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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Detroit Tigers (50-52) at Baltimore Orioles (51-50)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland
LINE: 146, -159 TOTAL: 8.5


The Detroit Tigers' pitching left plenty to be desired in the wake of trading away starter David Price and closer Joakim Soria. After nearly squandering a seven-run lead in the opener, the visiting Tigers vie for their third straight win when they continue their four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

Yoenis Cespedes is also on team president Dave Dombrowski's list for "rebooting going into next year," but the 29-year-old Cuban belted a two-run homer and added an RBI single in Thursday's 9-8 triumph over Baltimore. Cespedes is 8-for-17 with three homers, six RBIs and five runs scored in his last four contests, but is just 3-for-14 with four strikeouts in his career versus Friday starter Wei-Yin Chen. Baltimore's Adam Jones continued his hot stretch despite seeing his team's season high-tying five-game winning streak come to a halt. Jones, who launched a two-run homer on Thursday, is 8-for-24 with six runs scored in last six contests.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSN Detroit, MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Buck Farmer (0-2, 9.22 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Wei-Yin Chen (5-6, 2.88)

With Shane Greene shuffled to the bullpen earlier in the week, Farmer will receive his third start of the season and fourth appearance for Detroit on Friday. The 24-year-old has been touched for four homers in 13 2/3 innings in 2015, but has struck out 23 in as many frames in his seven big-league appearances. Farmer, who is making his first outing with the Tigers since July 11, has pitched 86 2/3 innings with Triple-A Toledo this season.

Chen allowed two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings in a 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday. The 30-year-old Taiwan native has struggled with the long ball, and allowed two homers for the fourth time in his last six trips to the mound against the Rays. Chen owns a 1-0 career mark versus Detroit, but struggled in his last meeting after surrendering five runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 frames before walking away with a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore SS J.J. Hardy is riding a 13-game hitting streak.

2. Detroit's Victor Martinez saw his 13-game hitting streak at Camden Yards come to an end on Thursday.

3. Orioles C Matt Wieters is 6-for-10 with three RBIs in his last three contests.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Tigers 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Atlanta Braves (46-56) at Philadelphia Phillies (39-64)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 7:05 PM EST
WHERE: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The majors-worst Philadelphia Phillies have flipped the switch following the All-Star break while the Atlanta Braves continue to spiral out of control. After winning the series opener, the Phillies vie for their 11th victory in 13 outings on Friday when they continue their four-game set versus their visiting National League East rival.

Domonic Brown, who homered for the first time this season in Philadelphia's 4-1 triumph on Thursday, is 12-for-28 with five runs scored and four RBIs in his last eight games. The Phillies evened the season series at five wins apiece against the Braves, who have dropped 14 of their last 18 overall and scored just 11 runs while losing seven of their last eight. Nick Markakis and A.J. Pierzynski each collected two hits on Thursday to extend their respective hitting streaks. Markakis is 10-for-30 during his seven-game stretch while Pierzynski had an RBI single among his two hits to improve to 9-for-23 during his six-game run.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSS (Atlanta). CSN Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Williams Perez (4-0, 2.88 ERA) vs. Phillies RH David Buchanan (1-5, 7.00)

Sidelined with a bone bruise in his left foot for nearly six weeks, Perez is expected to be activated from the disabled list and take Alex Wood's spot in the rotation after the latter was shipped to the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of the blockbuster 13-player, three-team deal. The 24-year-old Venezuelan hasn't pitched for Atlanta since allowing two runs on four hits in 4 2/3 innings of a no-decision versus Pittsburgh on June 26. Perez has yet to face Philadelphia in his career.

Buchanan will get the nod after originally slated to start Triple-A Lehigh Valley's game on Friday. The 26-year-old had been shuffled to the IronPigs on July 20 after allowing three runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings of a 5-3 triumph over Tampa Bay. Buchanan fell to 0-2 in his career versus Atlanta on April 25 after permitting three runs on two hits in 6 2/3 frames of a 5-2 setback.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 1B Ryan Howard is 7-for-18 with two homers, seven RBIs and four runs scored in his last five games.

2. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman added a single in the opener to improve to 10-for-28 with six RBIs in seven games versus the Phillies this season.

3. Philadelphia SS Freddy Galvis went 2-for-4 in the series opener and is 20 for his last 46 against Atlanta.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Tampa Bay Rays (51-52) at Boston Red Sox (45-58)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts
LINE: 111, -120 TOTAL: 8.5


The Tampa Bay Rays dropped a game below .500 with a loss on Thursday and are watching the teams around them in the standings make big moves in front of Friday’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. The Rays will try to put some momentum together and rejoin the race when they visit the Boston Red Sox for the start of a three-game series on Friday.

The Red Sox have spent the two weeks since the All-Star break helping teams stay in contention with 12 losses in their last 15 games. Boston avoided a four-game home sweep against the Chicago White Sox with an 8-2 win on Thursday but owns the worst record in the American League and sits six games behind Tampa Bay in the AL East. The Rays could be sellers in front of the deadline due to a 5-7 record since the All-Star break, and the team is reportedly taking offers for starter Nathan Karns. Tampa Bay will send Erasmo Ramirez to the mound opposite Boston rookie Eduardo Rodriguez on Friday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Erasmo Ramirez (8-4, 3.74 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (6-3, 4.26)

Ramirez had a run of nine straight starts allowing two or fewer earned runs come to an end when he was reached for five runs and seven hits in 7 1/3 innings against Baltimore on Saturday. The Nicaragua native yielded a grand slam in that start and has surrendered at least one homer in four of his last five turns. Ramirez worked a scoreless inning of relief at Boston on May 4 and owns a 6.39 ERA in four career games – three starts – against the Red Sox.

Rodriguez bounced back from a terrible outing by limiting the Detroit Tigers to one run and three hits in seven innings. The 22-year-old has allowed 22 runs over 10 innings in his three losses and seven runs in 51 1/3 innings over his other eight turns. Rodriguez is making his first start against Tampa Bay and is 3-2 with a 5.35 ERA in six home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 3B Pablo Sandoval (left wrist) left Thursday’s game after being hit by a pitch and is day-to-day.

2. Tampa Bay SS Asdrubal Cabrera is 5-for-8 with five runs scored in his last three contests.

3. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is 9-for-22 with seven runs scored in the last five games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rays 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Kansas City Royals (61-40) at Toronto Blue Jays (52-51)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 7:07 PM EST
WHERE: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario
LINE: -112, 104 TOTAL: 8


The Kansas City Royals’ first big acquisition did not make much of a first impression, but they still have Johnny Cueto ready to debut. Cueto will make his first start for his new team when the Royals visit the Toronto Blue Jays in the second of a four-game series on Friday.

Kansas City brought in Cueto and Ben Zobrist while getting a jump on the other American League contenders in the trade deadline scramble, and Zobrist went 0-for-4 in his debut on Thursday. The Blue Jays made their own big move by bringing in Troy Tulowitzki on Tuesday and got into the arms race on Thursday by sending three minor-leaguers to the Detroit Tigers in exchange for former Cy Young Award winner David Price. Tulowitzki paid immediate dividends with three hits in his debut on Wednesday and scored a run in Thursday’s 5-2 series-opening win over the Royals. Price will have to wait to pitch in front of his new home fans for the first time as Drew Hutchison takes the mound for Toronto on Friday.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FSN Kansas City, RSN (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Johnny Cueto (7-6, 2.62 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Drew Hutchison (9-2, 5.42)

Cueto has battled elbow trouble and is a free agent after the season but was still at the front of the trade market due to his history of dominating performances. The Dominican Republic native left Cincinnati with such an outing when he scattered four hits over eight scoreless innings to beat Colorado on Saturday. Cueto last faced Toronto on June 22, 2014, and allowed three runs (one earned) in eight innings to earn the win.

Hutchison had his last start pushed back three days due to illness and was not at his best, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits and a pair of walks in four innings at Seattle. The 24-year-old has allowed three home runs in his last two starts after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous five outings. Hutchison is 1-1 in two career starts against the Royals, with nine runs and 12 hits allowed in 12 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays C Russell Martin has hit safely in seven of his last eight games and has three home runs in that span.

2. Kansas City LF Alex Gordon (groin) hit off a tee on Thursday for the first time since suffering the injury July 8.

3. Toronto’s offense has managed at least one home run in each of the last 12 games, matching their longest streak since 2011.

PREDICTION: Royals 5, Blue Jays 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: San Diego Padres (49-53) at Miami Marlins (42-60)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Marlins Park, Miami, Florida
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A



Coming off their best and most dramatic comeback win of the season, the San Diego Padres continue their 10-game road trip when they open a three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Friday. The Padres erased a six-run deficit in Thursday's 8-7 victory over the New York Mets, getting a go-ahead three-run homer from Justin Upton with two outs in the ninth.

San Diego has won 10 of its last 14, including a three-game home sweep of Miami last week in which it held the Marlins to a combined four runs. Upton is among a number of Padres being mentioned in trade talks in advance of Friday's deadline. Miami sent pitcher Mat Latos and first baseman Michael Morse to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday as part of a three-team deal, receiving three Class A pitchers in return. The Marlins' offense has been non-existent during a 1-5 slide, scoring two runs or fewer in each of the losses.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN San Diego, FSN Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Ian Kennedy (6-9, 4.58 ERA) vs. Marlins RH David Phelps (4-7, 3.86)

Kennedy, who also has been linked to multiple trades, has turned in a pair of strong performances in winning both his starts since the All-Star break. The 30-year-old limited the Marlins to one run over six innings last time out to improve to 4-1 with a 2.89 ERA in seven career starts against them. Kennedy, who has not allowed more than three earned runs in 10 straight starts, is 2-5 with a 3.80 ERA on the road.

Phelps has lost all three starts since returning to the rotation, but has deserved a better fate after surrendering a combined six runs in the three defeats. He came out on the short end of a 3-1 decision to Kennedy and the Padres last time out despite permitting two runs and six hits over six innings. Phelps, seeking his first win since June 16, is 2-2 with a 3.15 ERA in nine appearances (six starts) at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 1B Derek Norris was 5-for-5 with a grand slam Thursday after going 4-for-36 in his previous 10 games.

2. Marlins OF Christian Yelich has multiple hits in five of his last 10 games.

3. Padres RHP Craig Kimbrel became the second pitcher to register at least 30 saves in each of his first five full seasons.

PREDICTION: Padres 4, Marlins 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Pittsburgh Pirates (59-42) at Cincinnati Reds (46-54)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
LINE: -120, 111 TOTAL: 8.5


The Pittsburgh Pirates try to bounce back from their worst beating of the season when they visit the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night in the second of a four-game series. The Pirates surrendered a campaign high in runs in a 15-5 series-opening setback to fall to 2-8 against the Reds this season while dropping their sixth in a row in Cincinnati.

Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips not only established a career high in RBIs but became the first player since 1920 to hit two homers, collect four hits, drive in seven runs and steal two bases in a game. Marlon Byrd swatted a three-run homer and Jay Bruce collected three RBIs as Cincinnati amassed a season-high 19 hits en route to its third win in a row. Outfielder Jaff Decker helped a taxed bullpen by tossing a scoreless inning for Pittsburgh, which received a combined nine hits from the top four batters in the order. Recently acquired Aramis Ramirez had his second straight two-hit game and notched his first two RBIs for the Pirates.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Pittsburgh), FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Jeff Locke (5-6, 4.15 ERA) vs. Reds RH Michael Lorenzen (3-5, 4.58 ERA)

Locke failed to pitch past the fifth inning for the fourth time in his last six starts, giving up four runs in a no-decision against Washington last time out. His only win over his last six turns came on July 4 versus Cleveland, when he yielded only two hits over eight scoreless innings. Locke has not fared well in a pair of starts against the Reds this season, going 0-1 and allowing eight runs and 16 hits in 11 innings.

Lorenzen is coming off the worst and shortest start of his rookie campaign, getting rocked for eight runs on seven hits over 2 1/3 innings at Colorado on Sunday. The 23-year-old Lorenzo, who is winless since June 21 and dropped to 0-3 over his last five turns, has pitched six innings or fewer in 11 of his 14 starts. He earned his first major-league victory at Pittsburgh, limiting the Pirates to one run over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillips is the first Cincinnati player with seven RBIs in a game since Javier Valentin in July 2005.

2. Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen is 5-for-9 with a homer and four RBIs in his last two games.

3. The Reds placed RHP Nate Adcock on the 15-day disabled list. He is expected to undergo Tommy John surgery next week.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, Pirates 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Washington Nationals (54-46) at New York Mets (52-50)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 7:10 PM EST
WHERE: Citi Field, New York City, New York
LINE: 115, -125 TOTAL: 6.5


The New York Mets had crawled within one game of first place in the National League East earlier in the week but find themselves three back of the first-place Washington Nationals, who come to town Friday for the opener of a three-game series. The Mets must regroup from a crushing defeat, blowing a six-run lead at home for the first time in 45 years in Thursday's 8-7 loss to San Diego.

Ace Matt Harvey takes the mound for New York looking to register back-to-back victories for the first time since winning his first five starts this season. The Mets suddenly have issues at the back end of their bullpen as closer Jeurys Familia suffered his third straight blown save since the All-Star break. Washington unveiled its revamped bullpen Thursday as new acquisition Jonathan Papelbon nailed down his first save with the team in a 1-0 victory at Miami. The Nationals won two of three versus New York last week before embarking on their current 10-game road trip, on which they are 3-4.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (8-4, 3.83 ERA) vs. Mets RH Matt Harvey (9-7, 3.16)

Gonzalez has turned his season around over the past five weeks, going 4-0 while surrendering a total of five earned runs over his last five starts. Gonzalez, who has not permitted more than six hits in a game during his unbeaten streak, gave up one earned run in five innings to beat Pittsburgh last time out. He improved to 9-4 with a 2.88 ERA against the Mets by limiting them to two runs over six innings on July 20.

Harvey allowed two runs on seven hits over seven innings last time out and was backed by 15 runs - more than he received in his previous six starts combined - in a rout of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He struggled in his previous outing at Washington, allowing five runs (four earned) over seven innings of a 7-2 loss. Harvey is 3-2 with a 1.34 ERA in seven starts versus the Nationals and has held Bryce Harper to 0-for-14 with seven strikeouts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 1B Lucas Duda has homered six times in the last five games but is only 3-for-17 against Gonzalez.

2. Nationals CF Michael Taylor has three homers and six RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Mets C Travis d'Arnaud (elbow) was activated off the 15-day disabled list Thursday and C Anthony Recker was demoted to Triple-A Las Vegas.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Mets 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: San Francisco Giants (56-45) at Texas Rangers (49-52)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 8:05 PM EST
WHERE: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
LINE: -160, 147 TOTAL: 8.5


The San Francisco Giants visit the Texas Rangers on Friday for the first time since defeating the Rangers in the 2010 World Series. That was the first of three championships in five seasons for San Francisco, which sends Madison Bumgarner to the mound in the opener of the three-game set that marks the Giants' first regular-season contest in Arlington since 2001.

Bumgarner's lone career start against Texas came in Game 4 of the 2010 World Series when he tossed eight shutout innings of three-hit ball while picking up the victory. The streaking Giants have won 13 of their past 15 games and are one-half game behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West. Texas is coming off a four-game split against the New York Yankees and won the series finale 7-6 behind a homer and four RBIs from Josh Hamilton, who also delivered the walk-off tiebreaking single with two out in the bottom of the ninth. Hamilton has six RBIs over the last two games after having three in his previous 18 contests.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN Bay Area (San Francisco), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (11-5, 3.16 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Nick Martinez (5-6, 4.08)

Bumgarner has won his last three starts and has a solid chance at surpassing his career-best 18 victories from last season. He defeated Oakland in his last turn when he gave up one run and five hits in seven innings. Bumgarner has allowed two or fewer runs in seven of his past eight outings.

Martinez is 0-4 in a six-start stretch since defeating the Athletics on June 9. He has served up seven homers over his last four starts and has a 9.14 ERA during the span to see his ERA rise from 2.77 to 4.08. Martinez is 2-2 with a 3.89 ERA in seven home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants 2B Joe Panik (back) is expected to return after missing back-to-back games.

2. Texas RF Shin-Soo Choo is 13-for-34 with two homers and 10 RBIs in his past 10 games.

3. San Francisco C Buster Posey is batting .408 in July and his overall .325 mark is tied for fifth in the NL.

PREDICTION: Giants 5, Rangers 0

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Chicago Cubs (54-47) at Milwaukee Brewers (44-59)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LINE: -101, -107 TOTAL: 7.5


The Chicago Cubs are aiming for their first three-game winning streak in a month as they continue a four-game road series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. The Brewers have lost seven of nine since a four-game winning streak to begin the second half, and their roster continues to take hits as they trade away veteran players ahead of Friday’s non-waiver trading deadline.

Anthony Rizzo had three hits including a three-run homer in a 5-2 victory Thursday for Chicago, which hasn’t won three straight since sweeping a three-game road series from the New York Mets from June 30-July 2. The Brewers dealt outfielder Carlos Gomez and pitcher Mike Fiers to Houston on Thursday for four prospects - two outfielders and two pitchers - less than 24 hours after agreeing to send Gomez to the Mets in a deal that fell through because of the New York’s concerns about Gomez’s health. Milwaukee could keep dealing before Friday’s deadline, likely looking to move outfielder Gerardo Parra among others. The Cubs reportedly are looking to bolster their starting rotation, most notably discussing San Diego's Tyson Ross, but they have a proven right-hander on the mound Friday in Jason Hammel, who is 6-0 with a 2.25 ERA in eight starts against the Brewers, including a 4-0 mark and 1.60 ERA in five outings at Miller Park.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jason Hammel (5-5, 3.20 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Taylor Jungmann (5-2, 2.14)

Hammel’s winless streak has reached eight starts dating to June 6 and is coming off his worst outing of the season. The 32-year-old gave up six runs and eight hits over 3 2/3 innings in a loss to Philadelphia on Sunday, raising questions about whether his hamstring injury from earlier this month is lingering. Hammel continued his success against the Brewers in two meetings in May, allowing five runs over 13 innings in a no-decision and a win.

Jungmann has been impressive in his first stint in the majors, posting quality starts in five straight outings and six of his first nine big-league starts. The 25-year-old Texas native had won three straight starts before a tough-luck last time out when he allowed two runs over six innings in a 2-0 defeat at Arizona. Jungmann has been especially tough in three home starts, going 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA.



WALK-OFFS

1. Parra, who is batting .460 during a career-best 14-game hitting streak, is 9-for-25 against Hammel.

2. Rizzo has homered in consecutive games for the first time this season and has gone deep in three straight contests only once in his career.

3. Chicago CF Dexter Fowler is batting .389 with a .532 on-base percentage in his last 10 games.


PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Brewers 3

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: New York Yankees (57-44) at Chicago White Sox (49-51)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago, Illinois
LINE: N/A TOTAL: N/A


The Chicago White Sox brought themselves back to the fringe of the wild-card race in the American League by picking on a pair of last-place teams on the road. The White Sox will try to prove they are for real when they return home and welcome the New York Yankees for the start of a three-game series on Friday.

Chicago blasted through the first seven games of its trip with wins over the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox before dropping an 8-2 decision in Thursday’s finale at Boston. The White Sox scored 54 runs in the seven wins but missed out on a chance to reach .500 with Thursday’s loss and sit 3 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins for the second AL wild card spot. The Yankees have watched the teams behind them in the AL East make big moves in front of Friday’s trade deadline but have mostly stayed on the fringes of the market, a luxury they can afford thanks to their six-game lead in the East. New York will try to pad that mark behind Nathan Eovaldi, who opposes Chicago rookie Carlos Rodon on Friday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), CSN Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Nathan Eovaldi (10-2, 4.27 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (4-3, 4.09)

Eovaldi has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his last seven starts and was at his best at Minnesota on Sunday. The 25-year-old surrendered two runs and eight hits in eight innings against the Twins to improve to 5-0 in his last seven outings. Eovaldi is making his first start against the White Sox and is 6-2 with a 4.80 ERA on the road.

Rodon bounced back from a rough start and snapped a four-game winless stretch by tossing 6 2/3 scoreless innings in a win at Cleveland on Sunday. The North Carolina State product struck out nine and did not issue a walk in that turn after walking 19 in his previous five outings. Rodon is 3-2 with a 4.33 ERA at home and is making his first appearance against New York.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees acquired OF Dustin Ackley from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers, and Ackley will join the team on Friday.

2. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu has hit safely in 10 straight games.

3. New York RHP Michael Pineda (strained right forearm) was placed on the 15-day DL.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, White Sox 4

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Arizona Diamondbacks (49-51) at Houston Astros (58-45)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 8:10 PM EST
WHERE: Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas
LINE: 129, -140 TOTAL: 8


The Houston Astros, fresh off a three-game sweep of American League West-rival Los Angeles, host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday in the opener of a three-game interleague series. Houston leads the Angels by two games in the AL West after Jason Castro's walk-off three-run homer gave the Astros a 3-0 victory Thursday, improving their major league-best home record to 36-17 with their seventh consecutive victory at Minute Maid Park - their longest run at home since winning nine straight in 2008.

Houston is 9-3 since the All-Star break and boasts a 2.76 ERA during that span as it is poised to reach the postseason for the first time since being swept by the Chicago White Sox in the 2005 World Series. Arizona carries a five-game winning streak into the series after losing six of its first eight games coming out of the All-Star break. "I felt like even when we were losing, we were playing hard and they were giving it everything they had every night, so it's hard for the manager to get upset," Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale told reporters after Arizona completed a three-game sweep in Seattle on Wednesday with an 8-2 victory over Felix Hernandez. "We're doing a little better with the execution, we're situationally hitting better, we're getting a couple two-out hits with guys in scoring position and the big thing here is our starting pitching has been fantastic." Arizona's Rubby De La Rosa tries for his third straight victory and opposes Scott Feldman, who is working his way back from a knee injury.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, ROOT (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Rubby De La Rosa (8-5, 4.62 ERA) vs. Astros RH Scott Feldman (4-5, 4.54)

De La Rosa permitted four hits and two walks while striking out six in eight innings of a 2-0 victory over Milwaukee on Saturday after allowing one run in seven innings of a 3-1 win over Miami on July 20. It is quite a turnaround for the 26-year-old Dominican, who yielded 10 runs and 16 hits over 8 2/3 innings in losing his previous two starts and was winless in four turns. De La Rosa received a no-decision after allowing six runs and nine hits in four innings of his last start against Houston in 2014 while with Boston and is 0-1 with a 9.28 ERA in four games (two starts) versus the Astros.

Feldman received a no-decision after giving up one run and four hits in 7 2/3 innings of a 2-1 loss in Kansas City on Saturday in his second start since being placed on the disabled list May 26. The 32-year-old Hawaii native yielded four runs and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 7-6 loss to Texas on July 18. Paul Goldschmidt is 1-for-6 with four strikeouts against Feldman, who is 0-1 with a 3.86 ERA in five games (four starts) versus Arizona.

WALK-OFFS

1. Goldschmidt, who leads the National League in hitting (.347) and is second in the majors with 77 RBIs, is 15-for-35 with a home run, three RBIs, seven runs scored and 13 walks during an 11-game hitting streak.

2. Houston 2B Jose Altuve on Thursday went 0-for-3 to end his 18-game home hitting streak - a Minute Maid Park record.

3. Arizona has won 13 of the last 17 meetings, but lost three of four in 2014.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Diamondbacks 2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Colorado Rockies (43-57) at St. Louis Cardinals (65-37)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 8:15 PM EST
WHERE: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
LINE: 191, -209 TOTAL: 7


The St. Louis Cardinals are going to need some offense with seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday (quad strain) expected to be sidelined for an extended period of time. After seeing their bats come alive in the opener, the Cardinals will look to feed off that momentum when they continue their four-game series against the visiting Colorado Rockies on Friday.

Struggling Matt Carpenter belted two homers among his four hits and drove in four runs and scored four times in Thursday's 9-8 victory. The power display certainly was a welcome one for Carpenter, who was batting .180 (16-for-89) in the month prior to the uprising. St. Louis, which improved to 24-10 in its last 34 meetings with Colorado, upped its mark to 38-15 at Busch Stadium this season while the Rockies fell for the 17th time in its last 22 road contests. Colorado hasn't been shy about flexing its offensive muscle, scoring a staggering 58 runs while going just 3-5 in the last eight contests.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ROOT (Colorado), FSN Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Kyle Kendrick (4-11, 6.33 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (11-4, 3.27)

Kendrick allowed six runs for the second straight outing but walked away with a victory after Colorado erupted for 17 runs in a rout of Cincinnati on Sunday. The 30-year-old has struggled mightily in his first season with the Rockies, but owns a 6-3 mark with a 3.53 ERA in 12 career appearances versus St. Louis. Kendrick picked up the win in his last meeting with the Cardinals, yielding four runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings.

Wacha suffered his first loss in over one month on Sunday despite allowing just three runs on five hits in six innings of a 3-2 setback to Atlanta. The 24-year-old has struggled with the long ball of late, yielding four homers in his last four starts after surrendering just six in his previous 15. Wacha needs to keep a keen eye on Colorado's DJ LeMahieu, who has recorded a trio of three-hit performances in his last four outings while going 3-for-7 in his career versus the hurler.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis rookie Stephen Piscotty will likely take over as the primary left fielder in Holliday's absence while the team also added depth with the acquisition of OF Brandon Moss from Cleveland on Thursday.

2. Colorado OF Carlos Gonzalez is 17-for-37 with eight homers, 16 RBIs and 14 runs scored in his last nine contests.

3. Cardinals OF Kolten Wong is 11-for-32 in his last eight games.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Rockies 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

GAME: Los Angeles Angels (55-46) at Los Angeles Dodgers (57-45)
DATE/TIME: Friday, July 31 - 10:10 PM EST
WHERE: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
LINE: 185, -202 TOTAL: 6


Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw takes a 29-inning scoreless streak into Friday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, who have lost six of their last seven to fall two games behind first-place Houston in the AL West. Kershaw had Wednesday’s scheduled start pushed back due to hip soreness, but the three-time Cy Young award winner has been cleared for the Freeway Series.

The Dodgers plunged into the trade market on Thursday’s off-day by acquiring relievers Luis Avilan and Jim Johnson along with starting pitchers Mat Latos and Alex Wood while dealing minor-league infielder Hector Olivera to Atlanta. Johnson recorded nine saves for the Braves and should help strengthen a bullpen that has struggled in front of closer Kenley Jansen. While the Dodgers hold a half-game lead over San Francisco in the NL West, the Angels are staring up at a Houston team that added ace Scott Kazmir and outfielder Carlos Gomez in the past week. Los Angeles star center fielder Mike Trout returned to the lineup Thursday after missing two games due to inflammation in his left wrist and went 0-for-3 in a 3-0 loss to the Astros.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, FSN West (Angels), SportsNet LA (Dodgers)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Hector Santiago (7-4, 2.43 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (8-6, 2.51)

Santiago is 3-0 with a 1.70 ERA over his last six starts but saw his streak of five outings with one or fewer runs allowed come to an end last Saturday. The first-time All-Star received a no-decision against Texas after yielding four runs (three earned) over five innings. Santiago owns a 4.05 ERA in two career games (one start) against the Dodgers, and he’s 1-3 with a 3.29 ERA in 16 career interleague games – including nine starts.

Kershaw posted his third straight victory last Thursday with a dominating effort against the Mets, who were held to three hits in nine scoreless innings. The Texas native has gone 3-0 with a 0.27 ERA and 45 strikeouts against two walks in four starts this month. Kershaw, who leads the majors with 185 strikeouts, owns a 2-2 mark and 3.76 ERA in six career starts against the Angels.

WALK-OFFS

1. Latos, acquired from Miami, is expected to make his Dodgers' debut in Sunday’s series finale.

2. The Angels optioned RHP Mike Morin to Triple-A Salt Lake and recalled RHP Cory Rasmus.

3. The Dodgers designated OF Chris Heisey, RHP Chin-Hui Tsao, RHP Brandon Beachy and 1B Michael Morse for assignment.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Angels 1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB

Braves @ Phillies
Perez is making first start since June 26 (foot); he is 2-0, 3.24 in his last three starts- three of his last four stayed under. .

Buchanan is 1-0, 3.18 in two starts since coming back from AAA; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight starts.

Braves won four of last six series games; over is 1-3 in last four. Braves lost seven of last eight games overalll (under 7-1). Phillies won ten of their last 12 games- four of their last six stayed under.

Nationals @ Mets
Gonzalez is 4-0, 2.03 in his last five starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven.

Harvey is 2-2, 4.15 in his last four starts (over 3-1).

Washington won four of last five games with the Mets; over is 2-0-1 in last three. Nationals are 3-2 in last five games; three of last four stayed under the total. Mets are 3-5 in last eight games; over is 4-2 in their last six.

Pirates @ Reds
Locke is 0-2, 5.71 in his last three starts; four of his last five went under.

Lorenzen is 0-3, 8.83 in his last five starts; five of his last seven went under.

Pittsburgh lost eight of last ten games with Cincinnati; last five series games went over total. Pirates won five of last seven games (over 6-1). Reds won last three games, allowing five runs (under 3-1 in last four).

Padres @ Marlins
Kennedy is 2-0, 2.25 in his last two starts; his last eight stayed under.

Phelps is 0-3, 3.06 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under. Marlins scored two runs in his last three starts.

San Diego won six of last seven games with Miami; last four series tilts went under the total. Padres won five of last six games; five of their last seven went under total. Marlins lost five of last six games (under 8-2 in last ten).

Rockies @ Cardinals
Kendrick is 0-2, 5.00 in his last three road starts; three of his last four starts overall stayed under.

Wacha is 1-1, 6.88 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over.

Colorado lost six of last eight games with St Louis; three of last five stayed under total. Rockies are 3-5 in last nine games; four of their last five went over total. Cardinals lost three of last five games; under is 7-1-1 in their last nine.

Cubs @ Brewers
Hammel is 0-3, 6.10 in his last five starts; his last three went over.

Jungmann is 3-1, 1.50 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six.

Cubs lost four of last six games with Milwaukee; under is 6-2-1 in last nine in series. Chicago lost four of last seven games; over is 3-1-1 in their last five. Brewers lost seven of last nine games; under is 5-0-2 in last seven.

American League
Tigers @ Orioles
Farmer is making first start since June 24; he is 0-2, 10.45 in his two starts (over 2-0).

Chen is 1-2, 3.37 in his last four starts; under is 9-0-1 in his last ten.

Detroit lost 11 of its last 17 games; five of its last eight games stayed under total. Tigers lost five of last seven games with Baltimore; over is 6-2 last eight series games. Orioles won five of last six; under is 4-2-1 in last seven.

Rays @ Red Sox
Ramirez is 2-1, 3.00 in his last four starts; his last three stayed under.

Rodriguez is 2-1, 1.96 in his last three home starts; six of his last eight starts overall went over.

Red Sox lost 11 of last 14 games overall-- over is 9-3 in their last 12. Boston is 3-5 in last eight games with Tampa Bay- six of last seven series games stayed under total. Rays are 4-6 in last 10 games; under is 3-1-2 in their last six.

Royals @ Blue Jays
Cueto is making first start for Royals; he was 3-1, 2.12 in his last five starts for Cincinnati; four of his last six starts stayed under.

Hutchison is 1-1, 8.69 in his last four starts (over 3-1)..

Royals won eight of last 13 games overall (under 7-2-1 last ten); KC is 2-4 in its last six games with Toronto (under 3-1-1 in last five). Blue Jays are 6-4 in last ten games; four of their last six games went over.

Bronx @ White Sox
Eovaldi is 5-0, 2.83 in his last seven starts; four of his last six went under.

Rodon is 0-2, 11.00 in his last two home starts.

Bronx won ten of last 14 games (six of last eight went over); they won eight of last ten games with Chicago. White Sox won seven of last eight games; five of their last six games went over.

Mariners @ Twins
Walker is 0-1, 9.28 in his last four starts (over 4-0).

Milone is 0-1, 11.42 in his last two starts; over is 3-1-2 in his last six.

Seattle lost six of last seven games with Minnesota; five of last eight in series stayed under total. Mariners lost last four games, allowing 29 runs; over is 5-1-1 in their last seven. Twins lost four of last five games,, allowing 38 runs; their last six games all went over the total.

Indians @ A's
Salazar is 1-2, 2.53 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over.

Graveman is 0-3, 10.22 in his last three starts (under 3-1 in last four).

Indians lost six of last eight games but won last two; seven of their last 11 games went over. Tribe lost five of last seven games with Oakland; five of last seven in series went over total. Oakland lost six of last seven games (four of last five stayed under).

Interleague
Giants @ Rangers
Bumgarner is 3-0, 2.04 in his last three starts (under 5-3 in last eight).

Martinez is 0-4, 8.78 in his last five starts; three of his last four went over.

Giants are 7-3 in last ten games with Texas (under 8-2); SF won seven of its last eight games (under 4-0-1 in last five). Rangers won six of last nine games; four of their last six went over the total.

Diamondbacks @ Astros
de la Rosa is 2-0, 0.60 in his last two starts (under is 5-3 in last eight).

Feldman is 1-1, 2.79 in his last three starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight.

Arizona lost three of last four games with Houston (under 3-1); D'backs won last five games, allowing nine runs- over is 2-0-1 in last three. Astros traded for Gomez yesterday, just swept AL West rival Angels- they've won eight of last ten games, with four of last six staying under.

Angels @ Dodgers
Santiago is 3-0, 1.95 in his last six starts; his last four starts went over.

Kershaw is 3-0, 0.00 in his last three starts (26 IP); his last six stayed under.

Angels lost last three games with the Dodgers; six of last seven games went under total. Halos lost six of last seven games- four of their last five stayed under total. Dodgers lost three of their last four games; they've acquired a bunch of new players the last few days.

Win-loss records this year for team with this starting pitcher:
Atl-Phil-- Perez 5-3; Buchanan 1-6
Wsh-NY-- Gonzalez 12-6; Harvey 11-8
Pitt-Cin-- Locke 10-9; Lorenzen 6-8
SD-Mia-- Kennedy 8-10; Phelps 5-11
Chi-Mil-- Hammel 8-11; Jungmann 6-3
Col-StL-- Kendrick 6-14; Wacha 14-5

KC-Tor-- Cueto 11-8 (with Cin); Hutchison 13-7
Det-Balt-- Farmer 0-2; Chen 11-8
TB-Bos-- Ramirez 11-4; Rodriguez 7-4
NY-Chi-- Eovaldi 13-7; Rodon 8-5
Sea-Minn-- Walker 11-9; Milone 7-6
Clev-A's-- Salazar 11-7; Graveman 8-8

SF-Tex-- Bumgarner 12-8; Martinez 9-9
Az-Hst-- de la Rosa 11-9; Feldman 5-7
LA-LA-- Santiago 11-8; Kershaw 11-9

Times this starting pitcher allowed a run in first inning:
Atl-Phil-- Perez 3-8; Buchanan 2-7
Wsh-NY-- Gonzalez 2-18; Harvey 6-19
Pitt-Cin-- Locke 4-19; Lorenzen 7-14 (7 of last 8)
SD-Mia-- Kennedy 6-18; Phelps 6-16
Chi-Mil-- Hammel 7-19; Jungmann 1-9
Col-StL-- Kendrick 10-20; Wacha 4-19

KC-Tor-- Cueto 5-19; Hutchison 8-20
Det-Balt-- Farmer 1-2; Chen 5-19
TB-Bos-- Ramirez 3-15; Rodriguez 1-11
NY-Chi-- Eovaldi 7-20; Rodon 4-13
Sea-Minn-- Walker 5-20; Milone 2-13
Clev-A's-- Salazar 6-18; Graveman 5-16

SF-Tex-- Bumgarner 4-20; Martinez 5-18
Az-Hst-- de la Rosa 5-20; Feldman 5-12
LA-LA-- Santiago 5-19; Kershaw 4-20

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 6
By David Schwab

Week 6 In a CFL season that has been filled with upsets through the first five weeks of action, Ottawa may have pulled-off the biggest one of the year so far with last Friday’s thrilling 29-26 overtime victory at home against Calgary as a four-point underdog.

Saturday’s games started off with Toronto knocking-off British Columbia 30-27 as a 1 ½-point road underdog followed by Edmonton’s 32-3 rout of Winnipeg as a 5 ½-point favorite at home. Hamilton closed things out by beating Saskatchewan 31-21 as a two-point road underdog.

Thursday, July 30

British Columbia Lions (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-3 SU, 2-2-1 ATS)
Point-spread: BC -5
Total: 50

Game Overview

The Lions two-game winning streak both straight-up and against the spread may have come to an end, but the bigger concern could be the fact that they blew a 21-point lead in that last minute loss to Toronto. BC came into last Saturday’s game ranked last in the CFL on defense in total yards allowed and it gave-up 340 passing yards alone against the Argonauts.

Winnipeg has not only lost its last two games SU, it may have lost its starting quarterback for the foreseeable future after Drew Willy left last week’s game following a hard hit in the third quarter. He is currently listed as questionable for Thursday with a leg injury. Brian Brohm took his place against Edmonton and he went 9-for-19 for just 71 yards while getting picked off twice.

Betting Trends

BC is just 1-3-1 ATS in its last five road games against Winnipeg and the total has stayed UNDER in 16 of the last 21 meetings overall.

Friday, July 31

Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-5 SU, 0-5 ATS) vs. Edmonton Eskimos (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Edmonton OFF
Total: OFF

Game Overview

The Roughriders are still looking for their first win of the new season both SU and ATS and they could be hard-pressed to get off the schneid this week with a defense that has allowed a CFL-high 165 points through their first five games. Offensively they are putting up an average of 28.6 points a game, but that production could take a hit if quarterback Kevin Glenn is unable to go this Friday.

Edmonton has taken the early lead in the West Division behind a stout defense that has only allowed an average of 14.5 points through its first four contests. James Franklin took over for Matt Nichols at quarterback in the third quarter of last week’s lopsided victory against Winnipeg. He only completed five of his eight attempts, but three of them were for touchdowns.

Betting Trends

The Eskimos have won four of the last five meetings SU and they have a 8-2 edge ATS in the last 10 games. The total has stayed UNDER in five of the last six games between these two West Division rivals.

Saturday, Aug. 1

Montreal Alouettes (2-2 SU, 2-1-1 ATS) vs. Calgary Stampeders (3-2 SU, 0-5 ATS)
Point-spread: Calgary -4 ½
Total: 49 ½

Game Overview

Montreal closed as an underdog in both of its SU victories this season including a 29-11 win against Calgary in Week 2 as a 9 ½-point underdog at home. The total has stayed UNDER in all four of its games this year. Quarterback Rakeem Cato has come off the bench to throw for 822 yards and four touchdowns while completing 72.2 percent of his 90 attempts.

The Stampeders were stunned by Ottawa in overtime despite a solid effort from quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell. He ended that game with 318 yards passing while completing six passes to wide receiver Eric Rogers for 124 yards and a score. Calgary running back Jon Cornish left that game with a thumb injury and he is expected to be out of the lineup until early September.

Betting Trends

Montreal has now won the last two meetings both SU and ATS after going 1-6 SU (0-7 ATS) in the previous seven games of this inter-division clash.

Monday, Aug. 3

Toronto Argonauts (3-1 SU, 4-0 ATS) vs. Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-2 SU, 3-1 ATS)
Point-spread: Hamilton -3 ½
Total: 54 ½

Game Overview

Toronto has been one of the bigger surprises this season after missing the playoffs last year. It has averaged 29.5 points a game while holding opponents to 25.8 points on the other side of the ball. Trevor Harris continues to play well at quarterback for an injured Ricky Ray. In last week’s win against BC, he completed 30-of-40 attempts for 340 yards and two scores. He was also picked-off twice.

The Tiger-Cats got a big day from their quarterback Zach Collaros in last Sunday’s 10-point win. He threw for 284 yards and a score while adding another 32 yards on three runs. Collaros spread the ball around to six different receivers in his 19 completions. Hamilton has also been solid on defense; allowing an average of just 22 points through its first four games.

Betting Trends

The home team has won seven of the last nine meetings SU in the East Division tilt, but Hamilton has a 5-1 edge ATS in the last six games. The total has stayed UNDER in four of the last six meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Game of the day: Roughriders at Eskimos

Saskatchewan Roughriders at Edmonton Eskimos (-10, 48.5)

The Edmonton Eskimos look to extend their winning streak to four games when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday. The Eskimos scored 28 points in the second half en route to a 32-3 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last Saturday to take sole possession of first place in the West Division.

Backup quarterback James Franklin replaced the ineffective Matt Nichols in the third quarter and led the team on three touchdown drives, but Edmonton coach Chris Jones was quick to dispel any notion of a quarterback controversy by naming Nichols the starter against the Roughriders. Saskatchewan remains the only winless team in the CFL following a 31-21 setback to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday. The Roughriders let another fourth-quarter lead slip away as the defence continues to self destruct down the stretch, and has given up at least 30 points in four of their five losses this season. Saskatchewan has dropped four of its last five meetings with Edmonton, including an 18-10 loss in the West semifinals last year, and hopes to turn its fortunes around quickly in order to avoid its first 0-6 start since 1978.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN2

LINE HISTORY: The Eskimos opened as 11.5-point favorites before being bet down to -10. The total has dropped from 49 to 48.5.

INJURY REPORT: Roughriders - LB Shea Emry (Ques-Neck) Eskimos - DT Gregory Alexandre (Ques-Undisclosed), DE Elie Ngoyi (Ques-Undisclosed)

ABOUT THE ROUGHRIDERS (0-5 SU, 0-3-1 ATS, 3-1 O/U): Kevin Glenn went 22-of-33 for 255 yards and one touchdown before sitting out the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury and his status for Friday's game is unknown. Brett Smith ran for a touchdown in relief of Glenn and Weston Dressler led all wide receivers with six catches for 74 yards. "Everyone is in this thing together and we truly believe in ourselves," Dressler told reporters. We just have to keep finding ways to get better and improving and finish these games."

ABOUT THE ESKIMOS (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS, 1-3 O/U): Nichols was 17-of-25 for 196 yards before being pulled in favour of Franklin, who finished with three touchdown passes. "Matt Nichols has been the guy that has taken us the last three games and he's going to be our starting quarterback," Jones told reporters. "We're not going to change a lot when we're winning football games." Shakir Bell continues to make the most of his opportunity in Edmonton as the rookie running back gained 95 yards on 12 carries after rushing for 144 yards the previous week.

TRENDS:

*Roughriders are 3-13-1 ATS in their last 17 games overall.
*Eskimos are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 home games.
*Under is 4-0 in the last 4 meetings.
*Under is 14-2 in Eskimos last 16 games following a ATS win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

At the Gate - Friday
By Mike Dempsey

American Pharoah drew the four post and was installed as the 1-5 morning line favorite for Sunday’s $1.75 million Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park.

Seven foes will line up against the Triple Crown winner, pretty brave considering there are two other big races for three-year-olds on Saturday, the $750,000 West Virginia Derby (G2) at Mountaineer Park and the $600,000 Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga.

The Bob Baffert trainee has put in six works since winning the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 6 to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. All indications point toward the colt coming into the Haskell in tip top shape.

The Rick Violette trained Upstart is the second choice on the morning line at 6-1. The ridgling is cross-entered in the Jim Dandy but is expected to head to the Jersey Shore. He was second in the Florida Derby (G1) in March and was sent off at 15-1 in the Kentucky Derby (G1) but faded to finish a disappointing 18th, beaten 60 ½ lengths.

Keen Ice (12-1) raced in the Run for the Roses where he finished seventh and then improved to check in third in the Belmont Stakes.

Trainer Todd Pletcher will saddle three with Competitive Edge (8-1) looking the strongest of the trio. The colt won his first four career starts including the Hopeful (G1) as a juvenile, but was a disappointing sixth in the Woody Stephens (G2) on June 6 in his last outing.

Pletcher’s other two rumens are longshots Nonna’s Boy (30-1), winner of the Lamplighter in his last start and Dontbetwithbruno (30-1), who was second in the Lamplighter.

Pegasus (G3) winner Mr. Jordan (15-1) and recent first level optional claiming winner Top Clearance (30-1) complete the field.

We will take a closer look at the Haskell on Sunday. First at the Spa, we have a $90,851 Pick 6 carryover for Friday and a huge day on Saturday highlighted by the Jim Dandy, the $200,000 Amsterdam (G2) and the $350,000 A.G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1).

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

SAR Race 1 Clm $25,000 (1:00 ET)
1 Partly Mocha 3-1
11 Z Big Apple 10-1
10 Mish Mosh 4-1
4 Great Attack 5-1

Analysis: Partly Mocha stalked the early pace and came with a good late run to finish a close up fourth last out, beaten a half length for the top spot against $40,000 foes. The gelding drops in for $25,000 while cutting back to 5 1/2 furlongs. He has won at this distance and looks primed for a good effort in his third start of his current form cycle.

Z Big Apple ships in from Kentucky for the Lukas barn off a runner up finish against $25,000 non-winners of three or three-year-olds. Four runner shave excited that race to win next out including the winner Hat of Jacks, who beat Alw-1 optional claimers in his next start at Ellis Park. He gets an upgrade in bugs to Cancel and his 10-1 morning line looks generous exiting such a key race.

Wagering
WIN: #1 t win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,11 / 1,4,10,11
TRI: 1,11 / 1,4,10,11 / 1,3,4,10,11

Today’s Featured Race of the Day from Saratoga:

SAR Race 9 OClm $80,000C (5:29 ET)
1 Cousin Stephen 4-1
5 Catholic Cowboy 7-2
6 Touchofstarquaility 2-1
7 Big Looie 6-1

Analysis: Cousin Stephen faded badly last out in a 10th place finish in stakes company at Penn and comes back here with a two month freshening. The colt had landed in the exacta in four straight leading up to his last outing including back-to-back wins beating Alw-2 and Alw-3 foes at Philly. He sports several quick works on the morning tab for the Chad Brown barn that is 30% winners (with a +ROI) with runners coming back off a 46-90 day break.

Catholic Cowboy was bumped coming out of the gate last out, tracked the early pace and finished gamely in a runner up finish at Belmont Park last out. Two back he ran a decent third behind repeat winner Freestyler, who returned to beat Alw-3 company at Philly in his next outing. He beat Alw-1 foes over the Spa main track here last summer. He is proven at nine furlongs and looks headed in the right direction form wise for the Zito barn.

Wagering
WIN: #1 to win at 5-2 or better.
EX: 1,5 / 1,5,6,7
TRI: 1,5 / 1,5,6,7 / 1,2,5,6,7

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.

Saratoga
R1: #11 Z Big Apple 10-1
R2: #1 Violet Road 15-1
R3: #2 Lady Gracenote 8-1
R3: #3 Bridget Moloney 12-1
R3: #9 What the Frost 10-1
R4: #4 Unrivaled 15-1
R5: #4 All Rise 8-1
R6: #2 I’ll Call 15-1
R7: #8 Cavallucci 8-1
R8: #8 Stormy Rocit 8-1

Good luck today!

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Hoosier Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Post: 5:35 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 76 - Purse:$6000 - WINNERS OF 2 BUT NOT MORE THAN 4


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 6 HALL PASS HELEN 5/2


# 5 ULTIMATE RED 8/1


# 1 M AND M'S SECRET 3/1


HALL PASS HELEN very likely looks to be the standardbred to beat today. Hard to put finger on it, but love her here. Many selectors know speed is of the utmost importance. This contender has credentials with a 81 average stat. Is a huge choice given the 75 TrackMaster Speed Rating from her most recent contest. ULTIMATE RED - Appears that this standardbred's running style fits well in this contest. Most likely will be there at the finish. Been going to post with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class edge. (Average Rating 81). M AND M'S SECRET - Really liked this gelding's last race. Ran a strong 70 speed rating. Major contender.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Maywood Park

Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.


Race 2 - Post: 7:50 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 72 - Purse:$3100 - NON-WINNERS OF 4 RACES OR $17,500 LIFETIME TO BE CLAIMED FOIR $8,000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 MOTORIN MATT 5/2


# 3 SONNY DEAN 4/1


# 6 BC'S CHIEF 9/5

The consensus this time is that MOTORIN MATT is the one to beat. Is a very promising win contender given the 68 speed fig from his most recent race. The 1 post is on fire here at Maywood Park. More wins than is normal. SONNY DEAN - Many handicappers know speed is is such an important factor. This horse has credentials with a 73 avg figure. Seems to have a really good class edge based on the entrants he has raced against. BC'S CHIEF - Hard to put finger on it, but love him for this one. Could very well provide us a victory based on very good recent TrackMaster Speed Ratings - earning an avg of 77.