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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Recap - Week 4
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes

-- Favorites went 3-1 SU in Week 4
-- Favorites went 2-1-1 ATS in Week 4
-- Road teams posted a 4-0 SU record in Week 4
-- Road teams posted a 3-0-1 ATS record in Week 4
-- The 'Under' went 3-1 in Week 4

Team Betting Notes

-- Ottawa (3-0-1) got back into the win column after last weekend's tie, rolling to a 30-20 win in Toronto (2-2). The RedBlacks are now 2-4 SU in six all-time meetings with the Argonauts while evening up at 3-3 ATS. The 'under' result was the first in four games in this series dating back to Nov. 7, 2014.

-- The 'under' has connected in three straight games for the Argos. Over the past two games it was due to their defense, allowing just 15.5 points per game. However, in this one it was a lack of offense on their part.

-- The good times continue to roll for road teams, as Edmonton (2-1) went east to Winnipeg (1-3) and dropped the Blue Bombers by a 20-16 count, pushing against the number at most shops. It was the first 'under' result in three games for the Eskimos, and the push makes them 0-2-1 ATS this season.

-- After failing to cover their first two of the season, Winnipeg is 1-0-1 ATS over the past two games. The 'under' has cashed in three of the first four games for the Bombers, mainly due to a lack of fireworks on offense. Winnipeg is averaging just 20.0 PPG while allowing 24 or fewer points in three of their four contests.

-- Hamilton (2-2) got well with a 31-7 road win against Montreal (1-3). The Tiger-Cats have averaged just 13.5 points per game after posting 42 in the opener, and they have allowed 28.0 PPG in the past two with the 'under' cashing in each game. After going 5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS in nine road games last season the Ti-Cats are 2-0 SU/ATS away from home this year.

-- The rough start continues for Saskatchewan (0-3), as they were dumped 40-27 at home by the red-hot BC Lions (3-1). The 'over' result was the only one of the CFL weekend, and it was the first 'over' in four games for the Travis Lulay and the Lions.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

CFL Betting Notes - Week 5
By David Schwab

Last week’s schedule in the CFL featured four head-to-head division matchups and the road team made it a clean sweep both straight-up and against the spread. Ottawa got things started with a 30-20 victory as a one-point road favorite against Toronto on Wednesday night. Thursday’s lone showdown between Edmonton and Winnipeg ended with the Eskimos grinding out a hard fought 20-16 victory as 3 ½-point favorites on the road.

On Friday night, Hamilton returned to form with a 31-7 pasting of Montreal as a one-point road favorite and British Columbia closed out Week 4 with a 40-27 romp over Saskatchewan on Saturday after closing as a slight 1 ½-point underdog. Here is a look at this week’s games.

Monday, July 25

Montreal Alouettes (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) vs. Toronto Argonauts (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Point-spread: Toronto -3 ½
Total: 47

Game Overview

Alouettes have only managed to score a grand total of 42 points in their first three games. They turned to Rakeem Cato at quarterback in last week’s loss to Hamilton for Kevin Glenn, but he was rather ineffective with just 203 yards passing on 18 completions. Glenn is still listed as questionable for next Monday’s game with an eye injury. Montreal has been averaging 80 yards a game on the ground.

Toronto is now 0-2 (SU and ATS) at its new digs at BMO Field with a total of 20 points scored in each of the two losses. Defensively, the Argonauts allowed a total of 72 points in those two games. Overall, this offense is averaging 23.8 points over its first four games, but it is only generating 309.8 total yards including just 52.5 yards a game on the ground. Ricky Ray has thrown for 1000 yards and six touchdowns so far.

Betting Trends

This East Division clash has been dominated by the road team the past several seasons with a SU 9-1 run in the last 10 meetings. Montreal has covered ATS in four of the last six games and the total has stayed UNDER in all six contests.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

A trio of CFL betting trends having been cashing at a crazy good rate
By ANDREW CALEY

We know the Canadian Football League isn't the best football out there, but what is better than cashing bets?

That's exactly what you would be doing if you have been following the hot CFL trends four weeks in the season up north. Specifically, road underdogs, road teams and the Under.

Heading into Week 5 all three have been cashing at an insanely good rate, with road pups leading the way, going 10-1 against the spread (8-2-1 straight up), good for a success rate of an unfathomable 90.9 percent.

Meanwhile, road teams are almost as good going 14-2 ATS (12-3-1 SU), cashing 87.5 percent of the time, and Unders are no slouch either, racking up a 10-5 (66.7 percent) record through four weeks,.

“Dogs are barking, that's for sure. Maybe Ottawa is the best team in the league but are not being respected as such,” renowned CFL oddsmaker Randall “The Handle” says of this underdog betting trend. “They are 11-3-1 SU over past 15 games yet they have been favored only three times in that span and never by more than three points.”

The changes in Week 5 as the RedBlacks visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders currently pegged as 5.5-point road favorites. The Riders are 0-2 ATS/SU at home this season.

“With all other teams, there appears to be parity. And now the injury bug is biting which only complicates things even more,” The Handle said.

The rest of the week is shaping up that way, but road teams seem to be in a decent spot once again.

Calgary (2-1 ATS/SU) listed as 5-point road chalk at Winnipeg (0-2 ATS/SU at home), Hamilton (2-0 ATS/SU on the road) is 4.5-point pups at Edmonton (1-1 SU, 0-2 ATS at home) and Montreal (1-0 ATS/SU on the road) sitting at +6 for their Monday night matchup with Toronto (0-2 ATS/SU at home).

Oddsmakers like Randall “The Handle” won’t be making any knee-jerk reactions to these trends, despite how hot they are.

“We'll keep an eye on things but trends do not typically influence pointspreads,” he said. “Things usually even out over time but in a league that has only 81 games on its full schedule, there are no guarantees that there will be balance off a relatively small sample.”

“As for totals, they will be close to 50/50 by year end as they are more reliable.”

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Monday's CFL betting preview and odds: Alouettes at Argonauts

Montreal Alouettes at Toronto Argonauts (-5.5, 45.5)

The Toronto Argonauts look to notch their first home win against the Montreal Alouettes in more than five years Monday. Toronto has dropped seven consecutive home games to the Alouettes, including a 34-2 loss last season, and hopes that a switch from Rogers Centre to BMO Field this year, and a 12-day rest between games, can help the Argonauts record their first home victory in the series since Aug. 14, 2010.

Toronto is coming off a 30-20 defeat to the Ottawa Redblacks on July 13 and hopes to beat an East Division rival for the first time this season. The offensively challenged Alouettes failed to score a touchdown in the 31-7 home loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Week 4. Montreal has dropped two straight games by an average margin of 19.5 points and hopes that the return of quarterback Kevin Glenn, who missed the loss to Hamilton with eye inflammation, can kickstart an offence that is averaging a CFL-low 14 points per game. "We have to find a way to win," Montreal coach and general manager Jim Popp told reporters. "We win in Week 1 and everybody loves you but you lose two in a row and everybody can't stand you."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, TSN, RDS, ESPN2

LINE HISTORY: The Argos opened as 6.5-point favorites at home but the spread has come down a full point to settle at -5.5 at the time of publication of this preview. The total opned at 44.5 and took a full point leap higher to 45.5.

ABOUT THE ALOUETTES (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS, 0-3 O/U): Linebacker Bear Woods, who has recorded 18 tackles and two sacks, missed practice earlier in the week with a knee injury but is expected to recover in time to face Toronto. Wide receiver Nik Lewis has been reportedly fined by Montreal after unleashing a profanity-laced tirade criticizing the team's performance in the loss to Hamilton. "I'm just out here trying to motivate my team to be better," Lewis told reporters. "If we go out and play better this week, then it was worth it."

ABOUT THE ARGONAUTS (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS, 1-3 O/U): Defensive back Akwasi Owusu-Ansah will miss the rest of the season with a pectoral injury while safety Jermaine Gabriel suffered his second concussion in four games in the loss to Ottawa and is ruled out for Monday. Cory Greenwood, who is tied for the team lead with 22 tackles, suffered a hand injury against the Redblacks and his status is uncertain. Toronto signed defensive end Michael Buchanan on Wednesday and quarterback Adrian McPherson returns for his second tour of duty in Toronto after being released prior to the 2016 season.

TRENDS:

* Alouettes are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
* Argonauts are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. East.
* Under is 5-0 in Alouettes last 5 games in July.
* Under is 11-1 in Argonauts last 12 Monday games.
* Under is 13-3 in the last 16 meetings.

CONSENSUS: The public is leaning toward the favorite Toronto Argonauts at a rate of 58 percent and Over is getting the majority of the action on the total also at 58 percent.

EXTRA POINTS:

* Toronto has dropped its first two games at BMO Field after spending the previous 27 years at Rogers Centre.
* Montreal has been held to three touchdowns in its first three games.
* The Argonauts and Alouettes have split their last eight meetings.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Week 5 CFL games

Montreal (1-2) @ Toronto (2-2)-- Road team won 10 of last 11 games in strange series; Alouettes won last seven games in Toronto, with last loss here in 2010. Underdogs are 7-3 SU in last seven series tilts. Under is 12-2 in last 14 series games. Montreal lost 28-13/31-7 at home last two weeks; they won only road game 22-14 at Winnipeg-- all three of their games stayed under total. Argonauts lost 42-20/30-20 in their two home games. Visitor won all four of their games this year. Home teams are 2-13-1 against spread in CFL this year-- how long can this trend continue?

Montreal Alouettes
Toronto Argonauts 6, 44.5

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Northfield Park

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


Race 1 - Post: 6:00 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 78 - Purse:$6400 - NON WINNERS $4000 IN LAST 5 STARTS THAT ARE N/W $30,000 IN 2016. AE: N/W 5 PARI-MUTUEL RACES. NORTHFIELD


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 2 WIND SURFER 6/1



# 1 BELLA PALAZZO 5/2



# 7 COOTER DUNN 2/1



WIND SURFER has a competitive shot to take this contest. He has very nice class ratings, averaging 79. Should be considered for a bet for this one. BELLA PALAZZO - Has the makings of a profitable play, averaging a rather good 81 speed rating. A great class horse shouldn't be be glossed over. With an average class number of 81 all signs look good for this one. COOTER DUNN - Could surprise us at a nice price. Don't leave out. This gelding getting the score wouldn't be impossible, a chance.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Pocono Downs

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


Race 5 - Post: 7:42 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 60 - Purse:$14000 - 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES NW 3 EXT. PM RACES OR $30,000 LIFETIME PA PREFERRED MOHEGAN SUN POCONO DRIVER`S CHOICES: MARCUS MILLER #4 OVER #7 TOM JACKSON #6 OVER #2


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 9 DORINDA 4/1



# 8 HS ANDORA 15/1



# 5 SWEETEST ZETTE 9/2



DORINDA has a competitive shot to take this race. Her 69 avg has this filly among the most compelling speed figs for this one. HS ANDORA - Overall numbers look formidable. Can't throw her out of the picture. She's performing in fine form, recording sharp TrackMaster Speed Ratings. An excellent choice. SWEETEST ZETTE - Has a huge shot here, if she can repeat her back class. Recorded a 59 speed figure last out. A duplicate showing here should get the score in this one.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Presque Isle Downs

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


Race 1 - Optional Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $28000 Class Rating: 72

FOR FILLIES TWO YEARS OLD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES OR CLAIMING PRICE $62,500. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 25 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $62,500.



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 1 HISTORICAL TABLET 2/1


# 3 GET SASSY 5/2


# 4 POLITICAL ANIMAL 4/1


HISTORICAL TABLET appears to be the bet in here. Has recorded solid Speed Figures in dirt sprint races in the past. Reason to like this filly as she has in the saddle one of the best jocks using winning percentages over the last month. With Gallardo controlling the reins on her, this filly will almost certainly be able to break out sharply for this race. GET SASSY - Looks very strong for the conditions of this contest today, showing solid figures in dirt sprint races recently. Overall the Equibase Speed Figs of this racer look quite good in this contest. POLITICAL ANIMAL - Potts has her trained solidly to break rapidly out of the starting gate. The speed figure of 61 from her last affair looks decent in here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Thistledown

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


Race 6 - Claiming - 8.3f on the Dirt. Purse: $9300 Class Rating: 85

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE JULY 25. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 122 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE JUNE 25 ALLOWED 2 LBS. SUCH A RACE SINCE MAY 25 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $4,000



RECOMMENDED CHOICES

The Walker Group Picks

# 3 HARD ENOUGH 4/1


# 8 GHOSTWALKING 5/1


# 6 I LOVE IT 10/1


HARD ENOUGH looks competitive to best this field. He looks formidable in this spot and I expect will be on the lead or close at the halfway point. Had one of the strongest Equibase Speed Figures of this group in his last race. Has a very strong shot in this race if you like back class. GHOSTWALKING - Has very good Equibase Speed Figs and has to be considered for a bet for this race. Shanyfelt has a solid 21 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface. I LOVE IT - Win percentage one of the strongest in this field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Delaware Park - Race #3 - Post: 2:15pm - Maiden Claiming - 8.3 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $16,000 Class Rating: 73

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#3 ARREST IN PIECES (ML=5/1)
#5 V C CHARLIE (ML=3/1)


ARREST IN PIECES - I look for this horse to sit off the pace and make a big move on the turn, cruising straight on to the wire. The outside draw didn't help this horse's chances last time out at Delaware Park. Today's inside post position should be just fine. V C CHARLIE - He keeps getting closer at the finish with each and every start. This thoroughbred may have too much power on the grass for the rest of the field. As they turn for home, he could put these away. The most recent speed rating of 74 is the best last race figure in the field.

Vulnerable Contenders: #11 IT'S NOTHING (ML=4/1), #1 THE IRON BANK (ML=6/1), #9 SUMMER CLASSIC (ML=8/1),

IT'S NOTHING - This gelding notched a fig in his last event which probably isn't good enough in today's race.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: Winston - V C CHARLIE - Put a prime wager on this gelding. Uppermost in earnings per start and has a lot more to offer as well.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #3 ARREST IN PIECES to win if you can get odds of 8/5 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,5]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
3 with 5 with [1,4,10] Total Cost: $3

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
None

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #5 - Post: 8:28pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,300 Class Rating: 76

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#6 RENOMBRE (ML=8/1)
#1 ONE GIANT PLEASURE (ML=5/1)
#4 AWESOME PAPA AL (ML=1/1)


RENOMBRE - Has unearthed a good situation this time around. ONE GIANT PLEASURE - When the real racing starts, this gelding should be rolling down the lane. This gelding is in first-rate form right now. Ran third last time out and comes back quickly. AWESOME PAPA AL - Parker was aboard this gelding last out and was impressed enough to take the equine right back. I think that a sprinter coming off a layoff will usually run his best in the 3rd or 4th start back. This gelding is in fine form, having run a strong race on July 10th, finishing first. Looked very good in last race at Mountaineer Park. A quick turnaround means Inman thinks he can do it again. He has the top earnings per race. Take a long look at this animal.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 STRONG GOVERMENT (ML=4/1), #2B UNLIKELY SCENARIO (ML=4/1), #1A BOOM (ML=5/1),

STRONG GOVERMENT - This racer likes to be on the board, but doesn't usually finish on top. Don't play in the top spot. UNLIKELY SCENARIO - This horse hasn't been in the money in either of his last couple of races. The Brain always tells me to keep away from horses in sprint contests that haven't hit the board in sprint events recently. BOOM - Hard to play a entrant that lays up for a long time then doesn't hit the board off the extended layoff.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #6 RENOMBRE to win if we can get at least 4/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [1,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,6] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

** Some or all wagers above involve entries and assume all parts of entry start the race **

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Saratoga

RACE #8 - 4:45 PM


The Lucky Coin Stakes

5½ FURLONGS TURF FOUR YEARS OLD AND UPWARD STAKES $100,000.00 PURSE

#12 UNDRAFTED
#10 SUCCESSFUL NATIVE
#9 LONG ON VALUE
#3 NIGHT OFFICER

Her in just the 3rd running of this stakes event here at "The Spa," #12 UNDRAFTED takes a significant class drop (-11), is the overall speed leader in this field sprinting at, or about, today's distance of 5½ furlongs on the grass, and has produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of his last five outings, hitting the board in three of those starts, including "POWER RUN WINS" in both his 2nd and 5th races back. Jockey John Velazquez has been in his irons on 8 previous occasions, hitting the board in 7 of those rides, winning twice, and is back today for his 9th ride, gunning for a "Hat Trick Win!" #10 SUCCESSFUL NATIVE, a 15-1 BOMB, has also produced "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in five straight, hitting the board in each of his last three efforts, including back-to-back "POWER RUN WINS" in his 2nd and 3rd races back.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Monday 7/25 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF

Race 1 - $30,000 Guaranteed Pick Five Pool

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool


20-CENT PICK 5: 4,5/3,4,7/4/4,7,8,9/1,2,3,4,5,8 = $28.80

EARLY PICK 4: 4,7,8,9/1,2,3,4,5,8/5/3,5,6 = $72

LATE PICK 4: 3,5,6/1,4,8/5,7/4,10 = $36

MEET STATS: 234 - 679 / $1239.70 BEST BETS: 39 - 63 / $122.90

SPOT PLAYS: 14 - 62 / $76.60

Best Bet: MASS PRODUCTION (3rd)

Spot Play: GALAGHER SEELSTER (10th)


Race 1

(4) BEE IN CHARGE faces an easier task here and his potent closing kick should put him over the top vs. these. (5) CLASSIC VENTURE is another that should benefit from softer fractions here. He should be right there on the wire. (2) DEEP IMPACT grinded out a win last week and certainly isn't out of this, but he will likely need to find more late speed to beat the top two choices. (8) RENEGADE MAGIC can share here if she stays flat which appears to be a dicey proposition at this point.

Race 2

(3) TYCOON SEELSTER broke at the start and still managed to win his debut in a Grassroots race. He might offer a decent price here as his time is quite a bit slower than some others but he has some upside; slight nod. (4) ROSE RUN SPEEDSTER has been very professional winning two in a row and he is the one to beat here. (7) SPEEDYCREST has a lot of speed and is another that will threaten if he stays flat. (5) LIFE WELL LIVED can also be dangerous from close range in this contentious OSS Gold dash.

Race 3

(4) MASS PRODUCTION lays over his rivals at this point and need only stay flat to take this. (7) UKNOW WHAT TO DO took action for his opener and made a move but couldn't sustain his bid late in the mile. He can go forward off that initial effort. (1) LABERO couldn't keep pace with the choice in his debut but he could stick around and make the ticket this time. (6) PARKHILL NONSTOP is another that had a decent debut that can take a smaller share.

Race 4

(9) HAPPY HANNAH - a $90K Harrisburg purchase - looks ready to roll and finds a good spot to debut here. (8) ARTISTIC STYLE is a 1/2-sister to several good racehorses and she is likely to improve sharply here on the big track. (4) SHEWEARSTHEPANTS couldn't last on the front end at Clinton but she should get a piece of this if not more. (7) ROSE RUN SAMANTHA faces easier for her second start and is likely to show a lot more.

Race 5

(8) BRINGHOME THEBLUE returns with Lasix added, has beaten better previously and may be a great price here. I'll take a shot with him on top. (3) SIERRA MADRE has been involved in some pretty quick miles in claimers recently. This may be an easier class for him; using. (1) MITT JAGGER has raced better recently and will likely break through for a win soon. (4) THEY CALL ME GORDY was a solid second to a big chalk last time but he will likely be overbet off the time of that mile and he is yet to win this year.

Race 6

(5) DEO GALILEO won his debut then finished second three times straight to the same rival in New Jersey Sires stakes races. He should prove tough to beat here and needs a good result having missed the first leg of this series. (8) SOCCER HANOVER dodges the tough Bettors Dream here and looks like the main threat to the choice. (2) BOBCAT BOUND suffered an equipment break last time which cost him all hope but he did close well anyway. Toss him on your Pick 4's; he is due for better luck and he has some ability.

Race 7

(5) IM SO FANCY has reached the top of her form and could take this at a square price despite the class rise. (6) CHARMED LIFE was deftly pinned in by the leader down the lane last time which prevented her from possibly going by for the win. She, too, is in good form now. (3) EXEMPLAR drops back to a class where he should contend for the top spot. (2) ETRUSCAN HANOVER will be dangerous here if he behaves, but it's always a great unknown trying to guess which Etruscan will show up to race: the good one, or the not-so-good one.

Race 8

(8) NORTHERN MAJOR took a while to get in gear down the stretch last week, but he was really flying late. He should get put into this race early and is a top contender. (4) SANTINI closed mildly in his debut, now he picks up the leading driver. There is likely plenty more to see with this colt. (1) LUCYS MAN closed well to finish 2nd to a good one in his debut before vet scratching on July 19th; using. (6) CLARION HALL should share again here and can better this prediction.

Race 9

(5) CATCH THE DREAM came close to chasing down a loose leader last time in his best effort of the year so far. He will get there soon now that he is sharp; slight nod here. (7) MUSCLE HUSTLE took a new life's mark on July 11th racing against his own age group and he is certainly fast enough to win this but he has plenty of three-year-old stakes action left on his schedule which makes him a tough call here. (1) BAGS FOR ALL should get a good trip here leaving from the inside and stick around for a share. (4) ELDORADO OF GOLD is another that shares regularly and he should make the Super here, at least.

Race 10

(4) GALAGHER SEELSTER has turned up his late speed lately racing at Kawartha and he is good enough to compete here when he is sharp. Notice the 1:51 1/5 life's mark taken at Woodbine last year; top call. (10) BUGGER BRUISER has been facing better in New York recently. He can be a big speed threat here. (9) A MARCOU STORY had a decent comeback race at Georgian and is could add some exotics value here at a big price. (2) CALGARY SEELSTER ships in with some decent form and should get a decent trip near the front here. (3) CURATOR will be passing horses late, most likely for a smaller share.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Monday 7/25 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 244 - 713 / $1294.20

BEST BETS: 35 - 60 / $121.30

Best Bet: LYONS LEVI LEWIS (11th)

Spot Play: LIFE UP FRONT (12th)


Race 1

(4) BORDER CONTROL A makes his third U.S. start for Milici and this looks like a much more realistic spot. (5) TRUE BLUE HALL woke up in a big way last out at The Meadowlands. (3) THIRTY TWO RED gets an important driver change back to Stratton.

Race 2

(6) ART INSTRUCTOR hit town last week in her debut for the Rohr barn and was the easiest kind of winner; right back. (2) CHEYENNE MOLLY gets serious post relief and should be flashing early speed from this spot looking for a live trip. (1) LILMISSTALKSALOT is another who moves inside and will be much more involved.

Race 3

(5) JK ONAROLL drops out of claimers into a seemingly softer spot and he picks up Bartlett; worth a play. (3) ROLL WITH FRED makes live moves but seems to hang a bit late; use caution. (2) SHIFT RIGHT may try to take these as far as he can on the engine.

Race 4

(3) BAY RUM ships in and meets a dreadful field; I'll use him strictly on the 'fresh face' angle. (5) STELLA'S PHELLA is now winless in 56 career starts yet he's probably the one to beat. (6) DRAGONINTHECHIPS posted a fast and solid qualifier out of the blue last week; check that tattoo!

Race 5

(8) DIVAS IMAGE was very impressive upon arrival for Bongiorno and she gets the call to repeat despite the outside post. (2) KILLING EM SOFTLY was uncovered into the top choice and was left in the dust as that one sprinted off; Casie Coleman trainee seems to be a threat with a smoother trip. (4) THREE DREAMS ships in sharp for Bamond.

Race 6

(6) SHE SAID has some early speed and a driver who likes to employ those tactics; worth a look at a price in this camera-shy group. (3) TRACEY'S DESIRE has been in good in her six starts since adding Lasix; Cassar trainee seems the one to beat. (4) LIVE ODDS returns off a decent showing at Philly and she raced well in her two local starts; Dube sticks.

Race 7

(6) DR J HANOVER looks for three straight and the well bred colt should be aggressively handled again. (1) WELL WELL WELL draws best and will obviously be close up throughout. (8) MR D'S DRAGON has clear ability but needs to overcome a tough starting spot.

Race 8

(5) MATCHPLAY HANOVER ships from Canada for Auciello where he's been racing decently on the smaller circuit there and he gets a juicy morning line. (8) LONE SURVIVOR gets stuck outside again but seems capable if everything breaks perfectly. (3) FEELING CAM LUCKY should land a share for Lachance.

Race 9

(1) WAKE N BAKE was denied the front then had to move uncovered into the solid winner in her debut for Burke; another chance. (5) FRANNEY LOVE DAT shook free with good pace last out now gets Bartlett back in the bike. (3) HOT LEMONADE has been close in her last two.

Race 10

(1) DEETZY should offer the controlling speed from this spot and he can take these the distance. (2) SHANE ADAM usually offers good late pace and can land a nice share. (5) STOVER hasn't put in a bad effort since arriving locally.

Race 11

(3) LYONS LEVI LEWIS amassed a big bankroll as a freshman but hasn't really been heard from since. He debuts for Milici and picks up leading driver Bartlett. (2) DON MCWHITE hung in his local debut but could have more to offer. (5) QUICK FUN N seems capable of landing a small share from this spot; use underneath.

Race 12

(1) LIFE UP FRONT wired cheaper last out and he's certainly classy enough to repeat versus these. (2) ONE THROUGH TEN is impossible to ignore from an inside post. (4) SHADY CITY closed well from too far back last out; Stalbaum will be closer tonight.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Monday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Delaware Park (2nd) My Charming Clyde, 3-1
(8th) Ghostbuster, 6-1


Finger Lakes (3rd) My Wild Gata, 5-1
(6th) Chromark, 7-2


Mountaineer (4th) Intimidating Lady, 7-2
(9th) Irony, 8-1

Presque Isle Downs (4th) Paige Me, 9-2
(8th) In a Heartbeat, 7-2


Saratoga (4th) Kabuki, 9-2
(9th) Where's Willy, 7-2


Thistledown (4th) Castlefinn, 10-1
(6th) Ghostwalking, 5-1

 

[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: Reimold's pinch-hit homer lifts Orioles
By The Sports Xchange

BALTIMORE -- Baltimore's Nolan Reimold roped a pinch-hit, two-run homer off Cleveland's Cody Allen in the ninth inning and the Orioles completed a three-game sweep with a 5-3 victory over the Indians on Sunday.
After losing three straight games to the New York Yankees that knocked them out of first place, the Orioles rebounded this series and once again sit atop the American League East. Despite the losses, the Indians are still in first in the AL Central.
Jonathan Schoop gave Baltimore a 3-2 lead in the fifth with his 17th homer of the season. The Indians tied the game in the eighth on an RBI single by Mike Napoli off Brad Brach.
The Orioles rallied in the ninth when Pedro Alvarez struck out but took first base when catcher Roberto Perez dropped the ball and then hit Alvarez in the back with an errant throw to first. Alvarez moved to second on a bunt by Ryan Flaherty, and two batters later, Reimold hit a 2-0 pitch off Allen (2-4) for his homer.

Yankees 5, Giants 2
NEW YORK -- Nathan Eovaldi pitched effectively into the seventh innings, Carlos Beltran and Mark Teixeira hit early home runs and New York concluded a 10-game homestand with a victory over San Francisco.
Eovaldi (9-6) threw a season-high 118 pitches and allowed two runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings, highlighting the outing by getting through a bases-loaded jam in the fourth unscathed.
Beltran and Teixeira hit two-out home runs in the opening two innings off Jeff Samardzija (9-6) before the Yankees added three runs in the fifth. Jacoby Ellsbury had a double-play grounder which scored a run, Starlin Castro added an RBI single and Didi Gregorius contributed a run-scoring double.

Red Sox 8, Twins 7
BOSTON -- Hanley Ramirez and Travis Shaw slugged three-run home runs to help keep Rick Porcello perfect at Fenway Park as Boston beat Minnesota.
It was Ramirez's 13th homer of the season and fifth in five games. He had a trio of two-runs blasts Tuesday against San Francisco and hit a three-run shot Saturday.
The Red Sox have homered in 15 consecutive contests dating back to July 4, second only to their 22-game homer streak from April 29 to May 22.

Mets 3, Marlins 0
MIAMI -- Steven Matz pitched six scoreless innings and Jose Reyes drilled a go-ahead RBI triple to lead New York over Miami.
Reyes' second triple since being activated on July 5 drove in the game's first run. The Mets added two in the eighth on RBI singles from Yoenis Cespedes and James Loney.
Matz (8-6), who had been 0-5 with a 4.79 ERA in his previous nine outings, turned things around by striking out six and allowing just four hits and two walks. He got eight ground ball outs and four fly-ball outs.

Blue Jays 2, Mariners 0
TORONTO -- J.A. Happ allowed one hit over six innings and Edwin Encarnacion hit a home run as Toronto defeated Seattle.
The win was the 13th of the season for Happ, a career high for one season. Happ (13-3) walked four and hit a batter besides yielding the one hit. The left-hander struck out six before being replaced by left-hander Brett Cecil to open the seventh.
The Blue Jays averted a three-game sweep at the hands of the Mariners by winning the finale.

Diamondbacks 9, Reds 8
CINCINNATI -- Arizona homered four times, including two by Yasmany Tomas, and held on to beat Cincinnati.
Paul Goldschmidt and Wellington Castillo also homered for the Diamondbacks, who avoided being swept in a three-game series at Great American Ball Park for the first time since 2007.
Arizona's bullpen shut out the Reds until the ninth, when Tyler Clippard walked the first two batters before Jay Bruce launched a three-run homer, his 21st of the season, to cut the Reds' deficit to one run.

Padres 10, Nationals 6
WASHINGTON --Yangervis Solarte had a go-ahead RBI single with two outs in the top of the ninth off closer Jonathan Papelbon as the Padres took two of three games in the series.
Later in the ninth, Alexei Ramirez had his second hit, a three-run double to left off Papelbon, who had entered the game in the ninth with the score tied.
Wilson Ramos was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and Daniel Murphy was 3-for-4 with two RBIs for the Nationals.
Ryan Buchter (2-0), drafted by the Nationals in 2006, got the win by pitching a scoreless eighth inning while Brandon Maurer pitched the ninth for the Padres.
Alex Dickerson and Ryan Schimpf hit home runs for the Padres in the eighth to tie the score at 6. Schimpf has nine homers this month -- the most by any San Diego rookie in a calendar month

Astros 13, Angels 3
HOUSTON -- Jose Altuve bashed two home runs and the Astros completed a three-game series sweep.
The Astros improved to a season-best 10 games over .500 by recording their third consecutive series sweep of the Angels, who entered the series riding a six-game winning streak. Houston stretched its winning streak over Los Angeles to 11 games by clubbing a season-high five homers, with Altuve blasting his in consecutive at-bats.
Altuve finished 3-for-5 with a career-high six RBIs. The first homer came off Angels right-hander Tim Lincecum, who recorded only four outs while slipping to 2-4.
Luis Valbuena, Preston Tucker and Evan Gattis also homered for Houston.

Rangers 2, Royals 1
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A.J. Griffin and four Texas relievers held Kansas City Royals to seven hits in the Rangers' win.
Griffin left after five innings and four hits, allowing a run on a Kendrys Morales home run. Rangers relievers Alex Claudio, Keone Kela, Jake Diekman and Sam Dyson held the Royals to one hit the final four innings. Claudio (2-1) claimed the victory.
Mitch Moreland's RBI single in the sixth scored Texas's first run. Delino DeShields led off the Rangers seventh with a go-ahead homer run off Luke Hochevar (2-3). Rougned Odor went 3-for-3 and walked for the Rangers.
The loss dropped the Royals to below .500 for the first time since May 15. They have lost seven of their past 10.

Cubs 6, Brewers 5
MILWAUKEE -- Tommy La Stella and Anthony Rizzo hit RBI doubles in the seventh as the Cubs rallied for a victory.
Cubs starter Jon Lester struggled on a sweltering and humid day, allowing four runs on four hits and five walks while striking out seven in four-plus innings of work. Milwaukee stole four bases against Lester, with three coming in the first inning.
The Brewers held a 4-0 lead after four innings, but left the bases loaded in two innings and stranded 12 on the day.
Rizzo slapped a three-run double during the Cubs' five-run seventh inning to take a 6-4 lead.
Joe Nathan (1-0) returned to the majors for the first time since April 6, 2015 and earned the victory with a scoreless sixth.

Pirates 5, Phillies 4
PITTSBURGH -- Pinch-hitter Adam Frazier hit a tiebreaking home run in the seventh inning to lift the Pirates past the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 at PNC Park. The solo shot to right, off of reliever Edubray Ramos, was Frazier's first major-league homer.
The Pirates won three of their past four games and five of their past seven. They won four home series in a row.
The Phillies lost eight of their past nine games at PNC Park.
The Phillies' Vince Valasquez, who had been 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA in four starts since coming off the DL in late June, allowed four runs on seven hits, with four walks and five strikeouts.
Neftali Feliz (4-0) pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. Mark Melancon pitched the ninth for his 30th save.

White Sox 5-4, Tigers 4-3
CHICAGO -- Melky Cabrera drilled a walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to lift Chicago to a 5-4 victory and its second win of the day against Detroit.
Chicago finishing Saturday's suspended game with a 4-3 win earlier Sunday. Adam Eaton hit a walk-off single in the ninth inning to cap the first game, which was suspended by rain one night earlier with the score even at 3-3. The teams reconvened 30 minutes later to play the series finale.
Detroit (51-48) dropped the final two games of the series after winning the first two. Andrew Romine, Nick Castellanos, Tyler Collins and Jared Saltalamacchia each hit solo home runs in the series finale as the Tigers erased a four-run deficit to even the score at 4-4 in the ninth inning.
White Sox right-hander David Robertson (2-2) earned the victory despite allowing three home runs in the ninth inning. Robertson had allowed three home runs all season before Sunday's meltdown.

Athletics 3, Rays 2
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Billy Butler hit a tiebreaking solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning, and Oakland held on for the win.
The A's won their third consecutive series since the All-Star break, beating the Rays three straight times after dropping the series opener. Oakland went 7-3 on it homestand and will begin a nine-game road trip Monday at Texas.
With one out in the eighth, Butler sent reliever Erasmo Ramirez's 0-1 pitch over the right-center-field fence for his third home run of the season and first since June 7 at Milwaukee. Butler went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.
A's right-hander Ryan Madson pitched a perfect ninth inning, striking out two, for his 21st save.

Rockies 7, Braves 2
DENVER -- Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story continued their home-run duel Colorado completed a four-game sweep of its series with the Braves.
Arenado hit a three-run homer, his 25th of the season, in the first when the Rockies jumped on Braves starter Tyrell Jenkins for four runs. Story belted his 27th homer in the fourth, a two-run shot that made it 7-0. It was Story's fourth homer in three games and fifth in his past seven. During that span, Story has driven in 12 runs, giving him 69 RBIs for the season.
DJ LeMahieu, who had three hits, led off the fourth with his career-high-tying sixth home run, matching his 2015 total.
Rockies starter Tyler Chatwood had a bizarre outing. He allowed one hit -- a first-inning single -- in five scoreless innings with a career-high eight walks and six strikeouts. Chatwood (9-6) threw just 51 strikes among his 97 pitches but won for the first time in five starts since June 11.

Dodgers 9, Cardinals 6
ST. LOUIS -- Pounding St. Louis right-hander Mike Mayers for nine runs on eight hits in 1 1/3 innings, Los Angeles established a 9-1 lead and then held on for a 9-6 win at sultry Busch Stadium.
Mayers, whose contract was purchased earlier Sunday from Triple-A Memphis, was starting because St. Louis (52-46) needed a spot starter after a Tuesday night rainout forced a makeup doubleheader on Wednesday.
It went about as badly as possible. Mayers allowed six runs in the first and three more in the second, becoming only the second MLB pitcher to allow nine earned runs and not last through two innings since ERA became an official stat in 1913.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Rockies (47-51) at Orioles (57-40)

Game: 1
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: July 25, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to maintain their dominance at Camden Yards and stay atop the American League East when they resume interleague play with a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies beginning Monday.

Yovani Gallardo takes the mound for Baltimore and was encouraged by his last start when he was able to pitch into the seventh inning, a season-high. Baltimore's starters have struggled much of the season going deep into games and manager Buck Showalter is hoping to reverse that trend.

The Rockies, meanwhile, are mired in third place in the National League West and could consider making some trades to add top prospects. Colorado will face a stern challenge from an Orioles' team that has the best home record in the major leagues at 36-14 and just completed a three-game sweep of the AL Central-leading Cleveland Indians.

"We try to win every game home and away and it's worked out a little bit more at home this year and we're just trying to win more games than four other teams in our division," Showalter said. "Obviously, our fans are very supportive and create a good atmosphere, but we have a lot of fans on the road, too. We don't overthink it."

Gallardo, who spent more than a month on the DL with right shoulder bicep tendinitis, has shown better velocity since he returned to the team in June. However, his command has been uneven. In the last outing, Gallardo allowed four runs on five hits in the 5-0 loss to the Yankees. Still, Gallardo is looking to build on that performance.

"I was getting some early contact with the pitches, which means I was throwing the ball over the plate," Gallardo said. "I think I made the adjustment compared to the last start in Tampa. It's definitely a positive sign, and keep doing it. Try to stay consistent with that, and go deep in the ballgames as much as I can."

The Orioles got a boost Sunday when when right-handed pitcher and setup man Darren O'Day was reinstated from the disabled list. O'Day, who hadn't pitched since June 1, threw a scoreless inning and is 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA, two saves and 28 strikeouts in 23 games (21 innings).

"I did one rehab outing and you'd think that it'd be a game where we were down by a couple runs, just get your feet wet, but oddly enough I was more calm today than I usually am," O'Day said. "I think it's just being gone, being away from the guys and the competition, makes you appreciate what you get to do and to be in the moment and get to pitch in a big spot. There is guys standing out there in 90-something degrees and to be able to keep that going and perform in that arena I think it really helped me a lot."

Baltimore outfielder Hyun Soo Kim (strained right hamstring) and catcher Matt Wieters (foot) could also return to the lineup against the Rockies.

The Rockies will counter in the series opener with Jorge De La Rosa (6-7, 6.07 ERA). The right-hander was roughed in his last outing, allowing nine runs (seven earned) in just four innings against the Tampa Bay Rays.

"You're in the big leagues and you make mistakes, they're going to hit you hard," De La Rosa said after the game. "That happened today."

The Rockies have a hard-hitting lineup and could take advantage of the friendly confines of Camden Yards. Trevor Story has already broken the National League rookie home run record for shortstops. Story offers hope for the future...this season and beyond

"I have nothing to say that hasn't already been said," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "He's having a great year. It seems like he breaks another record every week or so. He just keeps clicking. He's having a dream season."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Padres (43-56) at Blue Jays (55-44)

Game: 1
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: July 25, 2016 7:07 PM EDT

TORONTO -- The San Diego Padres make the first trip in franchise history to Toronto on a homer-hitting roll.

The Padres will be playing in a home-run friendly park, the Rogers Centre, against a team that also hits the long ball in the Blue Jays.

The Padres had home runs from Alex Dickerson and Ryan Schimpf in the eighth inning Sunday to tie the game against Washington before scoring four in the ninth to beat the Nationals 10-6 in the rubber match of the three-game series.

The Padres have homered in a club-record 22 consecutive games. It is the longest streak in the National League since the 2006 Atlanta Braves homered in 23 straight games.

Schimpf, a former Blue Jays minor-leaguer, has bit nine homers in July, a club record for a month for a rookie.

The Padres finish a 10-game trip with the three-game series in Toronto while the Blue Jays are in the midst of a nine-game homestand that ends next Sunday.

Toronto held the Seattle Mariners to one hit Sunday to earn a 2-0 victory and avoid being swept in the three-game series. It came the day after the Mariners drubbed the Blue Jays 14-5.

"That's the beauty of baseball," manager John Gibbons said. "After what happened yesterday, you can turn around and throw a one-hit shutout. Today was also a game where guys were pitching out of necessity, because we were pretty beat up down in the bullpen."

The Blue Jays could have Jose Bautista back in the lineup after the right fielder played his third game at Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday. He has not played since June 16, when he injured his toe in Philadelphia.

Winning two of three from the Nationals -- their first series win over Washington since 2011 -- provided some relief for the Padres, who opened the trip by losing four games to the St. Louis Cardinals.

"We've been on the road for a little bit, and it's definitely good to come here against a team like this and get two wins out of it,"Schimpf told reporters in Washington.

As the trade deadline approaches, there are rumors swirling around both teams. Toronto has been mentioned as one of the teams inquiring about two San Diego players, right-hander Andrew Cashner and outfielder Melvin Upton, Jr.

Upton was given Sunday's game off.

"I think there's a lot swirling around him right now," Padres manager Andy Green said. "Just felt like the right time to put him down, let him have a day to rest. ... There's, to my knowledge, nothing imminent at this moment, but we know what time of year this is and everything remains fluid."

Upton is batting .150 (3-for-20) since the All-Star break.

The Padres will start start right-hander Colin Rea (5-4, 5.01 ERA) on Monday against Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez (10-1, 2.87 ERA).

Rea, 29, is coming off a loss at St. Louis on Wednesday when he allowed eight hits, three walks and four runs. The Padres are 10-7 in his starts this season. He has never faced the Blue Jays.

Sanchez, 24, who appeared in the All-Star Game in San Diego, has not lost since April 22. He has never faced the Padres.

He allowed six hits, no walks and one run while striking out five on Tuesday in a 5-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his first full season as a starter, the Blue Jays are trying to control Sanchez's innings, which could mean a move to the bullpen eventually.

It would seem likely in that event that the Blue Jays would need to trade for a starter to take his place, which would be hard to do from a quality standpoint. Drew Hutchison, who is pitching at Triple-A Buffalo, is another option but he was dropped from the major league rotation late last season.

"You watch everything he's doing, you almost think (it would be) crazy to move him out of there," Gibbons said. "He's a young kid, he is strong. He is the guy, really, that I would view out of all the guys out there, he'd hold up probably more than any of them. But you look at what has happened. Nobody knows if guys actually get injured because they protect guys and they still get injured. Nobody can really say."