hoping a trip to the Lone Star State will help get them out of their funk. Baltimore looks to halt their four-game losing streak when they kick off a three-game series against the host Houston Astros on Friday.

The Orioles began their six-game homestand with a pair of wins over Toronto but dropped the series finale and were swept in a three-game set by visiting Minnesota. The road hasn't been kind to Baltimore of late, however, as it has lost eight of its last 10 away from home. Houston is continuing a 10-game homestand during which it improved to 3-4 with Thursday's 7-6 triumph over Detroit. The Astros powered their way to victory as Jake Marisnick belted the team's fourth homer of the contest to snap an eighth-inning tie and lead Houston to its league-leading 32nd victory.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (2-3, 6.65 ERA) vs. Astros RH Joe Musgrove (3-4, 5.63)

Gausman surrendered a season-high 10 hits in six innings against Toronto on Saturday but only two runs as he came away with his second straight no-decision. The 26-year-old native of Colorado has won only one of his last seven outings, yielding five or more runs four times in that span. Gausman split his two career starts against Houston, allowing nine runs - eight earned - in 11 2/3 frames.

Musgrove was unable to extend his winning streak to three starts as he was tagged for seven runs on eight hits and three walks in three innings of a loss to Cleveland on Sunday. The 24-year-old Californian allowed the same amount of earned runs in his previous three turns combined. Musgrove lost his only career start against the Orioles on Aug. 18, when he surrendered eight runs and 11 hits in 5 1/3 frames at Baltimore.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros SS Carlos Correa apparently is over the illness that sidelined him for two games, returning on Thursday to go 3-for-4 with a two-run homer.

2. Houston C Brian McCann, who passed a concussion test on Wednesday, expects to be activated and in the lineup for the middle game of the series.

3. Baltimore 1B Chris Davis has hit 10 home runs - his sixth straight season in double digits - but recorded only 18 RBIs.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, Orioles 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Tigers at White Sox
GAME: Detroit Tigers (22-24) at Chicago White Sox (20-25)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago, Illinois

The Detroit Tigers are struggling to find a groove, having lost four of their last five games as they enter Friday's doubleheader against the host Chicago White Sox. Detroit began an eight-game road trip by losing three of four to Houston and will hope to fare better in the four-game set at Chicago.

The bat of the slumping Justin Upton showed life in Thursday's 7-6 loss to the Astros as he went 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs for the Tigers. Upton was hitless in 16 consecutive at-bats and batting just .173 this month prior to the awakening. Chicago suffered a three-game sweep in Arizona and will try to turn things around with a seven-game homestand. Jose Abreu recorded a four-hit performance in the finale against the Diamondbacks and is 13-for-28 with three homers and six RBIs during his six-game hitting streak.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (2-4, 5.36 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Tyler Danish (2016: 0-0, 10.80)

Boyd has dropped three of his last four starts and is winless in his last six outings. The 26-year-old lost to Texas in his last turn as he gave up four runs and a season-worst 12 hits over 5 1/3 innings. Boyd is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in two starts against the White Sox this season, has gone 0-2 with a 5.90 ERA in six career outings and has served up two homers to both Abreu (6-for-12) and Avisail Garcia (6-for-13).

Danish, a second-round draft pick in 2013, is being recalled to make the start. The 22-year-old is 1-3 with a 3.15 ERA in eight turns at Triple-A Charlotte and has recorded just 23 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings. Danish appeared in three games with the White Sox as a reliever last season and gave up two runs, six hits and three walks in just 1 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The White Sox are 3-2 against the Tigers this season.

2. Struggling Detroit 3B Nicholas Castellanos (0-for-11, six strikeouts over his last three games) is expected to see action after being rested for two games.

3. Abreu has belted 10 home runs, but none have come at home.

PREDICTION: Tigers 6, White Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Diamondbacks at Brewers
GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (30-19) at Milwaukee Brewers (25-22)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Arizona Diamondbacks aim for their fifth consecutive victory and 10th in 11 contests when they continue their four-game series against the host Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. Arizona swept a three-game set against the Chicago White Sox at home before cruising to a 4-0 triumph in the opener versus Milwaukee behind a superb pitching performance by Robbie Ray.

Gregor Blanco registered his first three-hit effort of the season, while David Peralta has hit safely in six of his last seven contests after delivering an RBI double. The Brewers managed only three hits Thursday as their losing streak reached four games. They also lost Ryan Braun as the slugger departed in the fourth inning following a recurrence of left calf tightness, which landed him on the disabled list earlier this month. Milwaukee's slide has come after stretches during which the club won four straight and seven of eight.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (1-1, 2.45 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (0-0, 6.00)

Godley allowed a total of four runs in his first three starts before yielding three over seven innings in a loss at San Diego on Sunday. The 27-year-old native of South Carolina, who is filling in for the injured Shelby Miller, recorded only one strikeout against the Padres after registering at least six in each of his first three turns. Godley owns a 1-0 record and 1.42 ERA in two career appearances (one start) versus Milwaukee.

Guerra will be making his first start since Opening Day, when he yielded two runs in three innings against Colorado before exiting with a strained right calf. The 32-year-old Venezuelan managed to strike out four without issuing a walk and gave up just one hit, although it was a two-run homer. Guerra, who has yet to face Arizona in his career, is 5-2 with a 2.40 ERA in 10 starts at Miller Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt is riding a six-game hitting streak during which he has recorded four two-hit performances.

2. Arizona LF Yasmany Tomas (hip flexor) has missed the last two games and is day-to-day.

3. Milwaukee could be without C Manny Pina for a while as he left Thursday's game after being hit near the left elbow with a pitch.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Brewers 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rays at Twins
GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (25-25) at Minnesota Twins (25-18)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Minnesota Twins remain the biggest surprise in the American League with their worst-to-first turnaround and will try to stretch their latest winning streak to five straight when they host the Tampa Bay Rays in the opener of a three-game series on Friday. The Twins swept a three-game series at Baltimore this week and are winners of 10 of their last 14 contests.

Three of those four losses in the last 14 games came at home, where Minnesota owns an 11-13 record compared to a 14-5 mark on the road. The Rays own a 9-12 mark on the road but head to Minnesota more confident about the offense after watching Colby Rasmus break out of a slump with four RBIs in Thursday's 4-0 triumph over the Los Angeles Angels. "(Hitting with runners aboard) is tough for every team in this league, except for the few that push them across every time," Rasmus told reporters. "We try. The vibe in the clubhouse is good, everybody is working to try and get better every day." Rasmus and company will take their swings on Friday against Twins left-hander Hector Santiago, who opposes Tampa Bay righty Chris Archer.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Sun (Tampa Bay), FSN North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Chris Archer (3-3, 3.76 ERA) vs. Twins LH Hector Santiago (4-2, 3.96)

Archer recorded 11 or more strikeouts in three of his last four outings but owns only one win in that span - eight scoreless innings against Kansas City on May 10. The North Carolina native did not walk a batter in that start against the Royals but issued a total of eight walks and nine earned runs in 11 1/3 innings against Cleveland and the New York Yankees in his last two turns. Archer is 5-1 with a 1.73 ERA in six career starts against Minnesota.

Santiago allowed three or fewer earned runs in eight of nine starts but is struggling a bit of late. The 29-year-old was roughed up for six runs in 2 2/3 innings at Cleveland on May 14 and could not make it past the fifth inning against Kansas City last Friday while surrendering three runs on eight hits. Santiago is 1-0 with a 4.86 ERA in four career games - two starts - against Tampa Bay while racking up 17 strikeouts in 16 2/3 total innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays RHP Tommy Hunter turned in his fifth straight scoreless appearance on Thursday.

2. Twins 3B Miguel Sano is 0-for-9 with six strikeouts in his last two games.

3. Minnesota RF Max Kepler is enjoying a seven-game hitting streak and recorded at least one extra-base hit in six of those contests.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Rays 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Cardinals at Rockies
GAME: St. Louis Cardinals (23-21) at Colorado Rockies (31-18)
DATE/TIME: Friday, May 26 - 8:40 PM EST
WHERE: Coors Field, Denver, Colorado

The Colorado Rockies have yet to lose a series in May, while the St. Louis Cardinals haven’t found much success after winning eight of nine earlier this month. The Rockies return home from one of their most successful road trips in team history and put their National League-best record on the line Friday when they open a three-game series with the Cardinals.

Despite becoming the last team in the majors to suffer a one-run loss and watching its four-game winning streak fall by the wayside in Thursday's 2-1, 11-inning loss in Philadelphia, Colorado went 7-3 on its 10-game trek and is 15-8 overall in May. The Rockies, who last lost a series April 24-27 against Washington, are 13 games over .500 (31-18) through 49 games for the first time in club history. While Colorado is rolling, St. Louis is 2-6 since moving a season-high six games over .500 on May 14. The Cardinals, who are halfway through a 12-game run against NL West opponents, have opened that stretch by dropping two of three each to San Francisco and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FSN Midwest (St. Louis), ROOT (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (3-3, 3.28 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (6-1, 3.67)


Martinez did not factor into the decision Saturday despite logging the finest outing of his career, allowing two singles and a walk while striking out five across nine scoreless innings in a 13-inning loss to San Francisco. The 25-year-old Dominican has produced five consecutive quality starts, not allowing more than five hits in any outing while going 3-0 with a 2.31 ERA. Martinez is 2-0 despite a 6.97 ERA in seven games (three starts) versus the Rockies, including 2-0, 5.54 in three appearances (two starts) at Coors Field.

After beginning his big-league career by going 5-1 with a 2.86 ERA over his first seven starts, Senzatela has labored a bit more over his last two turns, giving up four runs in five frames each time. The 22-year-old Venezuelan's last such outing came Saturday in Cincinnati, where he surrendered a home run among the five hits and season-high four walks he allowed during his 105-pitch effort. Senzatela is 4-1 with a 3.77 ERA in five starts at Coors Field as he prepares to face the Cardinals for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez batted .390 with two homers and five RBIs during the road trip after hitting .213 with two homers and 11 RBIs over his first 34 contests.

2. Cardinals C Yadier Molina went 2-for-4 on Thursday to extend his hitting streak to 14 games, two shy of matching his career-best mark.

3. Colorado is 12-3 in series openers this season.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Rockies 3