TOMMY BRUNSON
Saturday's comp play is for the runs to be limited in the Braves-Marlins meeting, as the teams stay Under the total.
Last night there was only a single run between the teams combined, as they pushed their series trend to 3 straight, and 4 of the last 5 meetings Under the total.
Atlanta has now played each of their last 7 games Under the total, and 9 of their last 10 games overall Under the posted price!
Miami's Under run is not as deep, but 3 of their last 4 have indeed held Under the total.
Pitchers Anibal Sanchez and Wei-Yin Chen have trended to the Low this season, as the Under is 10-6-1 when Sanchez gets the ball for the year, while the Under is 10-9-1 when Chen starts for the season.
Let's look for the pitchers to be stingy enough to keep this meetings on the Lower-side of things.
Braves-Marlins to land Under.
3* ATLANTA-MIAMI UNDER
Saturday's comp play is for the runs to be limited in the Braves-Marlins meeting, as the teams stay Under the total.
Last night there was only a single run between the teams combined, as they pushed their series trend to 3 straight, and 4 of the last 5 meetings Under the total.
Atlanta has now played each of their last 7 games Under the total, and 9 of their last 10 games overall Under the posted price!
Miami's Under run is not as deep, but 3 of their last 4 have indeed held Under the total.
Pitchers Anibal Sanchez and Wei-Yin Chen have trended to the Low this season, as the Under is 10-6-1 when Sanchez gets the ball for the year, while the Under is 10-9-1 when Chen starts for the season.
Let's look for the pitchers to be stingy enough to keep this meetings on the Lower-side of things.
Braves-Marlins to land Under.
3* ATLANTA-MIAMI UNDER
New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Neither Luke Voit nor Zach Britton was a member of the New York Yankees just over a month ago, but both answered the call for their new team Friday to avoid falling below .500 against the team with the worst record in the majors. After closing the gap in the division standings in the series opener, the Yankees will try to gain some more ground in the American League East on Saturday when they look to sweep a doubleheader against the host Baltimore Orioles.
Voit struggled in limited action since he was acquired from St. Louis on July 29, but he carried the offense in Friday's 7-5 comeback victory, finishing 3-for-5 with a pair of homers - including an insurance two-run blast in the 10th inning. Britton surrendered a solo shot to former teammate Chris Davis in the bottom of the frame but was able to close the game out for his first save as a Yankee - in place of the injured Aroldis Chapman - since arriving from Baltimore on July 24. New York (80-47), which improved to 7-6 against the Orioles in 2018, maintained its four-game lead over Oakland for the first wild-card slot while moving within 8 1/2 games of East-leading Boston. Davis and Jonathan Villar each had three hits and combined to drive in all five runs for Baltimore (37-91), which lost for the 12th time in 14 contests.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH J.A. Happ (14-6, 3.84 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Jimmy Yacabonis (0-1, 6.75)
Happ beat the team that traded him last month in his last outing, striking out eight over 5 1/3 innings while giving up two solo homers against Toronto on Sunday. The Northwestern product has won each of his four starts with New York since his departure from Toronto on July 26, posting a 2.22 ERA over that span. Tim Beckham (5-for-17, one homer) is one of the few Orioles who has fared well against Happ, who is 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in three starts versus Baltimore this season.
Yacabonis will be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to make his fourth career big-league start and first since giving up three runs over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Boston on Aug. 11. The 26-year-old is 3-4 with a 3.93 ERA in 20 starts with the Tides this season after yielding one run in five frames on Aug. 18 in his only outing since his demotion. Yacabonis' previous major-league turn came July 9 versus the Yankees, against whom he allowed three runs over five innings in a no-decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York needed only 127 games to reach 80 wins, matching the club's best pace since 2002.
2. Baltimore rookie OF Cedric Mullins is batting .375 in seven career home games.
3. With his next start in the outfield, INF/OF Neil Walker will become the first Yankee to start at least 10 games at four different positions in a season since Randy Velarde in 1995.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Orioles 2
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Neither Luke Voit nor Zach Britton was a member of the New York Yankees just over a month ago, but both answered the call for their new team Friday to avoid falling below .500 against the team with the worst record in the majors. After closing the gap in the division standings in the series opener, the Yankees will try to gain some more ground in the American League East on Saturday when they look to sweep a doubleheader against the host Baltimore Orioles.
Voit struggled in limited action since he was acquired from St. Louis on July 29, but he carried the offense in Friday's 7-5 comeback victory, finishing 3-for-5 with a pair of homers - including an insurance two-run blast in the 10th inning. Britton surrendered a solo shot to former teammate Chris Davis in the bottom of the frame but was able to close the game out for his first save as a Yankee - in place of the injured Aroldis Chapman - since arriving from Baltimore on July 24. New York (80-47), which improved to 7-6 against the Orioles in 2018, maintained its four-game lead over Oakland for the first wild-card slot while moving within 8 1/2 games of East-leading Boston. Davis and Jonathan Villar each had three hits and combined to drive in all five runs for Baltimore (37-91), which lost for the 12th time in 14 contests.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH J.A. Happ (14-6, 3.84 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Jimmy Yacabonis (0-1, 6.75)
Happ beat the team that traded him last month in his last outing, striking out eight over 5 1/3 innings while giving up two solo homers against Toronto on Sunday. The Northwestern product has won each of his four starts with New York since his departure from Toronto on July 26, posting a 2.22 ERA over that span. Tim Beckham (5-for-17, one homer) is one of the few Orioles who has fared well against Happ, who is 2-0 with a 1.00 ERA in three starts versus Baltimore this season.
Yacabonis will be recalled from Triple-A Norfolk to make his fourth career big-league start and first since giving up three runs over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Boston on Aug. 11. The 26-year-old is 3-4 with a 3.93 ERA in 20 starts with the Tides this season after yielding one run in five frames on Aug. 18 in his only outing since his demotion. Yacabonis' previous major-league turn came July 9 versus the Yankees, against whom he allowed three runs over five innings in a no-decision.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York needed only 127 games to reach 80 wins, matching the club's best pace since 2002.
2. Baltimore rookie OF Cedric Mullins is batting .375 in seven career home games.
3. With his next start in the outfield, INF/OF Neil Walker will become the first Yankee to start at least 10 games at four different positions in a season since Randy Velarde in 1995.
PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Orioles 2
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/24/2018
Daniel Murphy is providing just what the Chicago Cubs hoped for when they acquired him in a trade with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday. The Cubs are 3-0 since bringing in Murphy, thanks in no small part to the second baseman, and look to stay hot when they continue their four-game set against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon.
Murphy swatted his first homer in a Chicago uniform as part of his third straight two-hit game in Friday's 4-3 victory in 10 innings. Despite his impressive start with the Cubs, Murphy had to settle for a supporting role behind rookie David Bote, who delivered a walk-off homer in the 10th. While Chicago has piled up 18 runs during its winning streak after scoring one run in each of its previous five games, the Reds have scored only three times during a three-game slide. Eugenio Suarez belted a tying solo homer in the ninth inning, his third blast in the past five games for Cincinnati.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), ABC-7 (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (7-10, 4.86 ERA) vs. Cubs LH José Quintana (10-9, 4.36)
Castillo is coming off a strong effort in a victory over San Francisco on Sunday, striking out nine while allowing three runs (one earned) and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. It marked the seventh time in his last eight starts that he has permitted three runs or fewer. Anthony Rizzo is 1-for-11 against Castillo, who has made three starts against the Cubs this season, going 1-0 with 4.30 ERA.
Quintana turned in a solid five-inning effort at Pittsburgh last time out, giving up one run and four hits in a no-decision. He was hit hard in losing his previous two turns, allowing five runs and six hits in each while surrendering four homers. Quintana pitched seven scoreless innings to win at Cincinnati on May 19, but he gave up four runs and nine hits over five innings to the Reds on June 22.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bote joined Kris Bryant (2015) and Gabby Hartnett (1923) as the only rookies in club history with multiple walk-off homers.
2. Suarez has four homers and 12 RBIs in 14 games versus Chicago this season.
3. Cubs OF Jason Heyward (ankle) sat out his second straight game.
PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Reds 3
MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/24/2018
Daniel Murphy is providing just what the Chicago Cubs hoped for when they acquired him in a trade with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday. The Cubs are 3-0 since bringing in Murphy, thanks in no small part to the second baseman, and look to stay hot when they continue their four-game set against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon.
Murphy swatted his first homer in a Chicago uniform as part of his third straight two-hit game in Friday's 4-3 victory in 10 innings. Despite his impressive start with the Cubs, Murphy had to settle for a supporting role behind rookie David Bote, who delivered a walk-off homer in the 10th. While Chicago has piled up 18 runs during its winning streak after scoring one run in each of its previous five games, the Reds have scored only three times during a three-game slide. Eugenio Suarez belted a tying solo homer in the ninth inning, his third blast in the past five games for Cincinnati.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), ABC-7 (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (7-10, 4.86 ERA) vs. Cubs LH José Quintana (10-9, 4.36)
Castillo is coming off a strong effort in a victory over San Francisco on Sunday, striking out nine while allowing three runs (one earned) and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. It marked the seventh time in his last eight starts that he has permitted three runs or fewer. Anthony Rizzo is 1-for-11 against Castillo, who has made three starts against the Cubs this season, going 1-0 with 4.30 ERA.
Quintana turned in a solid five-inning effort at Pittsburgh last time out, giving up one run and four hits in a no-decision. He was hit hard in losing his previous two turns, allowing five runs and six hits in each while surrendering four homers. Quintana pitched seven scoreless innings to win at Cincinnati on May 19, but he gave up four runs and nine hits over five innings to the Reds on June 22.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bote joined Kris Bryant (2015) and Gabby Hartnett (1923) as the only rookies in club history with multiple walk-off homers.
2. Suarez has four homers and 12 RBIs in 14 games versus Chicago this season.
3. Cubs OF Jason Heyward (ankle) sat out his second straight game.
PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Reds 3
Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Mets Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/24/2018
Tanner Roark and Zack Wheeler are considered middle-of-the-rotation starters, but they are riding winning streaks of five and six games, respectively, entering Saturday's matchup between the visiting Washington Nationals and New York Mets. Roark is 5-0 in six starts since the All-Star break while Wheeler hasn't tasted defeat in nearly two months.
Jay Bruce made a triumphant return to the lineup after spending more than two months on the disabled list, belting a two-run homer in New York's 3-0 victory Friday night. Rookie Jeff McNeil extended his hitting streak to nine games for the Mets, who have won 11 of their last 17. The Nationals amassed 18 runs and 28 hits in back-to-back wins over Philadelphia earlier this week, but they have managed only nine hits while absorbing consecutive shutout losses. Bryce Harper was hitless in four at-bats Friday and is 5-for-26 in seven games at Citi Field this season.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1, MASN2 (Washington), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (8-12, 4.05 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (8-6, 3.63)
It took a lengthy rain delay to halt Roark's string of five straight wins after he was forced to leave Tuesday's matchup at Philadelphia despite giving up one hit over three innings. He was 0-6 in seven starts leading into the All-Star break, but ripped off five straight quality starts prior to his last turn. Roark beat the Mets with seven innings of one-run ball on July 31, avenging a 4-2 setback to New York on July 13.
Wheeler's six-start winning streak came to an end in his last outing versus San Francisco despite striking out a season-high 10 and limiting the Giants to one run on five hits over seven innings in a no-decision. He has permitted two runs or fewer in each of his last six turns to stretch his unbeaten streak to a career high-tying 10 starts. Wheeler split a pair of decisions against Washington this season, giving up seven runs in 13 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bruce hit his 281st homer Friday but just his first at Citi Field and fourth overall this season.
2. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg threw a bullpen session Friday and expects to make his next start.
3. Mets 3B David Wright went 1-for-4 with a single in his ninth rehab game at Class A St. Lucie.
PREDICTION: Mets 3, Nationals 2
MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Mets Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/24/2018
Tanner Roark and Zack Wheeler are considered middle-of-the-rotation starters, but they are riding winning streaks of five and six games, respectively, entering Saturday's matchup between the visiting Washington Nationals and New York Mets. Roark is 5-0 in six starts since the All-Star break while Wheeler hasn't tasted defeat in nearly two months.
Jay Bruce made a triumphant return to the lineup after spending more than two months on the disabled list, belting a two-run homer in New York's 3-0 victory Friday night. Rookie Jeff McNeil extended his hitting streak to nine games for the Mets, who have won 11 of their last 17. The Nationals amassed 18 runs and 28 hits in back-to-back wins over Philadelphia earlier this week, but they have managed only nine hits while absorbing consecutive shutout losses. Bryce Harper was hitless in four at-bats Friday and is 5-for-26 in seven games at Citi Field this season.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1, MASN2 (Washington), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (8-12, 4.05 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (8-6, 3.63)
It took a lengthy rain delay to halt Roark's string of five straight wins after he was forced to leave Tuesday's matchup at Philadelphia despite giving up one hit over three innings. He was 0-6 in seven starts leading into the All-Star break, but ripped off five straight quality starts prior to his last turn. Roark beat the Mets with seven innings of one-run ball on July 31, avenging a 4-2 setback to New York on July 13.
Wheeler's six-start winning streak came to an end in his last outing versus San Francisco despite striking out a season-high 10 and limiting the Giants to one run on five hits over seven innings in a no-decision. He has permitted two runs or fewer in each of his last six turns to stretch his unbeaten streak to a career high-tying 10 starts. Wheeler split a pair of decisions against Washington this season, giving up seven runs in 13 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bruce hit his 281st homer Friday but just his first at Citi Field and fourth overall this season.
2. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg threw a bullpen session Friday and expects to make his next start.
3. Mets 3B David Wright went 1-for-4 with a single in his ninth rehab game at Class A St. Lucie.
PREDICTION: Mets 3, Nationals 2
Texas Rangers vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Giants Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The San Francisco Giants look to bounce back from one of their ugliest losses of the season on Saturday when they continue their three-game interleague series against the visiting Texas Rangers. The Giants took an early 6-0 lead on Friday before committing a key two-out error in the ninth inning and walking in the winning run in the 10th inning, giving the Rangers a 7-6 victory.
Rougned Odor and Joey Gallo each homered and Shin-Soo Choo drove in two runs on Friday as Texas improved to 12-9 in August and won for just the third time in 64 games when trailing after eight innings. Gallo is batting .338 over his last 14 games after going 2-for-3 with two RBIs in Friday's contest, but he exited with a sprained left ankle and is listed as day-to-day. The Giants have faded from playoff contention with seven losses in their last nine games and will soon be without six-time All-Star catcher Buster Posey, who delivered an RBI single on Friday but is expected to have hip surgery as early as next week. Andrew McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a solo blast on Friday while Evan Longoria singled in five at-bats to extend his hitting streak to seven games.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (2-5, 6.93 ERA) vs. Giants LH Andrew Suarez (4-9, 4.68)
Perez extended his winless streak to eight starts last Saturday, giving up six runs in six innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels. The 27-year-old native of Venezuela has gone 0-2 with a 5.44 ERA and 25-to-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last seven starts. Perez, who last faced the Giants in 2015, owns a 6-6 record and 3.93 ERA in 19 career interleague starts - including 2-1 with a 2.58 mark in his last six outings.
Suarez lost his third straight decision last Sunday after allowing seven runs (five earned) over 2 2/3 innings against Cincinnati. The 25-year-old rookie was a bright spot in the Giants' rotation in the first half but has a 6.88 ERA over his last seven starts covering 35 1/3 innings. Suarez, who is making his first appearance versus Texas, owns a 5.55 ERA in 12 starts on the road this season compared to a 3.79 mark in 10 outings at AT&T Park.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants are 6-12 in interleague play despite outscoring their opponents 71-69 in those 18 contests.
2. Texas placed RHP Bartolo Colon (lower back strain) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled INF Hanser Alberto from Triple-A Round Rock.
3. The Giants optioned RHP Casey Kelly to Triple-A Sacramento.
PREDICTION: Giants 6, Rangers 5
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Giants Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The San Francisco Giants look to bounce back from one of their ugliest losses of the season on Saturday when they continue their three-game interleague series against the visiting Texas Rangers. The Giants took an early 6-0 lead on Friday before committing a key two-out error in the ninth inning and walking in the winning run in the 10th inning, giving the Rangers a 7-6 victory.
Rougned Odor and Joey Gallo each homered and Shin-Soo Choo drove in two runs on Friday as Texas improved to 12-9 in August and won for just the third time in 64 games when trailing after eight innings. Gallo is batting .338 over his last 14 games after going 2-for-3 with two RBIs in Friday's contest, but he exited with a sprained left ankle and is listed as day-to-day. The Giants have faded from playoff contention with seven losses in their last nine games and will soon be without six-time All-Star catcher Buster Posey, who delivered an RBI single on Friday but is expected to have hip surgery as early as next week. Andrew McCutchen went 2-for-4 with a solo blast on Friday while Evan Longoria singled in five at-bats to extend his hitting streak to seven games.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (2-5, 6.93 ERA) vs. Giants LH Andrew Suarez (4-9, 4.68)
Perez extended his winless streak to eight starts last Saturday, giving up six runs in six innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels. The 27-year-old native of Venezuela has gone 0-2 with a 5.44 ERA and 25-to-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his last seven starts. Perez, who last faced the Giants in 2015, owns a 6-6 record and 3.93 ERA in 19 career interleague starts - including 2-1 with a 2.58 mark in his last six outings.
Suarez lost his third straight decision last Sunday after allowing seven runs (five earned) over 2 2/3 innings against Cincinnati. The 25-year-old rookie was a bright spot in the Giants' rotation in the first half but has a 6.88 ERA over his last seven starts covering 35 1/3 innings. Suarez, who is making his first appearance versus Texas, owns a 5.55 ERA in 12 starts on the road this season compared to a 3.79 mark in 10 outings at AT&T Park.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants are 6-12 in interleague play despite outscoring their opponents 71-69 in those 18 contests.
2. Texas placed RHP Bartolo Colon (lower back strain) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled INF Hanser Alberto from Triple-A Round Rock.
3. The Giants optioned RHP Casey Kelly to Triple-A Sacramento.
PREDICTION: Giants 6, Rangers 5
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The Philadelphia Phillies have not won a game without ace Aaron Nola starting it since Aug. 16, a trend they will try to cease when they continue a three-game interleague series at the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. A day after Nola tossed eight scoreless innings in a triumph at Washington, the Phillies fell 4-2 in the series opener Friday night - their fifth loss in the last six games.
Cesar Hernandez had three hits and Scott Kingery ripped a solo homer but Philadelphia left nine men on base as it remained three games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East. Kendrys Morales continued his torrid power surge with a solo shot for the Blue Jays - winners of four straight - to give him at least one home run in five straight games, tied for the second-longest such run in the majors this year. Nick Pivetta will try to become the first Phillies starter other than Nola to win since Zach Eflin on Aug. 16 when he gets the nod in the second game of the series. Aaron Sanchez will make his return to the mound for the Blue Jays after missing more than two months due a finger injury.
TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (7-10, 4.66 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 4.52)
Pivetta opened August by allowing three runs over 18 innings over three starts, but he hit a wall at home against the New York Mets his last time out. The 25-year-old was rocked for six runs and a season high-tying eight hits across 3 2/3 innings while striking out five and walking one. He let up two runs over five innings in a loss to the Blue Jays at home earlier in the season but owns a 2.76 ERA in seven career interleague starts.
Sanchez has made just 23 starts over the last two seasons after opening 30 games in 2016. He is 4-1 with a sparkling 1.59 ERA in nine career games (five starts) against the NL, including one scoreless inning against the Phillies in 2015. The former first-round pick is winless in eight home starts this year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee, ankle) returned from the 10-day disabled list Friday and had a single to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
2. Philadelphia LHP Luis Avilan, acquired Wednesday in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, retired the only man he faced Friday in his team debut.
3. The Phillies are 1-3 against the Blue Jays and 10-4 against all other American League teams.
PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Blue Jays 4
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The Philadelphia Phillies have not won a game without ace Aaron Nola starting it since Aug. 16, a trend they will try to cease when they continue a three-game interleague series at the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. A day after Nola tossed eight scoreless innings in a triumph at Washington, the Phillies fell 4-2 in the series opener Friday night - their fifth loss in the last six games.
Cesar Hernandez had three hits and Scott Kingery ripped a solo homer but Philadelphia left nine men on base as it remained three games behind the first-place Atlanta Braves in the National League East. Kendrys Morales continued his torrid power surge with a solo shot for the Blue Jays - winners of four straight - to give him at least one home run in five straight games, tied for the second-longest such run in the majors this year. Nick Pivetta will try to become the first Phillies starter other than Nola to win since Zach Eflin on Aug. 16 when he gets the nod in the second game of the series. Aaron Sanchez will make his return to the mound for the Blue Jays after missing more than two months due a finger injury.
TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (7-10, 4.66 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 4.52)
Pivetta opened August by allowing three runs over 18 innings over three starts, but he hit a wall at home against the New York Mets his last time out. The 25-year-old was rocked for six runs and a season high-tying eight hits across 3 2/3 innings while striking out five and walking one. He let up two runs over five innings in a loss to the Blue Jays at home earlier in the season but owns a 2.76 ERA in seven career interleague starts.
Sanchez has made just 23 starts over the last two seasons after opening 30 games in 2016. He is 4-1 with a sparkling 1.59 ERA in nine career games (five starts) against the NL, including one scoreless inning against the Phillies in 2015. The former first-round pick is winless in eight home starts this year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Blue Jays 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (knee, ankle) returned from the 10-day disabled list Friday and had a single to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
2. Philadelphia LHP Luis Avilan, acquired Wednesday in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, retired the only man he faced Friday in his team debut.
3. The Phillies are 1-3 against the Blue Jays and 10-4 against all other American League teams.
PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Blue Jays 4
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Rays Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Willy Adames has settled comfortably into the starting shortstop role for Tampa Bay this month and looks to continue his hot hitting when the Rays host the major league-best Boston Red Sox on Saturday night. Adames launched a two-run homer and scored three times as Tampa Bay took the series opener 10-3 on Friday, lifting the 22-year-old's batting average in August to .362 to go along with five blasts and 13 RBIs in 21 games.
The Rays have won six straight contests and are 39-24 at home overall but will be without leading hitter Mallex Smith (.307 batting average) after he was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday with a viral infection that forced him to be hospitalized. Former Cy Young winner Rick Porcello owns a personal-best 14 wins in his career against the Rays and will get a chance to add to that total Saturday when he opposes left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, who boasts 12 victories - second-most on the club. The Red Sox saw their lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East shrink to 8 1/2 games after losing for the fourth time in six contests. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts registered three hits and knocked in a pair of runs in Friday's loss for Boston and is 24-for-58 with 16 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits against Tampa Bay this season.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (15-6, 4.14 ERA) vs. Rays LH Ryan Yarbrough (12-5, 3.84)
Porcello was knocked around for five runs on six hits and a walk over seven innings in a loss to Cleveland on Monday after winning four of his previous five starts. The 29-year-old New Jersey native is 2-2 with a 4.67 ERA in four August starts after posting a 5.74 ERA in July, but he can get to 16 wins for the second time in his career Saturday. Matt Duffy is 7-for-18 versus Porcello, who is 2-1 with a 4.13 ERA in four starts against the Rays in 2018.
Yarbrough is slated to make his first start since July 3 (Miami) and sixth during his rookie season - in which he has earned 10 victories in 26 relief appearances, including one in each of his last two outings. The 26-year-old Old Dominion product is 2-2 with a 5.32 ERA in the first five starts of his major-league career, striking out 20 in 23 2/3 innings. J.D. Martinez is 2-for-5 with a double against Yarbrough, who is 1-0 while giving up four runs over 12 innings in four relief outings versus the Red Sox this year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bogaerts has hit safely in six straight games (10-for-26), while Martinez is 9-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Tampa Bay 2B/OF Brandon Lowe is 7-for-20 in his last six games with an at-bat after going 0-for-19 in the first six of his major-league career.
3. Former Red Sox and Rays Hall of Famer Wade Boggs will throw out the first pitch before Saturday's contest.
PREDICTION: Rays 6, Red Sox 4
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Rays Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Willy Adames has settled comfortably into the starting shortstop role for Tampa Bay this month and looks to continue his hot hitting when the Rays host the major league-best Boston Red Sox on Saturday night. Adames launched a two-run homer and scored three times as Tampa Bay took the series opener 10-3 on Friday, lifting the 22-year-old's batting average in August to .362 to go along with five blasts and 13 RBIs in 21 games.
The Rays have won six straight contests and are 39-24 at home overall but will be without leading hitter Mallex Smith (.307 batting average) after he was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday with a viral infection that forced him to be hospitalized. Former Cy Young winner Rick Porcello owns a personal-best 14 wins in his career against the Rays and will get a chance to add to that total Saturday when he opposes left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, who boasts 12 victories - second-most on the club. The Red Sox saw their lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East shrink to 8 1/2 games after losing for the fourth time in six contests. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts registered three hits and knocked in a pair of runs in Friday's loss for Boston and is 24-for-58 with 16 RBIs and 15 extra-base hits against Tampa Bay this season.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FSN Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (15-6, 4.14 ERA) vs. Rays LH Ryan Yarbrough (12-5, 3.84)
Porcello was knocked around for five runs on six hits and a walk over seven innings in a loss to Cleveland on Monday after winning four of his previous five starts. The 29-year-old New Jersey native is 2-2 with a 4.67 ERA in four August starts after posting a 5.74 ERA in July, but he can get to 16 wins for the second time in his career Saturday. Matt Duffy is 7-for-18 versus Porcello, who is 2-1 with a 4.13 ERA in four starts against the Rays in 2018.
Yarbrough is slated to make his first start since July 3 (Miami) and sixth during his rookie season - in which he has earned 10 victories in 26 relief appearances, including one in each of his last two outings. The 26-year-old Old Dominion product is 2-2 with a 5.32 ERA in the first five starts of his major-league career, striking out 20 in 23 2/3 innings. J.D. Martinez is 2-for-5 with a double against Yarbrough, who is 1-0 while giving up four runs over 12 innings in four relief outings versus the Red Sox this year.
WALK-OFFS
1. Bogaerts has hit safely in six straight games (10-for-26), while Martinez is 9-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak.
2. Tampa Bay 2B/OF Brandon Lowe is 7-for-20 in his last six games with an at-bat after going 0-for-19 in the first six of his major-league career.
3. Former Red Sox and Rays Hall of Famer Wade Boggs will throw out the first pitch before Saturday's contest.
PREDICTION: Rays 6, Red Sox 4
Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The Chicago White Sox have been swinging some hot bats of late and will try to build upon their latest offensive eruption when they play the third of a four-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. After dropping the series opener 7-2 and then getting blanked through the first seven innings Friday, the White Sox put up six runs on six hits and a walk in the eighth en route to a 6-3 win.
Chicago, which welcomed back manager Rick Renteria on Friday after he missed four games due to lightheadedness, has won seven of its last 10 games and scored at least six runs in each of those seven victories. Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson had two RBIs apiece in the decisive rally and Daniel Palka drove in a run with one of his two doubles in the game. The White Sox have won three of the last four meetings between the American League Central division rivals after the Tigers had taken nine of 10 encounters to begin the season series. Lucas Giolito was the winning pitcher in one of Chicago's recent wins over Detroit and he seeks an encore performance opposite rookie Ryan Carpenter on Saturday.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (9-9, 6.08 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Ryan Carpenter (1-1, 6.00)
Giolito is bidding to become a 10-game winner for the first time after scoring back-to-back victories at Detroit and Minnesota his last two turns. He held both opponents to three runs over six innings while producing a total of 13 strikeouts against three walks. The 24-year-old gave up five runs in each of his first two matchups with the Tigers this year and has a 4.88 ERA in four career meetings.
Carpenter picked up his first career win after limiting the Twins to three runs over 5 1/3 innings last Saturday. All three runs came on solo homers and the Gonzaga product has surrendered seven homers in 18 innings overall. He will be facing the White Sox for the first time.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox 3B Yolmer Sanchez has reached safely in 13 straight games, drawing eight walks in his last five contests.
2. Tigers RF Nicholas Castellanos was 2-for-5 with two RBIs Friday and has driven in nine runs in his last nine games.
3. Detroit will retire Hall of Famer Alan Trammell's No. 3 in a pregame ceremony Sunday.
PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Tigers 5
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The Chicago White Sox have been swinging some hot bats of late and will try to build upon their latest offensive eruption when they play the third of a four-game series at the Detroit Tigers on Saturday. After dropping the series opener 7-2 and then getting blanked through the first seven innings Friday, the White Sox put up six runs on six hits and a walk in the eighth en route to a 6-3 win.
Chicago, which welcomed back manager Rick Renteria on Friday after he missed four games due to lightheadedness, has won seven of its last 10 games and scored at least six runs in each of those seven victories. Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson had two RBIs apiece in the decisive rally and Daniel Palka drove in a run with one of his two doubles in the game. The White Sox have won three of the last four meetings between the American League Central division rivals after the Tigers had taken nine of 10 encounters to begin the season series. Lucas Giolito was the winning pitcher in one of Chicago's recent wins over Detroit and he seeks an encore performance opposite rookie Ryan Carpenter on Saturday.
TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (9-9, 6.08 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Ryan Carpenter (1-1, 6.00)
Giolito is bidding to become a 10-game winner for the first time after scoring back-to-back victories at Detroit and Minnesota his last two turns. He held both opponents to three runs over six innings while producing a total of 13 strikeouts against three walks. The 24-year-old gave up five runs in each of his first two matchups with the Tigers this year and has a 4.88 ERA in four career meetings.
Carpenter picked up his first career win after limiting the Twins to three runs over 5 1/3 innings last Saturday. All three runs came on solo homers and the Gonzaga product has surrendered seven homers in 18 innings overall. He will be facing the White Sox for the first time.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox 3B Yolmer Sanchez has reached safely in 13 straight games, drawing eight walks in his last five contests.
2. Tigers RF Nicholas Castellanos was 2-for-5 with two RBIs Friday and has driven in nine runs in his last nine games.
3. Detroit will retire Hall of Famer Alan Trammell's No. 3 in a pregame ceremony Sunday.
PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Tigers 5
New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Neither Luke Voit nor Zach Britton was a member of the New York Yankees just over a month ago, but both answered the call for their new team Friday to avoid falling below .500 against the team with the worst record in the majors. After closing the gap in the division standings in the series opener, the Yankees will try to gain some more ground in the American League East on Saturday when they look to sweep a doubleheader against the host Baltimore Orioles.
Voit struggled in limited action since he was acquired from St. Louis on July 29, but he carried the offense in Friday's 7-5 comeback victory, finishing 3-for-5 with a pair of homers - including an insurance two-run blast in the 10th inning. Britton surrendered a solo shot to former teammate Chris Davis in the bottom of the frame but was able to close the game out for his first save as a Yankee - in place of the injured Aroldis Chapman - since arriving from Baltimore on July 24. New York (80-47), which improved to 7-6 against the Orioles in 2018, maintained its lead over Oakland for the first wild-card slot at four games while moving within 8 1/2 games of AL East-leading Boston. Davis and Jonathan Villar each had three hits and combined to drive in all five runs for Baltimore (37-91), which lost for the 12th time in 14 contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Sonny Gray (9-8, 5.34 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (4-11, 4.84)
Gray will return to the rotation for the first time since Aug. 1 after making four relief appearances - a stretch during which he has posted a 2.89 ERA despite giving up 12 hits and five walks over 9 1/3 innings. The Vanderbilt product is 8-8 with a 5.56 ERA in 21 starts this season and 3-1 with a 4.79 ERA in four turns against Baltimore. Gray recorded a 2.00 ERA in his first three outings versus the Orioles before they roughed him up for seven runs over 2 2/3 frames in his most recent start.
Casher has pitched against a division rival in five of his last seven starts dating back to a no-decision against the Yankees on July 10 when he was tagged for five runs over 6 1/3 innings. Over that stretch, the 31-year-old Texan has yielded two earned runs or fewer four times and at least five runs three times. Greg Bird (3-for-7) and Didi Gregorius (7-for-22) have each homered against Cashner, who is 1-1 with a 4.42 ERA in three starts versus the Yankees in 2018.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York needed only 127 games to reach 80 wins, matching the club's best pace since 2002.
2. Baltimore rookie OF Cedric Mullins is batting .375 in seven career home games.
3. With his next start in the outfield, INF/OF Neil Walker will become the first Yankee to start at least 10 games at four different positions in a season since Randy Velarde in 1995.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Orioles 4
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Neither Luke Voit nor Zach Britton was a member of the New York Yankees just over a month ago, but both answered the call for their new team Friday to avoid falling below .500 against the team with the worst record in the majors. After closing the gap in the division standings in the series opener, the Yankees will try to gain some more ground in the American League East on Saturday when they look to sweep a doubleheader against the host Baltimore Orioles.
Voit struggled in limited action since he was acquired from St. Louis on July 29, but he carried the offense in Friday's 7-5 comeback victory, finishing 3-for-5 with a pair of homers - including an insurance two-run blast in the 10th inning. Britton surrendered a solo shot to former teammate Chris Davis in the bottom of the frame but was able to close the game out for his first save as a Yankee - in place of the injured Aroldis Chapman - since arriving from Baltimore on July 24. New York (80-47), which improved to 7-6 against the Orioles in 2018, maintained its lead over Oakland for the first wild-card slot at four games while moving within 8 1/2 games of AL East-leading Boston. Davis and Jonathan Villar each had three hits and combined to drive in all five runs for Baltimore (37-91), which lost for the 12th time in 14 contests.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Sonny Gray (9-8, 5.34 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (4-11, 4.84)
Gray will return to the rotation for the first time since Aug. 1 after making four relief appearances - a stretch during which he has posted a 2.89 ERA despite giving up 12 hits and five walks over 9 1/3 innings. The Vanderbilt product is 8-8 with a 5.56 ERA in 21 starts this season and 3-1 with a 4.79 ERA in four turns against Baltimore. Gray recorded a 2.00 ERA in his first three outings versus the Orioles before they roughed him up for seven runs over 2 2/3 frames in his most recent start.
Casher has pitched against a division rival in five of his last seven starts dating back to a no-decision against the Yankees on July 10 when he was tagged for five runs over 6 1/3 innings. Over that stretch, the 31-year-old Texan has yielded two earned runs or fewer four times and at least five runs three times. Greg Bird (3-for-7) and Didi Gregorius (7-for-22) have each homered against Cashner, who is 1-1 with a 4.42 ERA in three starts versus the Yankees in 2018.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York needed only 127 games to reach 80 wins, matching the club's best pace since 2002.
2. Baltimore rookie OF Cedric Mullins is batting .375 in seven career home games.
3. With his next start in the outfield, INF/OF Neil Walker will become the first Yankee to start at least 10 games at four different positions in a season since Randy Velarde in 1995.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Orioles 4
Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/24/2018
The Atlanta Braves head into Saturday's third game of a four-game series at the Miami Marlins sitting in first place by three games in the National League East, and their starting rotation is a big reason why they are in contention for a postseason berth for the first time since 2013. Atlanta starters have posted a 2.58 ERA in 24 starts in August after Mike Foltynewicz gave up one run in six innings in Friday's 1-0 loss.
The two teams combined for just six hits in the second game of the series - three for each team - but Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. doubled to extend his hitting streak against the Marlins to eight games. Miami has not had much success offensively in August, hitting .219 as a team in 21 games, and won Friday without scoring four-plus runs for the first time since Aug. 6 against St. Louis. Right fielder Rafael Ortega saw his eight-game hitting streak end by going 0-for-4 on Friday, but since his Marlins debut on Aug. 10 is hitting .281 with seven walks and four stolen bases. Rookie third baseman Brian Anderson went 1-for-3 and scored the game's lone run, and is 7-for-23 with five runs scored in his last six games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS1
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (6-4, 3.13 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (4-9, 5.20)
Sanchez has struggled a bit since being knocked out of an Aug. 9 start at Washington by a line drive, allowing seven earned runs (eight total) on 12 hits in 11 2/3 innings against the Marlins and Colorado. The 34-year-old struck out eight against the Rockies on Sunday, the fourth time in his past eight starts Sanchez has struck out at least eight. He pitched five innings against the Marlins on Aug. 14, giving up four earned runs in five innings while getting a no-decision.
Chen has endured a difficult season mostly because of his road struggles, where he is 1-6 with a 9.35 ERA compared to a 3-3 record with a 2.05 ERA in 10 home starts. The 33-year-old pitched well at Washington on Aug. 18, allowing two runs on five hits with three strikeouts in a no-decision. Chen faced the Braves in back-to-back starts at the end of July, giving up eight runs on 10 hits in 11 innings to earn a win and a loss.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami relievers combined to allow just one walk in three hitless innings Friday, helping the Marlins give up fewer than four runs for the fourth time in the past five games.
2. Atlanta C Kurt Suzuki, who has missed three straight games with a bruised left triceps, is expected to return Saturday.
3. Marlins LHP Adam Conley earned his second save Friday, and has not allowed a run in four of his past six appearances.
PREDICTION: Braves 6, Marlins 4
MLB Previews 24th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/24/2018
The Atlanta Braves head into Saturday's third game of a four-game series at the Miami Marlins sitting in first place by three games in the National League East, and their starting rotation is a big reason why they are in contention for a postseason berth for the first time since 2013. Atlanta starters have posted a 2.58 ERA in 24 starts in August after Mike Foltynewicz gave up one run in six innings in Friday's 1-0 loss.
The two teams combined for just six hits in the second game of the series - three for each team - but Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. doubled to extend his hitting streak against the Marlins to eight games. Miami has not had much success offensively in August, hitting .219 as a team in 21 games, and won Friday without scoring four-plus runs for the first time since Aug. 6 against St. Louis. Right fielder Rafael Ortega saw his eight-game hitting streak end by going 0-for-4 on Friday, but since his Marlins debut on Aug. 10 is hitting .281 with seven walks and four stolen bases. Rookie third baseman Brian Anderson went 1-for-3 and scored the game's lone run, and is 7-for-23 with five runs scored in his last six games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS1
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (6-4, 3.13 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (4-9, 5.20)
Sanchez has struggled a bit since being knocked out of an Aug. 9 start at Washington by a line drive, allowing seven earned runs (eight total) on 12 hits in 11 2/3 innings against the Marlins and Colorado. The 34-year-old struck out eight against the Rockies on Sunday, the fourth time in his past eight starts Sanchez has struck out at least eight. He pitched five innings against the Marlins on Aug. 14, giving up four earned runs in five innings while getting a no-decision.
Chen has endured a difficult season mostly because of his road struggles, where he is 1-6 with a 9.35 ERA compared to a 3-3 record with a 2.05 ERA in 10 home starts. The 33-year-old pitched well at Washington on Aug. 18, allowing two runs on five hits with three strikeouts in a no-decision. Chen faced the Braves in back-to-back starts at the end of July, giving up eight runs on 10 hits in 11 innings to earn a win and a loss.
WALK-OFFS
1. Miami relievers combined to allow just one walk in three hitless innings Friday, helping the Marlins give up fewer than four runs for the fourth time in the past five games.
2. Atlanta C Kurt Suzuki, who has missed three straight games with a bruised left triceps, is expected to return Saturday.
3. Marlins LHP Adam Conley earned his second save Friday, and has not allowed a run in four of his past six appearances.
PREDICTION: Braves 6, Marlins 4
Oakland Athletics vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Twins Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Matt Chapman has been a major offensive threat since the All-Star break and hopes to continue that trend when his Oakland Athletics visit the Minnesota Twins on Saturday for the third of a four-game set. Chapman belted a three-run shot to help Oakland post a 7-1 victory Friday night and is batting .326 with 25 extra-base hits, including eight homers, since the Midsummer Classic.
Khris Davis, who has gone deep a major league-high 39 times, was held in check Friday, but the Athletics launched three homers to push their franchise total to 12,999 heading into Saturday's matchup. Oakland (77-52), which holds down the second wild-card spot in the American League and sits 1 1/2 games behind first-place Houston in the AL West, will try to record their milestone round-tripper Saturday against rookie Stephen Gonsalves while countering with veteran right-hander Mike Fiers. Minnesota lost for just the fourth time in 11 games Friday, dropping to 39-27 at home, after taking the series opener 6-4 on Thursday. Former MVP Joe Mauer passed Hall of Famer Rod Carew for second on the Twins' all-time list with his 2,086th hit Friday and is one run from becoming the third Twin to score 1,000 in his career.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Mike Fiers (9-6, 3.21 ERA) vs. Twins LH Stephen Gonsalves (0-1, 27.00)
Fiers limited Texas to one hit and one walk with eight strikeouts over seven scoreless innings in his second victory among three starts since being acquired from Detroit. The 33-year-old Floridian has given up three runs on 11 hits and a walk overall with 21 strikeouts across 18 1/3 innings during his tenure with the Athletics. Ehire Adrianza is 3-for-6 with a homer versus Fiers, who is 5-1 with a 3.06 ERA lifetime against Minnesota.
Gonsalves was pounded for four runs on six hits and two walks while retiring just four batters in his major-league debut Monday against the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old Californian, who was picked in the fourth round of the 2013 draft, gave up all the runs in the second inning of his first start. Gonsalves is 12-3 with a 2.76 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts) at Triple-A and Double-A in 2018 with 120 strikeouts in 120 2/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Twins recalled INF/C Willians Astudillo was recalled Friday from Triple-A Rochester after C Bobby Wilson (ankle) went on the 10-day disabled list.
2. Oakland C Jonathan Lucroy is 41-for-122 with five homers and 23 RBIs in 35 career games against the Twins.
3. Minnesota 3B/DH Miguel Sano is 0-for-17 with nine strikeouts in the last five games but had a sacrifice fly Friday.
PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Twins 3
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Twins Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Matt Chapman has been a major offensive threat since the All-Star break and hopes to continue that trend when his Oakland Athletics visit the Minnesota Twins on Saturday for the third of a four-game set. Chapman belted a three-run shot to help Oakland post a 7-1 victory Friday night and is batting .326 with 25 extra-base hits, including eight homers, since the Midsummer Classic.
Khris Davis, who has gone deep a major league-high 39 times, was held in check Friday, but the Athletics launched three homers to push their franchise total to 12,999 heading into Saturday's matchup. Oakland (77-52), which holds down the second wild-card spot in the American League and sits 1 1/2 games behind first-place Houston in the AL West, will try to record their milestone round-tripper Saturday against rookie Stephen Gonsalves while countering with veteran right-hander Mike Fiers. Minnesota lost for just the fourth time in 11 games Friday, dropping to 39-27 at home, after taking the series opener 6-4 on Thursday. Former MVP Joe Mauer passed Hall of Famer Rod Carew for second on the Twins' all-time list with his 2,086th hit Friday and is one run from becoming the third Twin to score 1,000 in his career.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Mike Fiers (9-6, 3.21 ERA) vs. Twins LH Stephen Gonsalves (0-1, 27.00)
Fiers limited Texas to one hit and one walk with eight strikeouts over seven scoreless innings in his second victory among three starts since being acquired from Detroit. The 33-year-old Floridian has given up three runs on 11 hits and a walk overall with 21 strikeouts across 18 1/3 innings during his tenure with the Athletics. Ehire Adrianza is 3-for-6 with a homer versus Fiers, who is 5-1 with a 3.06 ERA lifetime against Minnesota.
Gonsalves was pounded for four runs on six hits and two walks while retiring just four batters in his major-league debut Monday against the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old Californian, who was picked in the fourth round of the 2013 draft, gave up all the runs in the second inning of his first start. Gonsalves is 12-3 with a 2.76 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts) at Triple-A and Double-A in 2018 with 120 strikeouts in 120 2/3 frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Twins recalled INF/C Willians Astudillo was recalled Friday from Triple-A Rochester after C Bobby Wilson (ankle) went on the 10-day disabled list.
2. Oakland C Jonathan Lucroy is 41-for-122 with five homers and 23 RBIs in 35 career games against the Twins.
3. Minnesota 3B/DH Miguel Sano is 0-for-17 with nine strikeouts in the last five games but had a sacrifice fly Friday.
PREDICTION: Athletics 7, Twins 3
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
It took 15 innings to do so, but the Milwaukee Brewers made their first step toward ending a season-long struggle against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. Following a marathon victory in the series opener, the Brewers look to win two in a row against the Pirates for the first time this season Saturday when they host their National League Central rival in the middle contest of a three-game set.
Pittsburgh was poised to run its winning streak against Milwaukee (72-58) to six games after Francisco Cervelli delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the 15th, but Erik Kratz's two-out, two-run single tied it in the bottom of the frame before Orlando Arcia's RBI single brought home the winning run four pitches later. The Brewers' 7-6 triumph was only their third win in 11 meetings against the Pirates this season and allowed them to expand their lead in the race for the NL's second wild card to one game over Colorado. Pittsburgh scored more than three runs for the first time in eight contests but could not avoid its fourth straight loss despite tying a season high with 17 hits, falling to 2-9 over its last 11 games. Gregory Polanco went 3-for-5 on Friday and has been mostly immune to his team's recent offensive woes, going 8-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (9-9, 3.58 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (13-4, 3.58)
Taillon logged his fifth consecutive quality start in a no-decision Sunday against Chicago despite limiting the Cubs to one run and striking out eight across six innings. The 26-year-old, who has already set a career high in victories and strikeouts (131), has a reasonable chance at matching his career win total entering the season (13) with a strong finish to the season. Jesus Aguilar (4-for-11, two homers) has fared well against Taillon, who is 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts versus Milwaukee this season.
Chacin has mostly cruised to three straight victories since beginning the month with a dud and enters the weekend having allowed only seven hits and two walks while working 13 scoreless innings over his last two turns. The 30-year-old Venezuelan earned the victory in St. Louis on Sunday, holding the Cardinals to four hits in six frames. Chacin has been the victim of miserable run support in three starts against the Pirates this season, going 0-1 despite posting a 1.53 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Milwaukee OF Christian Yelich connected on his 22nd homer of the season in the opener, setting a career high.
2. Friday's loss kept the Pirates from matching their longest single-season winning streak against the Brewers since 2001.
3. Milwaukee RHP Joakim Soria struck out the side in his only inning of work Friday after he was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Brewers 2
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
It took 15 innings to do so, but the Milwaukee Brewers made their first step toward ending a season-long struggle against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. Following a marathon victory in the series opener, the Brewers look to win two in a row against the Pirates for the first time this season Saturday when they host their National League Central rival in the middle contest of a three-game set.
Pittsburgh was poised to run its winning streak against Milwaukee (72-58) to six games after Francisco Cervelli delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the 15th, but Erik Kratz's two-out, two-run single tied it in the bottom of the frame before Orlando Arcia's RBI single brought home the winning run four pitches later. The Brewers' 7-6 triumph was only their third win in 11 meetings against the Pirates this season and allowed them to expand their lead in the race for the NL's second wild card to one game over Colorado. Pittsburgh scored more than three runs for the first time in eight contests but could not avoid its fourth straight loss despite tying a season high with 17 hits, falling to 2-9 over its last 11 games. Gregory Polanco went 3-for-5 on Friday and has been mostly immune to his team's recent offensive woes, going 8-for-20 during a five-game hitting streak.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (9-9, 3.58 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (13-4, 3.58)
Taillon logged his fifth consecutive quality start in a no-decision Sunday against Chicago despite limiting the Cubs to one run and striking out eight across six innings. The 26-year-old, who has already set a career high in victories and strikeouts (131), has a reasonable chance at matching his career win total entering the season (13) with a strong finish to the season. Jesus Aguilar (4-for-11, two homers) has fared well against Taillon, who is 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts versus Milwaukee this season.
Chacin has mostly cruised to three straight victories since beginning the month with a dud and enters the weekend having allowed only seven hits and two walks while working 13 scoreless innings over his last two turns. The 30-year-old Venezuelan earned the victory in St. Louis on Sunday, holding the Cardinals to four hits in six frames. Chacin has been the victim of miserable run support in three starts against the Pirates this season, going 0-1 despite posting a 1.53 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. Milwaukee OF Christian Yelich connected on his 22nd homer of the season in the opener, setting a career high.
2. Friday's loss kept the Pirates from matching their longest single-season winning streak against the Brewers since 2001.
3. Milwaukee RHP Joakim Soria struck out the side in his only inning of work Friday after he was activated from the disabled list earlier in the day.
PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Brewers 2
Cleveland Indians vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Royals Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Ace Corey Kluber has dominated his club's American League Central rivals this season and looks to befuddle another when the division-leading Cleveland Indians visit the Kansas City Royals on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Kluber is 8-1 with a 1.99 ERA in 10 starts against the AL Central this series, including two wins over the Royals.
Kluber, who is tied for the major-league lead with 16 victories, has won his last four decisions and is in the mix for his third AL Cy Young Award. He will be looking to help the Indians halt a three-game slide after they blew a ninth-inning lead on Friday, when Ryan O'Hearn and Hunter Dozier hit back-to-back homers to give the Royals a 5-4 victory. Salvador Perez launched a three-run blast earlier in the contest as Kansas City halted a five-game skid and won for just the fifth time in 22 contests. Cleveland's Yonder Alonso recorded two homers and three RBIs in the series opener after going deep just twice in his previous 21 games.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (16-6, 2.74 ERA) vs. Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (1-1, 4.57)
Kluber defeated Boston in his last turn as he gave up three runs and nine hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 32-year-old is unbeaten in his last five outings, with his most recent setback occurring on July 23 against Pittsburgh. Kluber has posted a 2.08 ERA in his two victories over the Royals this season and is 11-6 with a 2.90 ERA in 22 career starts against the club.
Fillmyer was roughed up for six runs and seven hits - three homers - in three innings against the Chicago White Sox in his last turn. The 24-year-old has allowed 10 runs in eight frames over his last two outings after scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 8 en route to his first major-league victory. Fillmyer worked three hitless frames of relief on July 4 in his lone appearance against Cleveland.
WALK-OFFS
1. Perez is 3-for-23 over his last six games despite Friday's home run.
2. Allen has blown three of his last eight save opportunities after converting 20 of his first 21 chances.
3. Kansas City 2B Whit Merrifield went 0-for-3 in the series opener to see his 12-game hitting streak come to an end.
PREDICTION: Indians 7, Royals 0
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Royals Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Ace Corey Kluber has dominated his club's American League Central rivals this season and looks to befuddle another when the division-leading Cleveland Indians visit the Kansas City Royals on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Kluber is 8-1 with a 1.99 ERA in 10 starts against the AL Central this series, including two wins over the Royals.
Kluber, who is tied for the major-league lead with 16 victories, has won his last four decisions and is in the mix for his third AL Cy Young Award. He will be looking to help the Indians halt a three-game slide after they blew a ninth-inning lead on Friday, when Ryan O'Hearn and Hunter Dozier hit back-to-back homers to give the Royals a 5-4 victory. Salvador Perez launched a three-run blast earlier in the contest as Kansas City halted a five-game skid and won for just the fifth time in 22 contests. Cleveland's Yonder Alonso recorded two homers and three RBIs in the series opener after going deep just twice in his previous 21 games.
TV: 7:15 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Kansas City
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (16-6, 2.74 ERA) vs. Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (1-1, 4.57)
Kluber defeated Boston in his last turn as he gave up three runs and nine hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 32-year-old is unbeaten in his last five outings, with his most recent setback occurring on July 23 against Pittsburgh. Kluber has posted a 2.08 ERA in his two victories over the Royals this season and is 11-6 with a 2.90 ERA in 22 career starts against the club.
Fillmyer was roughed up for six runs and seven hits - three homers - in three innings against the Chicago White Sox in his last turn. The 24-year-old has allowed 10 runs in eight frames over his last two outings after scattering three hits over seven scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 8 en route to his first major-league victory. Fillmyer worked three hitless frames of relief on July 4 in his lone appearance against Cleveland.
WALK-OFFS
1. Perez is 3-for-23 over his last six games despite Friday's home run.
2. Allen has blown three of his last eight save opportunities after converting 20 of his first 21 chances.
3. Kansas City 2B Whit Merrifield went 0-for-3 in the series opener to see his 12-game hitting streak come to an end.
PREDICTION: Indians 7, Royals 0
Seattle Mariners vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The Seattle Mariners hope to see All-Star closer Edwin Diaz on the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning for the second straight night when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Diaz worked a perfect ninth in Friday's 6-3 victory for his 49th save, breaking the franchise single-season record set in 2014 by Fernando Rodney.
Seattle is 5 1/2 games behind first-place Houston in the American League West and four in back of Oakland for the second wild card, and manager Scott Servais points to the right-handed Diaz as a main cog in the team's success. "He's done a phenomenal job ... it is really, really nice to hand the ball to him," Servais said during Friday's postgame press conference. "He's been very, very consistent. He believes in his stuff, and why wouldn't he when you have that kind of stuff?" Arizona's setback in the opener marked its second loss in eight games, but the team remained one game ahead of Colorado in the National League West. Paul Goldschmidt went 0-for-4 for the Diamondbacks on Friday to halt a 14-game hitting streak during which he went 24-for-58 with five homers and 13 RBIs.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (7-3, 4.04 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-2, 4.91)
LeBlanc served up three homers for the second time in his last four starts as he allowed seven runs - five earned - over 4 1/3 innings in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 17. The 34-year-old has posted a porous 6.75 ERA over the four-outing stretch and has worked five frames or fewer in three of the turns. LeBlanc is 3-3 with a 4.47 ERA in 13 career appearances (nine starts) versus Arizona.
Ray has gone six starts without recording a decision and is winless (0-2) over his last nine turns. The 26-year-old has pitched more than 5 1/3 innings just once during the winless stretch that began after he tossed six scoreless frames in a victory over Miami on June 27. Ray is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against Seattle, with the last outing being a no-decision on July 17, 2015 in which he gave up two runs and six hits over seven innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners SS Jean Segura (ribs) went 1-for-3 with an RBI on Friday after departing Wednesday's game against Houston due to the injury.
2. Arizona OF David Peralta has gone 8-for-16 with three homers and six RBIs during his four-game hitting streak.
3. Seattle RHP Mike Leake (illness) will make his first appearance since Aug. 15 when he starts Sunday's series finale.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Mariners 4
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The Seattle Mariners hope to see All-Star closer Edwin Diaz on the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning for the second straight night when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Diaz worked a perfect ninth in Friday's 6-3 victory for his 49th save, breaking the franchise single-season record set in 2014 by Fernando Rodney.
Seattle is 5 1/2 games behind first-place Houston in the American League West and four in back of Oakland for the second wild card, and manager Scott Servais points to the right-handed Diaz as a main cog in the team's success. "He's done a phenomenal job ... it is really, really nice to hand the ball to him," Servais said during Friday's postgame press conference. "He's been very, very consistent. He believes in his stuff, and why wouldn't he when you have that kind of stuff?" Arizona's setback in the opener marked its second loss in eight games, but the team remained one game ahead of Colorado in the National League West. Paul Goldschmidt went 0-for-4 for the Diamondbacks on Friday to halt a 14-game hitting streak during which he went 24-for-58 with five homers and 13 RBIs.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (7-3, 4.04 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-2, 4.91)
LeBlanc served up three homers for the second time in his last four starts as he allowed seven runs - five earned - over 4 1/3 innings in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 17. The 34-year-old has posted a porous 6.75 ERA over the four-outing stretch and has worked five frames or fewer in three of the turns. LeBlanc is 3-3 with a 4.47 ERA in 13 career appearances (nine starts) versus Arizona.
Ray has gone six starts without recording a decision and is winless (0-2) over his last nine turns. The 26-year-old has pitched more than 5 1/3 innings just once during the winless stretch that began after he tossed six scoreless frames in a victory over Miami on June 27. Ray is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against Seattle, with the last outing being a no-decision on July 17, 2015 in which he gave up two runs and six hits over seven innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Mariners SS Jean Segura (ribs) went 1-for-3 with an RBI on Friday after departing Wednesday's game against Houston due to the injury.
2. Arizona OF David Peralta has gone 8-for-16 with three homers and six RBIs during his four-game hitting streak.
3. Seattle RHP Mike Leake (illness) will make his first appearance since Aug. 15 when he starts Sunday's series finale.
PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Mariners 4
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The St. Louis Cardinals have posted the best record in baseball this month and look to improve it when they visit the Colorado Rockies on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. The Cardinals, who lead the National League wild-card race, are 18-4 in August and 4-0 on their six-game road trip after recording a series-opening 7-5 victory on Friday.
Rookie Tyler O'Neill and starting pitcher Miles Mikolas homered as St. Louis built a 7-0 lead and held on to remain three games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Colorado pounded out 15 hits in the opener but dropped to 2-2 on its six-game homestand and trail the Cardinals by 1 1/2 games for the top wild card and the Milwaukee Brewers by one game for the second wild card. Ryan McMahon went 3-for-5 with an RBI to match his hit total from his previous nine games as the Rockies yielded more than four runs for the first time in six contests. Nolan Arenado has driven in a run in five of his last six games after belting his 31st homer of the year on Friday.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Gant (5-5, 3.76 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (11-9, 4.42)
Gant will be making his sixth consecutive start after bouncing between the bullpen and rotation over his first 14 appearances this season. The 26-year-old Georgian took the loss against Milwaukee on Sunday after giving up two runs on six hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. Gant, who has worked six or more innings in only three of his 12 turns this year, will be facing Colorado for the first time in his career.
Marquez is looking to win his third straight start after allowing three runs and eight hits over 14 innings in victories at Houston and Atlanta. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has given up three runs or fewer in each of his last five outings and has gone 3-1 in that span - with the loss coming against Pittsburgh at home on Aug 8, when he surrendered three runs and 10 hits while registering 10 strikeouts in six frames. Marquez has made two career starts against St. Louis and won both as he permitted three runs and 12 hits over 10 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies CF Charlie Blackmon has registered three two-hit performances during his four-game hitting streak.
2. O'Neill has gone deep in back-to-back contests after hitting only three homers in his first 30 major-league games, with those three blasts coming in consecutive contests from May 19-21.
3. Colorado OF Matt Holliday, who began his second stint with the club with an 0-for-3 effort on Thursday, delivered a pinch-hit single in the series opener.
PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Cardinals 4
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
The St. Louis Cardinals have posted the best record in baseball this month and look to improve it when they visit the Colorado Rockies on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. The Cardinals, who lead the National League wild-card race, are 18-4 in August and 4-0 on their six-game road trip after recording a series-opening 7-5 victory on Friday.
Rookie Tyler O'Neill and starting pitcher Miles Mikolas homered as St. Louis built a 7-0 lead and held on to remain three games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. Colorado pounded out 15 hits in the opener but dropped to 2-2 on its six-game homestand and trail the Cardinals by 1 1/2 games for the top wild card and the Milwaukee Brewers by one game for the second wild card. Ryan McMahon went 3-for-5 with an RBI to match his hit total from his previous nine games as the Rockies yielded more than four runs for the first time in six contests. Nolan Arenado has driven in a run in five of his last six games after belting his 31st homer of the year on Friday.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH John Gant (5-5, 3.76 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (11-9, 4.42)
Gant will be making his sixth consecutive start after bouncing between the bullpen and rotation over his first 14 appearances this season. The 26-year-old Georgian took the loss against Milwaukee on Sunday after giving up two runs on six hits and two walks in 4 1/3 innings. Gant, who has worked six or more innings in only three of his 12 turns this year, will be facing Colorado for the first time in his career.
Marquez is looking to win his third straight start after allowing three runs and eight hits over 14 innings in victories at Houston and Atlanta. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has given up three runs or fewer in each of his last five outings and has gone 3-1 in that span - with the loss coming against Pittsburgh at home on Aug 8, when he surrendered three runs and 10 hits while registering 10 strikeouts in six frames. Marquez has made two career starts against St. Louis and won both as he permitted three runs and 12 hits over 10 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies CF Charlie Blackmon has registered three two-hit performances during his four-game hitting streak.
2. O'Neill has gone deep in back-to-back contests after hitting only three homers in his first 30 major-league games, with those three blasts coming in consecutive contests from May 19-21.
3. Colorado OF Matt Holliday, who began his second stint with the club with an 0-for-3 effort on Thursday, delivered a pinch-hit single in the series opener.
PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Cardinals 4
Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 08-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Angels Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Mike Trout is back with the Los Angeles Angels after missing three-plus weeks due to a wrist injury and the death of his brother-in-law, Aaron Cox. Trout will be in the lineup again for Saturday's game against the visiting Houston Astros after going 2-for-3 in the opener of the three-game series.
Trout tripled off the left-field wall in his first at-bat in 23 days but couldn't prevent the Angels from suffering a 9-3 loss. Marwin Gonzalez hit his second career grand slam while Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa launched solo blasts as Houston maintained its four-game lead over Oakland in the American League West. Altuve recorded two hits for the second straight game and is 4-for-13 in three contests after missing nearly four weeks with a knee injury. Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Astros on Saturday and has dominated Los Angeles hitters while going 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in three meetings this season.
TV: 9:07 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (12-8, 2.65 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (8-7, 3.41)
Verlander registered his 200th career victory against the Athletics in his last outing but wasn't sharp as he served up three homers while allowing four runs in 5 1/3 innings. The 35-year-old delivered a strong performance versus the Angels on July 21, when he struck out 11 and gave up five hits over six scoreless frames. Verlander is 11-8 with a 2.99 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 22 career starts against Los Angeles.
Barria has won three straight decisions and is unbeaten in five outings after going 0-6 over a seven-start stretch. The 22-year-old Panamanian settled for a no-decision against Texas in his last turn after giving up just one run and seven hits over five innings. Barria also did not factor in the decision against the Astros on May 15, when he gave up one run and four hits in seven frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels 1B Albert Pujols was hitless in three at-bats in the series opener and is 0-for-12 over his last four games.
2. Houston OF George Springer (quadriceps) sat out his fourth straight contest on Friday.
3. Los Angeles optioned OF Jabari Blash to Triple-A Salt Lake to open the roster spot for Trout.
PREDICTION: Astros 4, Angels 3
MLB Previews 25th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Angels Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 08/25/2018
Mike Trout is back with the Los Angeles Angels after missing three-plus weeks due to a wrist injury and the death of his brother-in-law, Aaron Cox. Trout will be in the lineup again for Saturday's game against the visiting Houston Astros after going 2-for-3 in the opener of the three-game series.
Trout tripled off the left-field wall in his first at-bat in 23 days but couldn't prevent the Angels from suffering a 9-3 loss. Marwin Gonzalez hit his second career grand slam while Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa launched solo blasts as Houston maintained its four-game lead over Oakland in the American League West. Altuve recorded two hits for the second straight game and is 4-for-13 in three contests after missing nearly four weeks with a knee injury. Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Astros on Saturday and has dominated Los Angeles hitters while going 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA and 0.77 WHIP in three meetings this season.
TV: 9:07 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Justin Verlander (12-8, 2.65 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (8-7, 3.41)
Verlander registered his 200th career victory against the Athletics in his last outing but wasn't sharp as he served up three homers while allowing four runs in 5 1/3 innings. The 35-year-old delivered a strong performance versus the Angels on July 21, when he struck out 11 and gave up five hits over six scoreless frames. Verlander is 11-8 with a 2.99 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 22 career starts against Los Angeles.
Barria has won three straight decisions and is unbeaten in five outings after going 0-6 over a seven-start stretch. The 22-year-old Panamanian settled for a no-decision against Texas in his last turn after giving up just one run and seven hits over five innings. Barria also did not factor in the decision against the Astros on May 15, when he gave up one run and four hits in seven frames.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels 1B Albert Pujols was hitless in three at-bats in the series opener and is 0-for-12 over his last four games.
2. Houston OF George Springer (quadriceps) sat out his fourth straight contest on Friday.
3. Los Angeles optioned OF Jabari Blash to Triple-A Salt Lake to open the roster spot for Trout.
PREDICTION: Astros 4, Angels 3
