Monday 7/18/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Post your request, Comments or concerns here.
Good luck on all your plays.

When not viewing the service plays.
Make sure to enjoy the rest of what the RX has to offer.

First time here at the RX.
Make sure to visit the Newbies Room
Click here to go there now

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 16 Game Preview: Arizona Rattlers (11-3) vs Orlando Predators (12-2)

Phoenix, Ariz. – This is arguably the Arena Football League’s (AFL) biggest matchup of the year. The current top two teams meet in the desert to decide which team may be the top seed in the postseason.

With the win last Saturday over the Jacksonville Sharks (5-8), the five-time world champion Arizona Rattlers (11-3) have put themselves in position to play for the chance to host the twenty-ninth ArenaBowl. The Rattlers have clinched the number two seed and have a chance to earn the top seed in the league. They can do so starting this Monday in a game against the top team, the Orlando Predators (12-2).

In order earn the tie breaker over the Predators, Arizona will need to defeat them by more than 18 points, not to mention, they would need to defeat Cleveland (7-7) in the final game of the regular season.

If the Rattlers win out but do not beat Orlando by more than 18, they can still earn the number one seed if Philadelphia beats Orlando in the final game of the regular season.

Both Arizona and Orlando will enter the arena on Monday, riding waves of momentum, with both teams tied for the league’s longest current win streak (five wins).

The Rattlers are coming off a huge win over the talented Jacksonville Sharks. The Sharks threatened to tie the game with just nine seconds left on the clock, however, the two-point conversion attempt by Jacksonville quarterback Tommy Grady sailed out of bounds, and the Rattlers held on to win.

Arizona’s offense was led by wide receiver Rod Windsor, who managed to pull in six touchdowns on ten receptions, totaling 108 yards. His efforts earned him the J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Week award. Quarterback Nick Davila also a big night, tying his season high of nine touchdowns.

Orlando earned a 47-41 win on Saturday as well. After trailing the Portland Steel (1-12) late in the fourth quarter, the Predators, led by quarterback Bernard Morris would score twice, both on touchdown passes to wide receiver Brandon Thompkins which put the Steel away.

The Predators defense played a huge part in the win only allowing 41 total points. The defense was led by defensive back Paul Stevens, who earned the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week award, for his five tackles, two pass breakups, and a pick.

Both teams played each other early in the season. The Rattlers came up short, losing to the Predators in Orlando, 77-59. With hosting the ArenaBowl on the line, the Rattlers will look to even the series this weekend.

The game is on Monday, July 18th, at 9:30 p.m. EST, and will be played at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The matchup will be streamed live online on ESPN3.com or on the WatchESPN app on a tablet, smartphone, or streaming device. The game can also be seen on Univision Deportes, Tuesday, August 19th at 10:00 a.m. PDT.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 2 - Post: 1:12 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 68 - Purse:$2600 - F& M N/W $150 P/S LAST 5-6 OR 2016 $3100 P/C L/S SCRATCHED - WHEN TWO FOOLS MET - JUDGES J TAGGART JR 2 OVER 6 E ABBATIELLO 4 OVER 3. LINE


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 N MAKE IT SNAPPY 3/1



# 1 DIAMONDSFOREMBER 4/1



# 7 JET ANGEL 10/1



Hard not to strongly consider N MAKE IT SNAPPY as the top selection in this contest. This standardbred has shown us ability in its prior races, just look at the 72 avg class rating. Should play well here. Recorded a 63 TrackMaster Speed Rating last time out. A duplicate race here should get the victory this time. The 2 post is on fire here at Monticello Raceway. More wins than the expected average. DIAMONDSFOREMBER - Heads into this contest with really strong TrackMaster class figures in relationship to the field of starters - take a good look. This race horse could get the score here beginning from the Monticello Raceway 1 hole. JET ANGEL - Could very well provide us a win based on nice recent TrackMaster Speed Ratings - earning an avg of 74. The wagering panel noted a very strong event out of this race horse last time. Looking for a duplicate of that to win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

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


Race 11 - Post: 5:20 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 81 - Purse:$6000 - NON WINNERS OF $2000 IN THE LAST 4 STARTS AE: CLAIMING $5000


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 IMA GOLD DIGGER N 6/1



# 6 EXTRACURRICULAR 3/1



# 3 JOSIE'S JOY 4/1



We've got a feeling IMA GOLD DIGGER N is going to get the top prize. Been performing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 83). Many harness players will recognize the fantastic TrackMaster SR in the last race. Stacks up against any horse in this pack. Excellent win percent combined with recent formidable performances. We think he can handle this group. EXTRACURRICULAR - Could very well be the most favorable in the field of starters here, showing good numbers of late. Average speed is a solid 88. Been racing with some tougher customers of late, has a distinct class advantage. (Average Rating 90). JOSIE'S JOY - A very nice play in here as she has one of the highest winning pcts in the field of starters as well as excellent credentials all around.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Finger Lakes

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


Race 8 - Starter Handicap - 8.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $26800 Class Rating: 88

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD, FOALED IN NEW YORK STATE AND APPROVED BY THE NEW YORK STATE-BRED REGISTRY. FREE NOMINATION. RESTRICTED TO HORSES WHICH HAVE STARTED AT FINGER LAKES IN 2015-16 TO BE DIVIDED 60% TO THE WINNER, 20% TO SECOND, 10% TO THIRD, 5% TO FOURTH, 2% TO FIFTH, AND 1% TO SIXTH, SEVENTH AND EIGHTH. WEIGHTS TO BE ASSIGNED MONDAY JULY 11,2016: ENTRIES


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 ALWAYSINSTILETTOS 7/2

# 3 CRUZIN ON IN 5/2

# 7 BAJAN BEACH 6/1

I think ALWAYSINSTILETTOS is a very good choice. Has been running strongly lately and should be on or close to the lead early on. The Equibase speed fig of 85 from her most recent affair looks solid in here. The average class rating alone makes this horse a key contender. CRUZIN ON IN - This entrant has been consistently racing well recently. Well above average win clip at this distance/surface.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Ruidoso Downs

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


Race 2 - Maiden Claiming - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $7200 Class Rating: 71

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR REGISTERED NEW MEXICO BRED MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 4 ONMYBUCKETLIST 2/1

# 3 SOUTHERN AMSTERDAM 5/2

# 6 HIDE YOUR KRAZY 8/1

ONMYBUCKETLIST is my choice. Last time out, this filly was up against a rougher field. Looks to have a very good class edge based on the latest company kept. Is a strong contender based on figures posted recently under today's conditions. SOUTHERN AMSTERDAM - This filly must be carefully examined just off the earnings per start in short events alone. Had one of the strongest Speed Figures of this group in her last competition. HIDE YOUR KRAZY - Has to be given a chance - I like the figs from the last race.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #1 - Post: 12:55pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $18,000 Class Rating: 66

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 ARNHEM (ML=7/2)


ARNHEM - Brown drops her down to this class level. You don't need too much more handicapping knowledge to think this horse has a shot at this level. I like that last outing on Jul 2nd at Parx Racing where she finished third.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 WILD KAY (ML=2/1), #6 JENNIE SAYS SO (ML=3/1), #3 TERRI'S PASS (ML=9/2),

WILD KAY - Earned a mediocre speed fig in the last race in a $5,000 Claiming race on June 5th. Not probable to see an improved performance off of that number. JENNIE SAYS SO - This mare didn't do much last time. TERRI'S PASS - You think this horse is going to win today just because she's always close. Just doesn't finish on top regularly.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Have to go with #7 ARNHEM on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with [2,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware Park - Race #1 - Post: 1:15pm - Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $13,000 Class Rating: 69

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 THINK HE'S GONE (ML=8/1)
#1 TEMPIETTO (ML=2/1)
#5 CHAPLAIN RICH (ML=4/1)


THINK HE'S GONE - A wise man taught me to bet on the lone speed horse. Take a look at this horse. Taking a trip down the class scale; has the class ability to make his presence felt. TEMPIETTO - Ness brings him right back. I recommend you stick with this live gelding. It looks like McCarthy had to learn about this gelding on July 2nd when riding him for the initial time. Back aloft again today. A repeat of that last performance on July 2nd where he registered a fig of 79 looks high enough to triumph in this event. This one has increased his Equibase speed figures in each of the last two races. That kind of progress is telling me this horse is ready. CHAPLAIN RICH - Don't often see a favorable return on investment like +60. This rider/trainer duo has done well together over the last 12 months. A thoroughbred coming back this promptly after a strong race is a good omen.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 PROFESSOR PEGASUS (ML=3/1), #7 KAT LION (ML=6/1), #4 SERIOUSLY SIMON (ML=8/1),

PROFESSOR PEGASUS - He showed not much at all in the last clash. KAT LION - Would have to improve off that fourth place finish last time to make an impact here. The speed rating last out doesn't fit very well in this contest when I look at the class rating of today's race. Mark this thoroughbred as a vulnerable contender. SERIOUSLY SIMON - This vulnerable equine has had no success at Delaware Park. Tough to put your cash on the win end of any horse that finishes second and third as regularly as this thoroughbred does.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Putting our cash on #6 THINK HE'S GONE to win. Have to have odds of at least 4/1 or better though

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6] Box [5,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,5,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Monday 7/18 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 6,7/1,5,7/8/1,2,4,5/3,4,6 = $14.40

EARLY PICK 4: 1,2,4,5/3,4,6/1,4,8/8 = $36

LATE PICK 4: 8/1,5,8/1,2,4/1,3,9,10 = $36

MEET STATS: 208 - 626 / $1087.10 BEST BETS: 35 - 58 / $111.90

SPOT PLAYS: 11 - 57 / $56.40

Best Bet: BETTORS DREAM (7th)

Spot Play: SOUTHWIND ION (4th)


Race 1

(7) INTENDED STYLE blasted to the front, set solid fractions then held on to win last week. This field is no tougher and he should get a similarly aggressive steer here. (6) TOPCORNERTERROR sat the perfect trip throughout but could not edge past the choice late. That exacta is a good bet to repeat here. (4) LIGHT FOOT RD drops back into a claimer where he can take a share. (5) STORM THE BEACH could be closer to the top two here at the finish if he gets a more alert start.

Race 2

(5) FUTURE HEADLINES - a $20K Harrisburg buy - is a full-sister to Maniana, who took a mark of 1:53 3/5 at two. This filly's lone qualifier was sensational and she might be up to winning this OSS Gold event on debut. (7) ACTION MAJESTY brings an unbeaten streak into this race and is the obvious danger. (1) AINT THREE OK paced an impressive uncovered trip in her stakes debut to fall just short. She merits Pick 5 inclusion off that trip. (4) BID WRITER steps up off a sharp debut win but she may find a couple of these too tough.

Race 3

(8) FLANAGAN MEMORY came within one tick of the Mohawk track record for aged trotters last week in a dominating performance. He should double up here. (7) WHISKEY TAX was second best to the choice last week and likely completes a chalky exacta here. (2) EXEMPLAR can convert a following trip into a smaller share here. (6) INTIMIDATE has missed over a month and will probably be reduced to a smaller share here facing some sharp rivals.

Race 4

(4) SOUTHWIND ION is a full-sister to two winners from two that the dam has thrown so far, including Southwind Indy (9 wins, $157K, 1:51 3/5 S.). This $40K Lexington purchase looks ready to roll first out. (2) SIR NATIVE was noticeably live in her debut then won one of these stakes second time out. She should be prominent throughout here. (5) SOIREE SEELSTER closed a gap late in her debut and could offer some Pick 4 value here. (1) THORNE SEELSTER could get asked for more speed early here which could facilitate a better result.

Race 5

(6) FEARLESS MAN was only nailed late last week now he returns to a 7-day cycle which should make him very tough here. (4) O NARUTAC PERFETTO comes off a solid win a class lower and his consistency should be respected here. (3) RUBBER DUCK suffered interference last time and he could prove to be a tough customer here if he can sit the pocket behind the choice. (5) CHARMED LIFE will be passing horses late as she typically does and she could better this prediction if she gets a good helmet to follow.

Race 6

(8) DEEP IMPACT stayed in last time at a critical point of the race which may have cost him a win. If he is given a more aggressive steer here, he should beat these. (1) ELDORADO OF GOLD S may try to find a helmet to follow here following two failed speed tries. He should make the ticket, at the very least. (4) NIGHTONTHEROAD has won 30% of his starts this year although he rarely puts two together in a row. (7) A ROD HALL motored up for 2nd last time despite looking bumpy-gaited. He can share again here if he stays flat.

Race 7

(8) BETTORS DREAM can double up off his sharp debut win last week. (7) BOBCAT BOUND broke at Pocono but check out his narrow debut loss two back; using. (6) DEADLY ACTION closed well in his debut and he could offer some exotics value here. (3) SOCCER HANOVER will probably get put into play earlier in the mile here and he could crack the exotics at a price.

Race 8

(1) MUSCLE AVE drops back into non-winners of three and adds Lasix here. A more aggressive drive should get him home in front. (8) NOFEAR BLUE CHIP should also enjoy the easier company here but needs to beat at least a couple of these off the gate. (5) MERCHANDISER couldn't catch a foe that went a huge uncovered trip last time, but his good form puts him right there vs. these. (2) SOUTHWIND STRYKER has the look of a professional maiden but he should take a share here.

Race 9

(2) BLAMEITONTHENIGHT was an ultra-impressive debut winner here last week and she should be a top contender here in her first stakes try. (4) YARIS BAYAMA changed tactics and wired a Grassroots field in her second start. She is the main threat to the choice. (1) VINTAGE BOOK outraced her odds in her debut and she should get a similarly good trip here to contend. (5) WHITE DANCER can pass many of these late and take a smaller slice.

Race 10

(1) PRINCE CLYDE gets the slightest of nods here in the finale which is the toughest race on the card to handicap. Maybe he can trip out from the inside post. (9) EASY LOVER HANOVER should be tighter after tiring late last week making his first start back off a break. (10) NEW YORK NIGHTMARE makes his third start for Adams and he could jump up and win this at a price. (3) UF BETTORS HANOVER is capable in this class and should get a decent trip here. (2) SURPRISE HANIVER almost never misses the top 5. Toss him on your High-5 tickets.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 7/18 Analysis
By Brewster Smith

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 167 - 714 / $1,063.30

BEST BETS: 19 - 70 / $85.50

Best Bet: ROBIN J (6th)

Spot Play: ANN HILL (3rd)


Race 1

(7) OSPREY BLUE CHIP Filly showed good tactical speed and could mow them down for score number one. (1) MEGYN K just missed the victory in her latest at Buffalo. (4) BESTGIRLFRIENDEVER was sent down the road last out for all the glory.

Race 2

(4) NORTHERN FIESTA broke at the start in her last try but she fits well in here and Bartlett has the assignment. (3) CARLY GIRL Two sharp efforts put this gal right in the mix. (2) AMATEUR HOUR just missed glory by only a neck; watch out.

Race 3

(5) ANN HILL took the pocket route home to victory at the Meadowlands last out. Based on her last two trips she is heading in the right direction. (1) BULLVILLESTEPHANIE Game effort for win honors upstate last out. (2) FUNKYMUNKYSUNSHINE Wire to window in her latest; threat again.

Race 4

(4) HAVITURE WAY HONEY just held on for all the marbles last out. Juvenile miss is very capable of taking another one for Team Miller. (5) IDEAL ICE has fine speed and most likely will be on the engine. (7) NO TIME FOR LUZN could be right in the mix with a favorable trip.

Race 5

(4) PLANET ROCK got the job done via the pocket trip. 2-year-old filly is sharp and two straight is clearly not out of the question. (1) WINDSUN BROOKLYN opened up a big lead turning for home to score at Philly last time around. (5) ST HELENA Easy score at the famed track Goshen last out.

Race 6

(3) ROBIN J seems to be a winning machine and her last one was quite good; could keep on her winning ways. (5) STUDIO ONE took charge right from the bell on her way to victory last time out at Pocono. (2) OCEANIA took the pocket route and just got up for win honors in her last trip to the post.

Race 7

(5) THAT'S HOW WE ROLL is knocking at the door based on her last two tries and this filly can top these with a fine-timed drive. (3) SHES A BILLIONAIR led every step of the way for all the glory in her last try. (4) YOURLIPSTOGODSEARS put in a nice effort for the show spot at Buffalo last time out.

Race 8

(3) ON TOP OF THE ROCK showed signs of life at Goshen last time around and the juvenile miss fits well against this weak group. (7) MYMEGARICHMOTHRNLO just missed glory by only a neck last out; post hurts but is very capable. (4) ROCKNROLL FAN could land a share of the purse.

Race 9

(1) WORLD APART Easy victory at the Big M last out and now she draws the fence; threat to repeat. (5) OKIDOKI BLUE CHIP was sent down the road in her last start to grab the victory. (3) DONATOS ARTIST raced evenly and held on for show money in her last trip.

Race 10

(2) RODEO ROCK is very sharp and almost took the victory in his last try. Gelding is very capable of putting his best foot forward for all the marbles. (7) BRIANSTOTHEFRONT With a well rated drive this gelding can be right in the mix. (4) MITCH RYDER could make some noise in the final stretch drive.

Race 11

(4) ROARING TO GO led most of the way but ran out of gas in deep stretch and held place money last out. Filly is sharp and has every right to boss these at her best. (1) ROLLINGDIAMONDS was second best at Buffalo last time out. (2) ROCKINSANGRIA is knocking at the door based on her last three starts.

Race 12

(8) FAMEOUS WESTERN lost glory by a neck last time around and this gelding has good speed but must overcome the 8-hole; formidable and capable. (4) WINDSUN STETSON has hit the board in his last three trips to the post. (3) CLINT WESTWOOD gets post relief and that should help his cause; maybe.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Delaware Park (6th) Tough Weather, 7-2
(7th) Hold On Momma, 8-1


Finger Lakes (3rd) Native Hero, 7-2
(4th) Berb's Monarchy, 3-1


Mountaineer (1st) Alexander Thegreat, 5-1
(6th) Dry Summer, 3-1


Parx Racing (4th) Newly Fashioned, 5-1
(8th) Merry's Honor, 7-2

Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Bold Dance, 4-1
(4th) Hokes Hope, 6-1


Thistledown (7th) Sea Thief, 7-2
(8th) Anthem, 7-2

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

July Pitchers Report
By Marc Lawrence

Fireworks and the MLB All-Star game go hand-in-hand during the month of July. It also denotes the start of the 2nd half of the MLB campaign. And as we’ve come to learn the key to each and every team’s fortune lies on the pitching staff.

Can they sustain or will they unravel like Jose Canseco going back on a fly ball? Stay tuned. What we do know is that certain pitchers love hurling this time of the season while others tend to get lit up like a roman candle on the 4thof July.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of July.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in July, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts. To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each July over the last three years.

And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s July list.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

*Chen, Wei-Yin - 9-4 (5-1 H)

The Miami left-hander has not been terribly effective with an ERA hovering around 5. If Chen can develop more command, he's shown again this year he's tough when in challenging situations, allowing .186 batting average and .271 on-base percentage with runners in scoring position.

Garza, Matt - 9-3 (5-1 H)

Since coming back from spring training injury on June 14th, the Milwaukee right-hander has been a mix of good and bad, but come through when it counted. Opposing hitters are batting over .300 against Garza, but he's held those runners in check and induced a heavy dose of ground balls that have led to outs. If he continues, this Brewers starter might be effective.

Greinke, Zack - 11-4 (6-2 H)

Though Arizona is falling short of preseason expectations, the Diamondbacks ace is not and, other than Clayton Kershaw, has arguably been as effective as any pitcher since the end of April with batters hitting around .200 against him. Once again his array of pitches are finding the right spots and fastball is cooking!

Kazmir, Scott - 10-5 (6-2 H)

When Kazmir misses on location for fastball, the other team's lineup begins to look for off-speed stuff, which has caused his inconsistency this season. When he's working the corners on the knees early in the count, this sets up secondary pitches. In the past he's done so in July, let's see what he comes up with this time.

*Kershaw, Clayton - 12-3 (8-0 A)

When either Kershaw loses or has a less than stellar performance, which is infrequent, it is home page news on most sports websites. With opponents batting just .185 against him, baseball's best pitcher has close to as many home runs surrendered (6) as walks (9) to start the month over 121 innings. It’s no wonder his name is whispered in the same company as Sandy Koufax.

Kluber, Corey - 13-4 (9-2 H)

Since winning the Cy Young award in 2014, Kluber has not been able to match that magical season, but is part of a very good Cleveland rotation. Looking ahead, if the Indians righty can do a better job than permitting .281 batting averages with runners in scoring position, all his numbers will drop and his victories will go up. Note: Kluber’s numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

*Liriano, Francisco - 12-2 (7-0 H)

After several fine seasons with Pittsburgh, Liriano has not been effective in 2016. Walks and home runs have done him in and in order to reflect past results of July, he's going to have to stop leaving pitches in the heart of the plate.

Peralta, Wily - 8-4 (5-1 H)

Peralta has been thoroughly ineffective all season (6.68 ERA) and was sent to minors after June 11th start. His return this month or this season depends on his Triple-A results. Note: Peralta’s numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

Price, David - 11-5 (7-1 A)

To date, the Boston lefty could be described as a mild disappointment, with an ERA north of 4.5 most of the season. No longer owning an upper 90's heater, Price does not blow away as many hitters as before and the fastball lacks some of the previous movement of the past. The slider has not had the usual bite from start to start. Red Sox need this ace to be one.

Ross, Tyson - 10-4 (4-1 H)

Ross has not pitched since he hit the DL with right shoulder inflammation after first start in April. San Diego Union reports a return even this month appears optimistic.
Note: Ross’ numbers above also reflect his career team mark during July.

Santana, Ervin - 11-4 (8-1 H)

Like his teammates, Santana is not having a good year, as opposing hitters are clocking him for nearly .300 average, compared to .256 over his 11-year career. Little reason to believe this month will match the past even if he improves with this Twins club.

*Volquez, Edinson - 10-5 (6-1 A)

Never a frontline hurler, Volquez numbers this campaign have matched the Royals, being very ordinary to date. The Dominican Republic native has done the job against right-handed batters, who have been knocking him around for nearly .300 average.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Wood, Alex - 4-8 (0-6 A)

Wood – the only pitcher to appear on the July Bad Month list this season - was initially expected to be shut down for four weeks after landing on the 15-day disabled list at the end of May with a posterior impingement in his throwing elbow. Currently, the timetable is for mid-July return, but the oft-injured pitcher can hardly be counted on as record shows. Note: Wood’’s numbers above reflect his career team mark during July.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MLB roundup: Mets' deGrom tosses one-hit gem
By The Sports Xchange

PHILADELPHIA -- The New York Mets and Jacob deGrom decided the right-hander's All-Star break would be better spent relaxing than joining the National League squad in San Diego earlier in the week.
DeGrom recorded his first career complete game in scintillating fashion, allowing just one hit in New York's 5-0 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday.
The 28-year-old, who lowered his ERA to 2.38, improved to 6-4 on the year after striking out seven and walking one. DeGrom, who has struck out at least six in 10 straight starts, faced one batter more than the minimum.
The Mets scored all of their runs with two outs. In the second inning, Juan Lagares was nearly caught looking at a fastball from Phillies starter Zach Eflin on a 2-2 count, but the pitch was ruled just off the plate. Lagares then belted a RBI triple to right field, scoring James Loney to open the scoring.

Rangers 4, Cubs 1
CHICAGO -- Cole Hamels took advantage of an early lead and scattered four hits as Texas salvaged the finale of a three-game series with a victory over Chicago.
Hamels, who no-hit the Cubs in his last Wrigley Field visit in 2015 while with the Phillies, worked eight innings for his longest outing since going eight on May 22 in the Rangers' 9-2 win over Houston.
Hamels (10-2) struck out seven with an unearned run as the Rangers snapped a four-game losing streak. Closer Sam Dyson struck out the side in a perfect ninth for his 19th save.

Tigers 4, Royals 2
DETROIT -- Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, giving Detroit a win over Kansas City.
Saltamacchia drilled a Joakim Soria pitch into the right field stands after Tyler Collins led off the inning with a single.
Francisco Rodriguez (1-0) got the win with an inning of scoreless relief. The Tigers took two of three games in the series.

Rays 5, Orioles 2
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Tampa Bay hit four home runs -- two from Evan Longoria -- and snapped an eight-game losing streak with a win over Baltimore.
The Rays avoided a sweep and picked up just their fourth win in 28 games, after the worst 27-game stretch by any American League team since 2003.
Jake Odorizzi (4-5), mentioned as a trade target as the deadline approaches, won for the first time in seven starts.

Reds 1, Brewers 0
CINCINNATI -- Billy Hamilton scored the winning run from third on a passed ball in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift Cincinnati over Milwaukee.
In the bottom of the ninth, Tyler Thornburg walked Hamilton with two outs. Will Smith came on and walked Joey Votto on six pitches. Hamilton's 24th stolen base put him at third and he raced home when Smith's pitch skipped a few feet away from Jonathan Lucroy.
Thornburg (3-3) took the loss. Tony Cingrani (2-3) pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn the win for Cincinnati.

Marlins 6, Cardinals 3
ST. LOUIS -- Ichiro Suzuki drew closer to a cherished major league milestone and Miami took the rubber game of a three-game series matching National League wild-card hopefuls.
Suzuki's three hits led the Marlins' 13-hit attack against the Cardinals. He needs only six hits to reach 3,000, and nearly had a fourth hit. But his infield single in the third was erased after a replay review revealed he was barely nipped at first.
Giancarlo Stanton snapped a 3-3 tie for the Marlins in the seventh with an RBI double off reliever Jonathan Broxton (1-2), scoring Christian Yelich. Stanton scored on a one-out sacrifice fly by Don Kelly for a two-run advantage.

Braves 1, Rockies 0
ATLANTA -- Chase d'Arnaud delivered an RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning to give Atlanta a walk-off victory over Colorado.
Ender Inciarte singled leading off the Braves' ninth against Gonzalez German and moved up on a sacrifice bunt and wild pitch. Then Jace Peterson drew a two-out walk to set the stage for d'Arnaud.
German (2-1) got a quick strike, but then d'Arnaud connected with a fastball and lined the winning hit into left field. It was d'Arnaud's third hit of the game.

Indians 6, Twins 1
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Chris Gimenez came off the bench to drive in a pair of runs and Josh Tomlin scattered six hits while allowing just one run over 7 2/3 innings as Cleveland stopped Minnesota.
Gimenez delivered a two-out, two-run single in his first plate appearance of the day as the Indians made the most of a pair of costly sixth-inning Twins mistakes to extend a 2-0 lead into a 4-0 cushion.
Tomlin (10-2) struck out four and walked one.

Pirates 2, Nationals 1 (18 innings)
WASHINGTON -- Starling Marte had three hits, including a solo homer with two outs in the top of the 18th inning, to help Pittsburgh avoid a three-game sweep.
The homer came off Washington reliever Oliver Perez (2-3) and came on the first pitch of the at-bat. It was the longest regular-season game in terms of innings in Nationals franchise history.
Pittsburgh reliever Jonathon Niese struck out Danny Espinosa with two runners on base in the bottom of the 18th to end the game.
The Nationals had tied the game with two outs in the ninth as pinch-hitter Daniel Murphy hit a homer off Mark Melancon to make it 1-1.Melancon had not allowed an earned run in his last 24 games.

Blue Jays 5, Athletics 3
OAKLAND -- Josh Donaldson lined a two-run, tiebreaking double with two outs in the top of the ninth inning to enable Toronto to avoid a sweep.
Justin Smoak reached safely on an infield single with one out against A's reliever John Axford in the ninth. Junior Lake lined a single to center, moving pinch runner Andy Burns to second. Then with two outs, Donaldson hammered his 96-mph fastball down the left-field line.
Roberto Osuna pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 19th save.
Toronto's Troy Tulowitzki hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, and A's shortstop Marcus Semien hit his 20th home run in the sixth inning.

Astros 8, Mariners 1
SEATTLE -- Jose Altuve went 4-for-5, including his 15th home run, and drove in three runs as the Astros' designated hitter, and teammate Carlos Gomez added his second career grand slam in Houston's lopsided win.
Houston starter Collin McHugh tossed six scoreless innings despite loading the bases twice. He allowed four hits and four walks while striking out 10. McHugh (6-6) beat the Mariners for the third time this season.
Seattle (46-46) left 10 runners on base and committed four errors. The Mariners also hit into five double plays.

Angels 8, White Sox 1
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Albert Pujols hit two homers and drove in four runs to lead the Angels.
Pujols has 17 homers this season and 577 for his career. His 1,187 career extra-base hits moved him past Frank Robinson into 10th place in that category.
Before Sunday's outburst, Pujols had just one home run in his previous 16 games.
Right-hander Jered Weaver (8-7) retired 13 of the final 15 batters he faced to pick up his third win in four decisions. Weaver allowed one run, six hits and one walk in seven innings and had one strikeout to help Los Angeles secure its third consecutive victory and its seventh in nine games.

Diamondbacks 6, Dodgers 5
PHOENIX -- Jake Lamb homered and drove in two runs and Robbie Ray pitched seven scoreless innings as the Diamondbacks hung on for a victory.
Lamb's RBI single started a three-run first inning, and he later hit a solo homer in the fourth. He was 7-for-12 with two doubles, a triple and a homer in the three-game series.
The Dodgers scored all their runs in the final two innings, when Justin Turner drove in four with a two-run homer in the eighth inning and a two-run single in the ninth.
The Dodgers trailed by one run and had runners at the corners with one out in the ninth, but reliever Jake Barrett struck out Yasiel Puig and Chris Taylor to end the game.

Padres 5, Giants 3
SAN DIEGO -- Edwin Jackson was solid in his Padres debut, helping the Padres complete a three-game sweep of the first-place Giants.
Jackson (1-1), making his first start since 2014 with the Chicago Cubs, had a no-hitter through 6 1/3 innings. The veteran right-hander surrendered three runs (two earned) and one hit as the Padres notched their first three-game sweep of the season. Jackson walked five and struck out four.
Jackson was chased after Conor Gillaspie's three-run, pinch-hit home run in the seventh inning pulled the Giants to within 4-3. Brandon Maurer pitched the ninth for his third save.
All-Star Game starter Johnny Cueto (13-2) took his first loss since April 21 for San Francisco. He was charged with four runs and six hits in six innings as he struck out four and walked three. Matt Kemp and Christian Bethancourt hit homers off Cueto, and Yangervis Solarte homered off Giants reliever Hunter Strickland.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yankees win series finale against Red Sox
By Larry Fleisher, The Sports Xchange

NEW YORK -- Following another frustrating loss on Saturday, manager Joe Girardi didn't hesitate to place his label on the next game.
"This is probably as important (a) game that we've had in July in a long time tomorrow."
Those were Girardi's words as the Yankees faced the possibility of being swept by the Boston Red Sox and falling three games under .500.
On Sunday, Masahiro Tanaka delivered as significant a performance as possible, pitching six effective innings and combining with three relievers on a three-hitter as the Yankees salvaged the finale of a three-game series with a 3-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox.
"We didn't necessarily have a meeting and talk about how important tonight's game was but I think everybody understood how important we needed to win today," Tanaka said through a translator.
New York beat the Red Sox for the third time in nine meetings and scored all their runs in the fourth inning off David Price (9-7). Starlin Castro had an RBI double before Austin Romine and Jacoby Ellsbury added run-scoring singles.
The Yankees (45-46) moved to within one game of .500 for the 17th time since May 21 and are eight and a half games behind first-place Baltimore, which comes in for a four-game series Monday.
"A good one," Yankees right fielder Carlos Beltran said. "I think being able to take this one was a must-win for us today."
"It was (satisfying)," Girardi said. "I thought it was really important and we needed a big performance from Masahiro."
Tanaka made one mistake while continuing to pitch well on extended rest. Pitching on extended rest due to the All-Star break, Tanaka allowed a home run to Dustin Pedroia three minutes into the game and little else.
"He was just missing barrels all night," Pedroia said.
Tanaka allowed all but one of his baserunners within the opening two innings. He retired nine in a row before a double in the fifth by Brock Holt and 13 of the final 14 hitters he faced.
He turned things over to the bullpen after 87 pitches when his night ended with a warning track fly ball to David Ortiz.
"He was really good," Girardi said.
Dellin Betances pitched a perfect seventh, Andrew Miller fanned Pedroia for the final out of the eighth with a man on first and Aroldis Chapman secured his 18th save in 19 chances by getting Hanley Ramirez to bounce into a double play.
Ortiz was 0-for-3 with a walk and 2-for-11 in his penultimate series at Yankee Stadium before his retirement.
The Red Sox produced their second-fewest hit total and had a season-high six-game winning streak stopped.
Price was duplicate the success of his past three outings as he allowed three runs and 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Price allowed at least 11 hits for the ninth time in his career and it was the fourth instance against the Yankees.
"To be the guy that goes out there and doesn't help us win that seventh (in a row), that's tough," Price said.
Boston took a 1-0 lead three minutes into the game when Pedroia sent a 2-1 pitch over the left-field wall for his ninth home run of the season.
After Tanaka struck out the side in the fourth, the Yankees evened the score when Castro's double to left field brought home Didi Gregorius from first base.
New York went ahead two batters later when Castro scored on Romine's single up the middle off the top of Pedroia's glove.
The lead grew to 3-1 when Ellsbury blooped a single to center and Boston center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. was charged with an error when his throw sailed over catcher Sandy Leon's head.
NOTES: New York 1B Mark Teixeira was not in the lineup after fouling a ball off his left foot on Saturday. After the game manager Joe Girardi said Teixeira was sore and would be out a "few days" ... Teixeira had a CT scan on his left foot, and about 30 minutes before Sunday's first pitch, the Yankees said the results were negative. Teixeira also had X-rays on Saturday, which were negative. ... Boston LHP Drew Pomeranz threw a 35-pitch bullpen session ahead of his Red Sox debut on Wednesday against San Francisco. Asked about being traded four times in his career, Pomeranz said, "I've done literally everything there is to do on a baseball field as a pitcher. I'm pretty prepared for anything. You could shove me out there in any situation, I've done it." ... Boston RHP Junichi Tazawa (right shoulder impingement) threw all of his pitches during a 40-pitch bullpen session. Red Sox manager John Farrell said Tazawa would likely throw a simulated game on Tuesday at Fenway Park.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Marlins (49-42) at Phillies (43-50)

Game: 1
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: July 18, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Phillies manager Pete Mackanin is looking forward to Monday's series-opening game against the Miami Marlins. And it's not just because he wants to quickly forget about Sunday's 5-0 shutout loss Jacob deGrom and the Mets.

Mackanin will finally get to see struggling pitcher Aaron Nola return to the mound for the first time since July 2. It will be 16 days since Nola was on the mound in a game when he throws the first pitch Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. He will oppose Marlins right-hander Jose Fernandez.

The Phillies (43-50) elected to give Nola, their young, right-handed ace, extra rest heading into the All-Star break after the worst stretch of his young major-league career. He will return to the mound having given up at least four runs in five consecutive starts. In four of those starts, he failed to get out of the fourth inning.

In total, the damage was 27 earned runs in 18 innings pitched. This after posting a 2.65 ERA in his first 12 starts of the season. His ERA now sits at 4.69.

"He's ready to go," Mackanin said. "He had a good side and he's anxious to get back out there. He's a competitor and he doesn't want to sit. I'm anxious to see him."

Nola, 23, threw a simulated game last Saturday.

"I don't really think it's a mental break," Nola told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Mentally, I feel fine. I just felt like the past month, I struggled. The ball was up. It wasn't where it should be. When you're elevating balls and not getting ahead of guys, they make you pay for it. That was the main part."

Nola and the Phillies, though, face a daunting task against Fernandez, 23, who is trending in the opposite direction, save for a rare dud on July 2. Fernandez is 11-4 with a 2.52 ERA. He has amassed 154 strikeouts in 107 1/3 innings pitched.

Fresh off his second All-Star appearance, Fernandez, in his first full year since Tommy John surgery, is having his best season. His strikeout rate of 12.91 per nine innings leads the league by plenty. His 154 strikeouts before the break are a Marlins record.

"I think it's just making pitches and not trying to make pitches," Fernandez told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel before heading to San Diego for the All-Star Game. "When the catcher calls a fastball away, it doesn't have to be 100 (mph), it can be 93 -- just down in the zone. I feel like I'm getting a lot better results like that."

The results, right now, are much better than Nola's.

The Marlins (49-42) finished off a series win in St. Louis with a 6-3 win Sunday. They head to Philly for a four-game set.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (49-42) at Cubs (55-36)

Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 18, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have their aces rested and ready as the New York Mets come to town for a series that starts Monday.

Left-hander Jon Lester and righty Jake Arrieta offer what Chicago hopes is a one-two punch in consecutive night games against the reigning National League champions.

Lester will have had eight days between starts while Arrieta will have had 10 days away his last appearance.

"I'm eager to see how these guys react to the extra time off," said Cubs manager Joe Maddon on Sunday.

The Cubs have something to prove after being swept by the Mets in four games in New York between June 30 and July 3. Chicago was also eliminated by New York in four games in the 2015 National League Championship Series.

Chicago has lost eight straight to New York after taking seven straight regular-season games during 2015.

Lester (9-4, 3.01 ERA) faces left-hander Steve Matz (7-5, 3.38 ERA) on Monday and looks to right himself after allowing 12 earned runs in his last two starts. He had given up just 24 runs total in his first 16 starts.

Lester gave up a season-high eight runs in a career-low 1 1/2 innings in his outing on July 3 at Citi Field.

Chicago appears to be shaking off a pre-All Star game slump in which it lost 15 of 20 games.

The Cubs (55-36) then won three straight, including a 6-5 victory over Pittsburgh, just before the break. The Rangers broke that winning streak with Sunday's 4-1 victory but the Cubs still took two of three from the American League West leaders.

The Mets (49-42) had also been struggling to gain traction prior to the break, dropping four of their last six and losing ground to first-place Washington in the National League East.

But on Sunday, New York claimed a 5-0 victory over the Phillies thanks to Jacob deGrom's dominant, complete-game, one-hit shutout. The Mets took two of three in the post-All Star Game series.

Matz, who started the season at 7-1, gets first crack at Chicago.

He took the loss in the Mets' 3-2 loss to Washington on July 10 after working seven innings and allowing three runs on six hits. He is 4-2 on the road this season in seven road starts.

The marquee matchup of the series may come Tuesday when Arrieta (12-4, 2.68 ERA) goes against Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard (9-4, 2.56 ERA). Both seek a return to earlier form after struggling prior to the break.

"Not picking up a ball for four days was exactly what I needed," said Arrieta, who had lost three of his last four decisions -- including one to the Mets -- since June 22. "Sometimes you need that mental downtime, spending time with (son) Cooper and my family was tremendous. I picked up the ball for the first time in four or five days and threw the best pen I've thrown all year."

Syndergaard, who will make his 19th appearance, has thrown 105 2/3 innings and also welcomed the All-Star break.

"I was really fatigued the last part of the first half of the season," he told reporters. "I just needed a little bit of a break."

Syndergaard, who departed a July 8 game against the Nationals with what was described as arm fatigue, threw a 20-pitch bullpen session on Saturday.

Mets right-hander Bartolo Colon (8-4, 3.11 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound in Wednesday's series finale, facing righty Kyle Hendricks (8-6, 2.41 ERA).

Also Sunday, the Mets announced they have recalled outfielder Michael Conforto from Triple-A Las Vegas where he was hitting .344 with three homers and 15 RBIs in 61 at-bats. New York optioned Brandon Nimmo to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Orioles (53-37) at Yankees (45-46)

Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: July 18, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK -- Holding any kind of lead in the American League East over the New York Yankees has been a rarity for the Baltimore Orioles, especially in July.

Baltimore can widen its lead over the Yankees on Monday night when it opens a four-game series at Yankee Stadium.

The Orioles are ahead of the Yankees through this point in the season for the second time in three years as they enter Monday 8 1/2 games up on fourth-place New York.

Two years ago, Baltimore won the division by 12 games but at this point was only four games ahead of the Yankees.

Since the franchise moved from St. Louis after the 1954 season, the Orioles have been in first place at this point 10 times. Four of those were 1966 and 1969 to 1971. Until 2014, Baltimore had not been in first place through games played of July 17 since 1997.

The Orioles missed a chance increase their lead with Sunday's 5-2 loss at Tampa Bay. Despite Baltimore's only runs coming on a home run by Pedro Alvarez and a sacrifice fly by Manny Machado, it has won six of eight games after struggling to do much against Jake Odorizzi on Sunday.

"It was more us scoring any runs today," Baltimore manager Buck Showalter told reporters. "We had a couple opportunities and could have cashed in on and didn't."

The Yankees will try to get to .500 for the ninth time since May 22. New York salvaged the finale of its three-game series with the Boston Red Sox with Sunday's 3-1 win.

Masahiro Tanaka did pitch and the Yankees scored their runs on a double by Starlin Castro and singles by Austin Romine and Jacoby Ellsbury during the fourth inning against David Price.

The Orioles (53-37) will look to match a season-high by going 17 games above .500 and Kevin Gausman will be on the mound. Gausman is 1-6 with a 4.14 ERA but has received the lowest run support (3.43) of any Orioles starting pitcher.

Gausman's only win was June 25 against Tampa Bay when he allowed four hits and struck out seven in 7 2/3 innings.

In his last two starts, Gausman has allowed seven earned runs and 16 hits in 11 innings. He has not pitched since allowing four runs and eight hits in five innings in a no-decision during a 6-4, 14-inning win at Los Angeles.

Gausman has eight no-decisions this season and two were against the Yankees. In Baltimore's 2-1, 10-inning victory on May 5, he allowed three hits in eight scoreless innings. A month later, he allowed one run and seven hits in six innings during a 3-1 win.

The Orioles' loss ensured the Yankees will not face a double-digit deficit in the AL East at this point for the first time since 1992.

"It's an important series," New York right fielder Carlos Beltran said. "This homestand is important overall for us. I think this homestand will dictate what the future holds for a lot of guys here."

Ivan Nova will be pitching on extended rest and the Yankees hope he can give them some better distance. He completed at least six innings in five straight starts from May 19 to June 9 but has failed to do so in his last five outings.

Nova has a 7.02 ERA in his last five appearances and finished the first half on July 7 in Cleveland when he allowed four runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.

The right-hander picked up a win over Baltimore in June when he allowed five runs and seven hits in six innings. Nova took a shutout into seventh before allowing home runs to Mark Trumbo and Alvarez.

Nova is 7-4 with a 5.22 ERA in 16 appearances against Baltimore.

Mark Teixeira will likely be out of the lineup for a few more days. The struggling first baseman fouled a ball of his left foot on Saturday and although x-rays and a CT scan came back negative, he still is sore.

The Orioles have won four of six meetings between the teams in Baltimore on May 3-5 and June 3-5. Baltimore won the last two in New York last season after dropping the first seven.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Braves (32-60) at Reds (34-58)

Game: 1
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: July 18, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

CINCINNATI -- The Atlanta Braves were hoping for a spark when they fired manager Fredi Gonzalez on May 17 and named Brian Snitker interim skipper. Things got better, but in truth they couldn't have gotten much worse after an 11-28 start. Under Snitker, the Braves went 23-32, but still reside in last place in the National League East.

Atlanta is looking to get back on track Monday when it begins a three-game series against another last-place club with a manager on the hot seat -- Bryan Price and the Cincinnati Reds. The teams split a four-game series at Turner Field in June.

One of the key components in the Reds' rebuilding effort -- left-hander Brandon Finnegan -- will start the series opener. It's his second career start against the Braves.

Finnegan was singled out by Price as being among the young pitchers the Reds want to limit innings in the second half. The left-hander, who was acquired last July from the Kansas City Royals in the Johnny Cueto trade, has tossed 101 1/3 innings already this season over 18 starts. His nine quality starts are tied with Dan Straily for the team lead.

On Monday, Finnegan will be looking for a little good fortune after three times being the victim of a blown save, tying him for most on the staff. He also was the starter when the Cubs' Jake Arrieta no-hit Cincinnati on April 21.

Atlanta will counter with right-hander Matt Wisler who defeated the Reds on June 16 when he allowed two earned runs in 6 2/3 innings in a 7-2 win at Turner Field. Wisler is 4-8 with a 4.47 ERA in 18 appearances including 17 starts.

The Reds, who took the series from Milwaukee with a 1-0 walk-off victory on Sunday, have been working with a thin bench, with second baseman Brandon Phillips out with a strained calf muscle. Outfielder Kyle Waldrop was recalled from Triple-A on Sunday to give them another able bat.

Phillips was out of the lineup again on Sunday, but he is likely to return for the opener against Atlanta.

"He's better than he was the day before," said Price of Phillips. "Hopefully, he'll be ready tomorrow. It's essentially a three-man bench. (Waldrop) did a nice job off the bench for us his last time here. You know I don't like for young players to come up here and sit on the bench for more than 10 to 14 days before getting back to getting regular at-bats."

The Braves also won 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth inning on Sunday when Chase d'Arnaud drove in the winning run with a single.

The Braves' bullpen struggled Friday and Saturday, but did the job Sunday, as four relievers combined to pitch two shutout innings.

"The first series back from a break is always kind of tricky," said Jim Johnson, the last of the Braves relievers Sunday and the winning pitcher. "Guys are usually in rhythm and then you have all those days off. I think it was more kind of being out of sync for some of us. You saw the wild pitches the first two games and some uncharacteristic walks for some guys, myself included. That's an excuse, but we need to just focus on doing our jobs and throwing competitive pitches."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Twins (33-58) at Tigers (48-44)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: July 18, 2016 7:10 PM EDT

DETROIT -- Justin Upton returned to action but the Detroit Tigers made another switch to their outfield on Sunday.

Steven Moya, who had been platooning in right field, was optioned to Triple-A Toledo. Left-handed hitting Tyler Collins now becomes the platoon partner with switch-hitting Mike Aviles in right field.

Collins, who was called up from Toledo on Friday, will likely get the start against Minnesota right-hander Ricky Nolasco on Monday when the Tigers begin a three-game home series against the Twins. Collins had a ninth-inning single on Sunday, setting up Jarrod Saltalamacchia's game-winning two-run homer in a 4-2 over Kansas City.

Detroit manager Brad Ausmus has been forced to improvise since slugger J.D. Martinez fractured his right elbow crashing into a wall in Kansas City in mid-June. Martinez has not yet started a rehab assignment as the bone continues to heal.

Moya showed a good power stroke shortly after being called up from the minors, hitting five homers in 11 games. But he had just four hits in his last 30 at-bats and he was even worse in the field. He grew increasingly tentative and misplayed numerous balls hit his way.

"We wanted to give Collins an opportunity to play a little bit and give Moya an opportunity to work on some stuff in a less stressful environment," Ausmus said. "Part of it is he didn't want to make a mistake. As a result, you become a little cautious."

Upton was activated off the bereavement list prior to Sunday's game and went hitless in four at-bats. But Saltalamacchia's heroics made that a moot point.

"It felt good to do whatever I could to help the team," said Saltalamacchia, who is batting .206.

The Tigers will send out left-hander Matt Boyd in the series opener. Boyd, who will be making his seventh start, is still seeking his first victory. He received a no-decision in his last outing, when he gave up one run on five hits in five innings at Toronto on July 9.

Boyd also had a no-decision in his only career start against the Twins last September, when he gave up four runs -- two earned -- on one hit in six innings.

Nolasco is 2-2 with a 4.23 ERA in seven career starts against the Tigers, including a loss and a no-decision this season. He has lost three of his last four outings, though he collected a win in his last start when he allowed three earned in six innings to Texas.

Overall, Nolasco is 4-7 with a 5.22 ERA.

"Obviously I'm not too happy about my (5.22) ERA. At the same time, I'm healthy," he told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "I've been able to make every start. I've been able to give us a chance to stay in the game. That's the job of a starting pitcher."

Nolasco is one of the Twins veterans who could be dealt prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline, though he's owed a combined $25 million over the next two years and has struggled in recent years.

"Even if you've been around a while, I think it can be a distraction," manager Paul Molitor said to MLB.com. "It's easier said than done, but just go out there and play when you're one of the people that might possibly get moved."

The Twins will be seeking their first win over the Tigers this season. They were swept in a pair of three-game series in April and May.

Minnesota lost two of three to Cleveland over the weekend, including a 6-1 defeat on Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (41-51) at Cardinals (47-44)

Game: 1
Venue: Busch Stadium
Date: July 18, 2016 8:15 PM EDT

ST. LOUIS -- As the season resumed following a four-day break for the All-Star Game, the San Diego Padres authored perhaps the weekend's most stunning result.

After losing its first nine meetings with the San Francisco Giants, San Diego broke out the brooms at Petco Park with 4-1, 7-6 and 5-3 wins. It tagged losses on All-Stars Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto, while pounding Jeff Samardzija for five runs in five innings on Saturday night.

"I think we've grown," Padres manager Andy Green told the San Diego Union-Tribune after Sunday's defeat of Cueto. "You watch Wil (Myers) work a walk against Cueto and celebrate it like he hit a home run. He made a great pitcher work and we weren't necessarily doing that earlier in the year."

Having humbled the team with the majors' top record, the Padres (41-51) start a four-game series Monday night in St. Louis, a place where their winning streaks normally go to die.

Since Busch Stadium opened in its third incarnation in 2006, San Diego is 10-24 there, its only series wins happening in 2006 and 2011. It also was eliminated from the National League Division Series there in 2006.

However, Busch has been anything but home sweet home for the Cardinals this year. After a 6-3 loss Sunday to Miami, St. Louis (47-44) fell to 20-28 in the stadium where it was 55-26 a year ago.

What's more, the loss dropped the Cardinals two games behind the Marlins and New York Mets for the final NL wild-card spot, while keeping them eight games back of the Chicago Cubs in the Central Division.

St. Louis hitters fanned a season-high 15 times Sunday, four by Randal Grichuk and three by Tommy Pham, whose frustration may have boiled over in a postgame rant about the strike zone of plate umpire Marvin Hudson.

"The strike zone was horrible, man," Pham said. "I mean, the guy had no sense of the inside part of the plate or the outside part of the plate. He needs to be held accountable. It's a guy with a lot of years in the league, you know what I'm saying? It'd be different if it were called both ways, but it wasn't."

While Pham might have to make out a check to MLB for those remarks, the Cardinals are hoping to cash in on this series against an opponent they beat two out of three in late April at Petco Park, scoring 19 runs in the process.

St. Louis starts Mike Leake (6-7, 4.14), who's coming off one of his best outings of the year July 10 in a 5-1 win at Milwaukee. Leake fanned a season-high 10 and walked none in seven innings, recording eight strikeouts on his slider.

The Padres counter with left-hander Christian Friedrich (4-5, 4.50), who has lost his last three starts and allowed 12 runs in 15 innings despite fanning 19 and walking three.

On Tuesday night, the Cardinals' Carlos Martinez (8-6, 2.85) matches up with Colin Rea (5-3, 4.95). San Diego's Andrew Cashner (4-7, 5.05) pitches against Jaime Garcia (6-6, 4.11) on Wednesday night, with St. Louis' Adam Wainwright (9-5, 4.15) going up against Luis Perdomo (3-4, 7.36) in Thursday evening's series finale.