Tuesday 7/19/16 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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[Can'tPickaWinner2]

WNBA Betting Recap - 7/11-7/17
By Joe Williams

League Betting Notes (Monday, July 11 through Sunday, July 17)

-- Favorites went 12-3 straight up (SU)
-- Favorites went 8-7 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 9-6 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 9-6 ATS record
-- The 'under' went 9-6

Team Betting Notes

-- It was a rare trying week for Los Angeles (20-2), as they were taken to overtime in Connecticut (6-16), and then they were drummed Sunday at Atlanta (12-11) by a 91-74 score. After opening the season 8-2 ATS over the first 10 games, the Sparks are just 4-8 ATS over the past 12 outings.

-- The Dream had its best game of the season in their rout of the Sparks. They entered the game just 6-10 ATS over the past 16 outings. The 'over' result Sunday also snapped a three-game 'under' run for Atlanta.

-- New York (17-7) picked up a seven-point win against the Sun Sunday, but narrowly missed out on a cover. It's nothing new for the Liberty, as they're just 2-5 ATS over the past seven games, and 5-8-2 ATS over the past 15 outings. They're also 2-8 ATS over the past 10 games at home.

-- Minnesota (19-4) won their fourth game in a row with an overtime road victory in Dallas (9-14). While the Lynx won the game, they failed to cover and are just 1-3 ATS over the past four outings on the road.

-- The Wings are in a tailspin, losing four straight games, and seven of the past nine straight up. They slapped the brakes on a three-game non-cover streak.

-- Washington (9-13) is in the thros of a five-game losing streak, and they're not covering, either. They're just 1-3 ATS over the past four outings. After an amazing 12-0 'over' streak to start the season, the 'under' has cashed in seven of the past 10 for the Mystics.

-- Phoenix (10-13) had one of the best weeks of the season, pushing aside San Antonio (5-17) and Washington, splitting against the number. The 'under' hit in both games, and is now 4-1 in the past five games for the Mercury.

-- For the Stars, they have dropped four in a row and are no longer covering, either. They're just 1-3 ATS over the past four games. One constant has been totals, as the 'under' is a perfect 5-0 on their past five games, and 7-2 in the past nine.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Los Angeles Sparks at Indiana Fever
By The Sports Xchange
July 19, 2016 8:00 PM EDT

After absorbing their second loss of the season, the Los Angeles Sparks will try to bounce back when they visit the Indiana Fever on Tuesday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Los Angeles (20-2) sits atop the Western Conference with the WNBA's best record, 1 1/2 games ahead of the second-place Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks are coming off perhaps their poorest performance of the season, a 91-74 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Sunday.
Nneka Ogwumike had 26 points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles. Candace Parker compiled 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The Sparks were hurt by Atlanta's Layshia Clarendon, who had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Los Angeles went into the contest allowing just 75.1 points per game, the best mark in the WNBA. The Sparks have not been as diligent on defense in the past two games, giving up a season-high 92 points in an overtime victory against the Connecticut Sun on Friday and 91 points in the loss to Atlanta.
Indiana (10-12) is tied for third in the Eastern Conference, six games behind the first-place New York Liberty. The Fever won three of their past four games, including a 78-72 victory on Friday over the Atlanta squad that upset Los Angeles two days later.
Tamika Catchings and Lynetta Kizer scored 18 points apiece in the win over Atlanta. The Fever shot 51.7 percent from the field and held Angel McCoughtry, the Dream's top scorer at 18.9 points per game, to 10 points on 5-of-15 shooting.
Los Angeles and Indiana will be meeting for the second time in less than two weeks. The Sparks beat the Fever 94-88 on July 6 at Staples Center after Parker blocked a shot in the final seconds to preserve the victory. Los Angeles led 80-60 with 6:22 remaining before Indiana stormed back.
Ogwumike scored 23 points to lead five players in double figures for the Sparks. Tiffany Mitchell came off the bench to score 20 points for the Fever. A 3-pointer by Mitchell with 12 seconds remaining cut Indiana's deficit to one, but Los Angeles held on to win.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Chicago Sky at Phoenix Mercury
By The Sports Xchange
July 19, 2016 10:00 PM EDT

The Phoenix Mercury will look to avenge a recent loss to the Chicago Sky when the teams meet again Tuesday night at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix.
Phoenix (10-13) is third in the WNBA's Western Conference, 10 1/2 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Sparks. The Mercury won their past two games after losing three in a row.
Phoenix is coming off an 83-64 victory over the San Antonio Stars. DeWanna Bonner scored 33 points on 11-of-16 shooting for the Mercury, who shot 50.8 percent from the field while holding the Stars to 41.7 percent shooting.
Chicago (10-12) is tied for third in the Eastern Conference, six games behind the first-place New York Liberty. The Sky won three of their past four games and are coming off a 91-88 victory over the Seattle Storm.
Sky star Elena Delle Donne scored 35 points on 14-of-24 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds against Seattle. She scored the team's final nine points, including a game-winning 3-pointer with one second remaining.
Phoenix and Chicago already faced each other twice this season, and they will meet for the second time in 10 days. The Mercury beat the Sky 86-80 on June 12 in Phoenix and took a 100-95 loss July 10 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
In the most recent meeting, Allie Quigley came off the bench to score 21 points, leading six players who scored in double figures for Chicago. Delle Donne had 19 points and nine rebounds. Phoenix was led by Diana Taurasi, who had 21 points and six assists. Brittney Griner blocked seven shots.
Taurasi had an even bigger game the first time the teams squared off. She made six of 12 from 3-point range and finished with 31 points. Phoenix shot just 35.3 percent while allowing Chicago to shoot 47 percent, but the Mercury made nine 3-pointers and outscored the Sky 29-15 at the free-throw line.
Chicago will be without centers Erika de Souza and Clarissa Dos Santos. Both players left the team to represent Brazil in the Summer Olympics and will not return until after the WNBA's month-long break for the Summer Games.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Monticello Raceway

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


Race 2 - Post: 1:12 - 1 mile. TROT - Class Rating: 74 - Purse:$3400 - NW $225 P/S LAST 5-6 OR P/S IN 2016 $5000 P/C L/S AE: $4000 CLM W/A B ALDRICH JR 1 OVER 6


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 3 IMPRESSIVE EARL 4/1



# 1 CRYPTO MAN 5/2



# 2 PHOTO MASTER 7/2



Feel pretty confident putting cash down on IMPRESSIVE EARL. His 80 avg has this gelding among the best TrackMaster Speed Ratings today. We can't pass on this gelding given one of the strongest driver-conditioner stats around. This horse has been making trips to the winner's circle on a routine basis, look for him to make another showing soon. CRYPTO MAN - Take a look at this contender's average speed number of 76 and compare to today's class rating. Looks like a great bet. The 77 average class rating may give this gelding a distinct edge in the group. PHOTO MASTER - Chances are greatly improved for horses coming from the 2 post at Monticello Raceway. Overall statistics look great. Can't throw him out of the picture.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by Chatsworth Consortium at Scioto Downs

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


Race 9 - Post: 4:40 - 1 mile. PACE - Class Rating: 59 - Purse:$40000 - OHIO SIRES STAKES 2 YEAR OLD FILLIES 2ND LEG NO. 10 STARTS FROM 2ND TIER A.MERRIMAN LISTED 2-5-6


CONSORTIUM CHOICES


Chatsworth Consortium

# 1 DA VINCI ARTIST 3/1



# 9 MCDAZZLE 6/1



# 4 BERAZZLED 4/1



After thorough analysis by the wagering panel, DA VINCI ARTIST comes out as the top choice. Sugg stats say this trainer can score when moving harness racers down in class. The brain trust knows that speed is the key in harness racing. This solid standardbred will unlock our way to a nice top prize. Squaring off sharply, earned a sharp TrackMaster Speed Rating in her most recent race (66). MCDAZZLE - Many smart handicappers know speed is is such an important factor. This harness racer has credentials with a 65 avg stat. Could be considered in this contest if only for the respectable TrackMaster speed fig recorded in the most recent outing. BERAZZLED - When Wrenn drives this standardbred you can bet they'll be in the top 3, figures show them there 100 percent of the time. The 4 post is on fire here at Scioto Downs. More wins than is normal.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at ABT

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


Race 5 - Allowance - 7.0f on the Turf. Purse: $1000 Class Rating: 54

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 120 LBS.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 6 GLORIOUS ANGEL 3/1

# 7 ABBY'S SLEW 5/1

# 8 FOXIE AFLEET 3/1

GLORIOUS ANGEL looks to be a strong contender. Ought to be considered based on the quite good Equibase Speed Figure recorded in the last contest. Has to be considered as she drops to compete against this softer lot. ABBY'S SLEW - Exhibits the look of a profitable play, averaging a solid 54 speed figure which is one of the best in this field. Appears to be the type to be helped now going off Lasix here.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Parx Racing

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


Race 7 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $31000 Class Rating: 71

FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE JUNE 19 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 8 KODOULA 8/1

# 7 TIMNA 5/1

# 3 SANDY'S SONG 5/1

I think KODOULA is a decent pick especially at such a decent 8/1. Could provide positive dividends based on quite good recent speed figures with an average of 66. Bettors should probably take a good look at this one as this mare has one of the best win percentages at this distance in this group. Castillo will most likely be able to get this mare to break out quickly in this contest. TIMNA - Horses who have been prepared to race at this distance and surface by Servis have shown solid results as of late. Servis has well above average profits at this distance/surface. SANDY'S SONG - Looks competitive versus this group and will almost certainly be one of the early speedsters.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Parx Racing - Race #8 - Post: 4:04pm - Allowance - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $42,000 Class Rating: 99

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 RED HOT RANDY (ML=3/1)
#2 MR. ROMANCE (ML=6/1)
#6 PIG PEN (ML=5/2)


RED HOT RANDY - Have to make this gelding a serious competitor; he comes off a strong effort on June 29th. This gelding is rounding his way back into shape. Should race well today. MR. ROMANCE - This gelding is in good form, having run a nice race on June 26th, finishing second. That 99 fig this gelding earned in his last race tells me he's a major player in today's event. PIG PEN - I took a look at this gelding's finishes. He's almost always in the top three. Have to make this gelding a win candidate; he comes off a solid outing on Jun 27th. Gelding took a little vacation, but has been racing into shape. He has the uppermost earnings per start. Take a good look at this thoroughbred.

Vulnerable Contenders: #8 TIPYOURWAITERWELL (ML=9/2), #3 RAGING CHAMPION (ML=5/1),

TIPYOURWAITERWELL - Finished sixth last time. Would have to perk up to be there at the wire in today's event. You have to be concerned that this entrant added bandages last out. RAGING CHAMPION - Just can't wager on any less than sharp equine right back after he doesn't land in the money after any extended layoff. 5/1 odds isn't enough for this thoroughbred when checking the most recent efforts.


STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Play #7 RED HOT RANDY to win if you can get odds of 5/2 or more

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with [2,6]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [2,6,7] Total Cost: $6

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
[2,6,7] with [2,6,7] with [2,4,6,7,8] with [2,4,6,7,8] Total Cost: $36

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Mountaineer Park - Race #5 - Post: 8:28pm - Claiming - 5.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $6,200 Class Rating: 57

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#7 LADY SOYADORA (ML=3/1)


LADY SOYADORA - This filly is back in a race very quick. This is a great angle - Sprinters that come back in less than 10 days after a race. A good sign of a sharp and ready racehorse. This horse has the pace, and no one may be able to keep up with her. The recent fig of 49 is the best last race fig in the bunch. This filly is in fine physical condition, having run a good race on July 11th, finishing third. Taking a trip down the ladder based on class; has the power to make her presence felt.

Vulnerable Contenders: #5 IN LILLY'S HAND (ML=9/5), #1 FOXY SANDY (ML=7/2), #6 GLORY STUDENT (ML=6/1),

IN LILLY'S HAND - I'd like to see more conducive recent outings with morning line odds of 9/5. This filly hasn't had any in the money efforts in sprint races in the last couple of months. FOXY SANDY - A bit of a lackluster try when this filly finished fourth. The speed rating last race out doesn't fit very well in this event when I look at the class figure of today's event. Mark this horse as a likely underpriced equine. GLORY STUDENT - Didn't show me enough early speed in the route event for me to back her in today's sprint race. This filly is always hitting the board, but just doesn't get the job done. Difficult to bet on her on the win end.


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

EXACTA WAGERS:
7 with 6

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Tuesday 7/19 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: 2,7/2,5,7/1,2,4,6/7,8/4,6,8 = $28.80

EARLY PICK 4: 7,8/4,6,8/1,6/3 = $12

LATE PICK 4: 3/1,3,5/1,3,7/1,2,8 = $27

MEET STATS: 211 - 637 / $1111.10 BEST BETS: 35 - 59 / $111.90

SPOT PLAYS: 12 - 58 / $60.00

Best Bet: THE WAYFARING MAN (7th)

Spot Play: MAGIC PRESTO (8th)


Race 1

(7) HEX stayed in on the far turn while the winner was making her decisive move and she then lacked room until late in the mile. She could turn the tables here with the right trip. (2) TARAHUMARA fits this class like a glove and is the one to beat yet again at a short price. (4) BIG TSUNAMI will be closing late again here and can complete the tri. (8) BUSINESS AS USUAL should get a better result dropping into a claimer here.

Race 2

(7) ON A SUNNY DAY used a quick late brush to get up to win at a square price in her debut. Her odds will drop here but she should be tough again. (2) JANDERSON powered away late in her debut and looks like the main threat. (5) LITERALLY showed great promise in her debut at Georgian and isn't out of this stepping up to face OSS Gold competition. (1) HOLIDAY PROMISE has obvious ability but has trouble staying on gait. The inside post may not be the best for her.

Race 3

(1) GRAVITATOR closed a big gap late in her debut and she can go forward off that effort here. (2) WINTER SWEET FROST went right down the road to beat the choice and she's the one to beat again. (4) ROYAL WITCH took big action at the windows for her debut then broke stride at the 1/2. The bigger track might be just what the doctor ordered for her; using. (6) STORMONT ROYALTY was beaten by a promising filly in her debut and she can take a share here.

Race 4

(8) TALBOT CHANEL tried to advance first up against a strong leader in her debut and she was rebuffed in a rapid final 1/4. She should improve here if driven more aggressively. (7) AMULET SEELSTER - a $55K Forest City sale buy - is a 1/2 to the good local mare Aniston Seelster. She looks ready for a top try in her debut. (4) LOTUS SEELSTER improved in her second start and she should share if she shows the same good late kick. (2) SHOW ME SOME MAGIC also improved in her second start and can close for a slice here.

Race 5

(8) UNICUM BI was out a long way last week but stayed game. A slightly better trip tonight gets him to the winner's circle. (6) PENNIES FROM ABOVE couldn't close late as the pace accelerated noticeably. She is sharp though and could take this with the right trip. (4) MISSION MAN woke up last time and improved dramatically. A repeat of that mile puts him right there with these. (9) HILLS ANGEL regularly takes smaller shares and she should grab a piece of this, too.

Race 6

(6) ROSE RUN SPEEDSTER closed with a rush to impressively break his maiden in an OSS Gold event in his second start. He deserves top billing here based on that performance. (1) JAKE is a full-brother to Lookslikeachpndale (8 wins, $166K 1:53 3/5 S. to date) and goes for a trainer that can send one ready. This colt was a $100K Harrisburg purchase; using. (8) SOHO HANOVER is a speed threat and he could last a long way if he can steal a breather or two. (4) LUCYS MAN will be closing late and isn't out of this.

Race 7

(3) THE WAYFARING MAN couldn't chase down a class-dropping leader that would likely beat this field last time out. He is very logical in this spot. (2) BLISSFUL YEARS always does better when he leaves hard and he should get sent for position here starting from the inside. (4) CURATOR improved last week and he could be good for another small share here. (6) WALTZKING HANOVER is another that is more likely to fill one of the bottom exotics rungs than win this.

Race 8

(5) MAGIC PRESTO is the second foal of a dam that has already produced Could It Be Magic who has won 7 of 15 starts, earned $213K and won her debut easily in 1:57 flat. I'll take a shot with her as she could be a square price here. (3) SWEET OF MY HEART was overtaken only late in a quick final 1/4 last time and she will be a deserving favorite here. (1) DIXIES DREAM GIRL is from a dam that produces nothing but winners and she too is a threat here. (6) LADY JUSTICE can better this placing if provided with a similar trip as she was in her last start.

Race 9

(3) CAROLINA HURRICANE is unreliable but he did race better in his last two starts and he might finally break through for a maiden win here. (1) BIG PLACE gets McNair back here and he should be put into this race earlier; using. (7) BUGGER JERRY was eliminated early by broken equipment last week. He certainly qualifies as a contender vs. this suspect group based on his previous mile. (5) GIVE EM BACK should be closer after racing for the first time in eight months last week.

Race 10

(1) TOM HILL took a new life's mark two back in a similar conditioned race in New Jersey. If he stays pacing here he will be tough to beat. (2) SOME GOLD raced decently in the Summertime series and should appreciate the company here. (8) BLAISE MM HANOVER rode easy early fractions to a big win last time and he certainly isn't out of this but he may not get as easy of a trip here. (5) OK ICEMAN should leave well again and stick around for a slice here. (7) TANGO STAR is another that is likely to take a smaller share.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 7/19 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF

MEET STATS: 237 - 689 / $1251.30

BEST BETS: 35 - 58 / $121.30

Best Bet: SAMMY THE BULL N (6th)

Spot Play: MARTY MONKHOUSER A (3rd)


Race 1

(1) INTHEPERFECTSTORM was speed-tightened last out and now draws best for Allard in this questionable field; down the road. (4) ELECTRIC SHOOTER gets needed post relief and is more than capable with this type. (5) CLEM is a hanging type but he should make his presence felt here.

Race 2

(7) MILLBROOK HANOVER gets Dube in the bike for the Svanstedt barn, always a good angle. Trotter should be forwardly placed from this spot. (2) CURIKEE has been racing evenly out of town and gets a good post with Sears aboard. (6) CRAZIVILLE ships from Saratoga for connections who have done well here with trotters.

Race 3

(1) MARTY MONKHOUSER A won at Monticello in 1:54 4/5 in his first U.S. start then faltered after being used hard on the big track. This looks like a better spot for the recent import. (3) GIDDY UP DELIGHT has missed some time but is a big threat if ready. (7) TALKING BLUES debuts for Burke and has plenty of local experience.

Race 4

(2) BIG JER tired on the lead after setting a speedy pace in his local return and he should be on or near the lead again; pacer deserves another chance. (4) CODE WORD isn't what he used to be but he should still fit well here and this barn has been going well. (3) MARINER SEELSTER isn't a prolific winner but he can be used underneath.

Race 5

(1) CELEBRITY LAMPERT was a sharp winner from a similar spot four back and he gets needed post relief today. (4) HILLMAN is a obvious threat to take these the distance. (6) CREE picks up Brennan but the filly may need to show more to compete for top honors.

Race 6

(3) SAMMY THE BULL N missed a nose last out to a horse who would likely crush these. (4) TWIN B IMPRESSIVE has been off his game recently but a better effort puts him right into play. (1) TYE SEELSTER has been improved recently and draws best.

Race 7

(6) JAYPORT ALL MUSCLE has been right there in his last few starts since moving to the Robertson barn and from this midpack post he may have a clear path to the front. (10) APOSTLES CREED has been a big money-earner in these conditioned races but note he has come up just shy in his two added-distance events. (3) CAPT SERIOUS could be a closing threat from just off the pace.

Race 8

(3) FORTUNISTA makes her local return off a huge blowout score at Pocono and she's got plenty of back class. (6) SOUL TRAIN broke last out burning money; trotter is much better from off the pace and this added distance could benefit him. (9) HIDDEN IDENTITY has improved since adding the hobbles. (1) FASHION CHOCOLATE broke last out but his prior form puts him in the mix here.

Race 9

(6) ON THE PODIUM gets some needed class relief after facing some tough ones; veteran has plenty of back class to call upon and his best effort can take this. (10) MOVEMENT is a solid commodity at this level and has been a good second in her last two. (9) ROCKET MASTER has a live move and could be a closing threat at a price.

Race 10

(3) WESTERN CREDIT is still looking for his first seasonal win but he meets a very suspect field and this barn has been very live of late. (9) NEW YORK MUSCLE has proven to be competitive with this type in the past. (5) SIM BROWN has good speed and will be a player but it's tough to endorse him on top, especially at this added distance.

Race 11

(10) KEYSTONE COCOA picks up a big barn change in what seems like a private purchase and Sears gets in the bike; trotter is definitely worth a long look. (7) DATSYUK has banked almost 500K for Charlie Norris and he ships in picking up Dube in the sulky. (3) FOUR STARZ CREDIT probably needs a start but it's tough to ignore anything from this barn. (4) ALMAFI COAST is proven at this level and would be no surprise.

Race 12

(2) CHEYENNE JEFFREY should be close up throughout and may have the best finishing kick. (1) ELRAMA N drops and draws best in his second start off the Allard claim. (3) SKYFUL OF LIGHTERS was second best to a good winner last out.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Finger Lakes (1st) George's Folly, 7-2
(6th) Graphene Miracle, 4-1


Fort Erie (3rd) American Feminist, 7-2
(4th) Stony Hill, 4-1


Indiana Grand (4th) Justiceonthebeach, 3-1
(7th) Easy Attitude, 4-1


Mountaineer (1st) Cape Finisterre, 6-1
(9th) Induce, 3-1


Parx Racing (4th) James Lee, 3-1
(7th) Kodoula, 8-1


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Peasant, 6-1
(4th) D J Soul Sista, 6-1

 

[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: Upton belts 200th homer in Tigers win
The Sports Xchange

DETROIT -- Matt Boyd pitched six scoreless innings to collect his first victory this season and Justin Upton ripped his 200th career homer, lifting the Detroit Tigers past the Minnesota Twins 1-0 on Monday at Comerica Park.
Making his seventh start, Boyd (1-2) allowed only three hits and one walk while tying his career high with seven strikeouts. Boyd retired the last seven batters he faced and finished with a flourish in the sixth, striking out Miguel Sano and Brian Dozier after snaring a Joe Mauer line drive.
Upton's second-inning shot down the left-field line was all that Boyd and three Detroit relievers would need against the downtrodden Twins. Upton, who was stuck on 199 home runs since July 7, had two of Detroit's three hits. Francisco Rodriguez finished up to notch his 26th save.

Cubs 5, Mets 1
CHICAGO -- Jon Lester returned to late spring form while Anthony Rizzo clubbed his 22nd home run of the season as Chicago beat New York.
Lester (10-4) picked up his first victory since June 18 with an efficient 7 2/3-inning outing to open the three-game Wrigley Field series.
Cubs closer Hector Rondon faced one batter in the ninth to earn his 16th save as Travis d'Arnaud grounded into a game-ending double play.

Yankees 2, Orioles 1
NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez hit his first home run in a month, Ivan Nova pitched six effective innings and New York opened a four-game series against Baltimore with a victory.
Rodriguez started for the fourth straight game after ending the first half as a part-time player against left-handed pitching and homered in his first at-bat against Kevin Gauman (1-7). It was Rodriguez's first home run since June 18 in Minnesota and the 696th of his career.
The 40-year-old's ninth home run came after Ivan Nova (7-5) left the bases loaded in the first and stranded the leadoff hitter in the second. Nova allowed one run and four hits after struggling through the early portions of the game but gave the Yankees six innings for the first time in six starts.

Marlins 3, Phillies 2
PHILADELPHIA -- Martin Prado led off the top of the 11th inning with a home run as Miami beat Philadelphia.
The Marlins, who scored twice in the ninth off Phillies closer Jeanmar Gomez to tie it, won for the sixth time in seven games.
Tommy Joseph homered for the Phillies, who lost for the third time in four games.

Reds 8, Braves 2
CINCINNATI -- Joey Votto and Eugenio Suarez each hit two-run homers, and Zack Cozart added a solo shot, lifting Cincinnati to a victory over Atlanta in the opener of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.
The Braves fell to 19-31 all-time at Great American Ball Park while falling for the fifth time in their past six there.
Billy Hamilton, who scored the winning run on a passed ball in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday, caused havoc on the basepaths again Monday. The Reds center fielder singled three times, stole three bases (giving him 27 thefts on the season) and scored twice.

Cardinals 10, Padres 2
ST. LOUIS -- A close game through 5 1/2 innings turned into a blowout in an instant. Scoring four runs in the sixth and three more in the seventh, St. Louis routed San Diego at Busch Stadium.
The key hit occurred when pinch-hitter Matt Adams, who was batting for pinch-hitter Michael McKenry after San Diego removed starter Christian Friedrich for Carlos Villanueva, lined a 3-2 pitch up the gap in left-center, scoring Jedd Gyorko and Greg Garcia for a 4-1 lead.
Aledmys Diaz followed with a two-out RBI triple and Stephen Piscotty tacked on a run-scoring single to make it 6-1. Randal Grichuk and Gyorko belted back-to-back homers in the seventh for a 9-2 advantage and Piscotty capped the scoring in the eighth with a 439-foot homer to the third deck in left field.

Rockies 7, Rays 4
DENVER -- Manager Walt Weiss was pleased when Colorado beat Tampa Bay, as relievers Adam Ottavino in the seventh and Jason Motte in the eighth stranded the tying run at third base.
The Rockies, who are on the fringe of the National League wild-card race, have won three of four and the Rays have lost three of four since the All-Star break. The downtrodden Rays fell for the 25th time in 29 games.
The Rockies play seven games this week at Coors Field, against the Rays and lowly Atlanta Braves, before their schedule gets very challenging. A seven-game trip to face the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets after this homestand starts a stretch in which 29 of the Rockies' 35 games will be against teams with winning records.

Mariners 4, White Sox 3
SEATTLE -- Adam Lind spoiled Chicago starter Chris Sale's latest gem with a three-run, walk-off home run off White Sox closer David Robertson in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Seattle a win.
Sale threw eight shutout innings and the White Sox bats finally came alive, but it wasn't enough on a night when Seattle scored four runs with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
After Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager drove in Seattle's first run of the game with a two-out RBI single off Robertson, Lind came on to pinch-hit and delivered his second walk-off homer of the season. He hit an 0-1 pitch from Robertson (0-2) into the right-field seats to spoil Sale's bid to become the first 15-game winner in the majors this season.

Royals 7, Indians 3
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Christian Colon tied the game with an eighth-inning, pinch-hit double, and Jarrod Dyson capped off the seven-run frame with a grand slam as Kansas City topped Cleveland.
The Indians took a 2-0 lead into the eighth, but starter Corey Kluber left before the inning began due to a right leg cramp.
Cleveland relievers Bryan Shaw (1-4) and Jeff Manship promptly surrendered seven runs as the Royals sent 10 men to the plate.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Graveman pitches Athletics to win over Astros
By Eric Gilmore, The Sports Xchange

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Houston Astros had to know what was coming when Oakland A's right-hander Kendall Graveman took the mound Monday night at the Oakland Coliseum.
Nine days earlier in his previous start, Graveman challenged the Astros with a heavy dose of mid-90s sinkerballs and held them to two runs over eight innings in a 3-2 A's victory in Houston.
Graveman followed the same game plan Monday and extended his winning streak to a career-high five games with a 7-4 victory against the Astros.
Graveman (6-6) allowed three runs -- only two of them earned -- struck out five, walked one and threw a career-high 112 pitches. He went 1-6 with a 5.36 ERA over his first nine starts before going 5-0 with a 3.29 ERA in his past nine.
What's been the difference?
"Confidence in the sinker," Graveman said. "I think you can tell that, everybody can tell, 'Hey, he's going to throw the sinker, he's going to throw it on both sides of the plate.' And confidence in it means I'm locating it better.
"I think that's been the biggest key right now. I'm locating the sinker. It has a little more velocity and it still has good movement. I think that's been able to get me deep in ballgames, early outs and get double plays when I needs to."
Graveman had plenty of offensive support. Yonder Alonso drove in a season-high-tying three runs, while Khris Davis hit his 23rd home run of the season and fourth in four games.
Alonso went 2-for-4 with a two-run double and scored a run. Marcus Semien had two hits in three at-bats and scored twice. Stephen Vogt went 2-for-4 with a double and a run, and rookie Ryon Healy had an RBI double and scored a run.
Astros right-hander Mike Fiers (6-4) had his second straight rough start as his three-game winning streak ended. He gave up six runs on five hits over 3 2/3 innings. Fiers struck out five, walked two and threw two wild pitches.
When he came out of the game Monday, an angry Fiers threw a fit in the dugout and had words with manager A.J. Hinch. Then in the top of the fifth, Carlos Gomez confronted Fiers in the dugout, as pitcher Doug Fister stepped in between them.
"Being a competitive person out there I want to stay in the game as long as I can," Fiers said. "He just had to do his job and I wasn't doing mine so he had to take me out, and I'm never going to be happy with being taken out of a game, so we had a couple words here and there, but we smoothed it over."
Fiers said Gomez took exception to his outburst in the dugout.
"He's one of the leaders of the team," Fiers said. "He doesn't want to see that. I can't show that much emotion in the dugout, so he was just letting me know that if I had to say something or act, take it inside and do it without anybody watching, which he's right. I think my emotions got the best of me."
Marwin Gonzalez hit a solo home run in the fifth inning for the Astros. Carlos Correa doubled twice, drove in a run and scored once. Jose Altuve went 2-for-4 and scored a run in the eighth, after Graveman was gone.
"We were trying to get the fastball up," Hinch said. "He's got a good arm and for whatever reason he's got a little bit of our kryptonite. He's done a good job against us of moving pitches around. He's got a lot of movement on his pitches and he attacks out strike zone and gets us in swing mode. We pound the ball into the ground quite a bit."
A's right-hander Ryan Dull gave up two hits and a run in the eighth as his scoreless streak ended at 11 1/3 innings. Ryan Madson pitched a scoreless ninth for his 20th save.
Oakland trailed 2-1 entering the bottom of the fourth but scored five times to take a 6-2 lead. Vogt doubled to left with two outs and nobody on then moved to third on a wild pitch. Semien walked and stole second. Alonso brought them both home with a single to center and scored on Ryon Healy's double to right-center.
After Fiers walked Coco Crisp, right-hander Michael Feliz walked Jed Lowrie, loading the bases. Feliz then walked Josh Reddick and Danny Valenzuela, forcing in two runs.
"Making them throw strikes is important and not chasing as hitters," Davis said. "When we chase, usually good things don't happen, but those walks just turn the lineup over and get us more opportunities to get runs in."
NOTES: LHP Dillon Overton will be recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Tuesday and start for Oakland against the Astros. Overton went 1-1 with an 11.42 ERA in his first two major league starts in June. He is 10-4 in Triple-A. ... A's RHP Andrew Triggs, who was hit by a line drive in his left calf against Toronto on Sunday, was not available to pitch Monday. Triggs had his injured calf wrapped and was limping in the clubhouse. The A's will need to make a corresponding move Tuesday when Overton is activated, and Triggs is an obvious candidate for the DL. ... Astros 2B Jose Altuve played in his 183rd consecutive game, the longest current streak in the major leagues.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

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

Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: July 18, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PHILADELPHIA -- The Miami Marlins recorded an uplifting victory Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies, but manager Don Mattingly was not about to get too carried away afterward.
They beat the Phillies 3-2 on Martin Prado's leadoff homer off reliever Brett Oberholtzer in the 11th inning, after tying the game with two runs off Philadelphia closer Jeanmar Gomez in the ninth.
The Marlins had been 0-40 this season when trailing after eight innings, so Prado was moved to call the victory "significant."
Teammate Christian Yelich, who had an RBI double in the ninth, did not disagree.
"You kind of feel like you stole that one," he said.
The victory was the sixth in seven games for the Marlins (50-42), who hold a one-game lead over the New York Mets in the battle for the National League's second wild-card berth.
"Obviously," Mattingly said, "these guys are playing until that last out."
At the same time, he did not wish to attach as much importance to Monday's result as Prado did.
"To be able to win some important games is good for the club, because you keep sustaining, but then tomorrow's another day," Mattingly said. "Three days from now if you lose three in a row, this win means nothing."
The Marlins will try to keep the ball rolling in the second game of a four-game series Tuesday night, when they send young right-hander Jose Urena to the mound against Vince Velasquez (8-2, 3.32).
Urena was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans after Monday's game. He went 1-1 with a 7.52 ERA in 16 relief appearances for the Marlins earlier this season, and was 1-3 with a 3.99 in 10 minor league starts. He has fashioned a 2.25 ERA in four career relief appearances against the Phillies.
Velasquez has won his last three starts, beating Colorado 5-3 his last time out. He went six innings in that one, allowing two runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking two.
"I'll take it," he said when asked about the first half of the season after that game, according to Major League Baseball's official web site. "Everyone has their ups and downs. You're not going to be perfect all the way through."
The 24-year-old Velasquez started off the season strong, then went on the disabled list in June with right biceps tendinitis. He has not gone more than six innings in the three starts he has made since returning, as the Phillies continue in their attempts to rebuild their rotation with young pitchers.
One of them, 23-year-old Aaron Nola, made his first start since July 2 Monday, throwing six shutout innings before departing. He had been held out in an attempt to regain his form after a five-start stretch in which he went 0-4 with a 13.50 ERA.
Manager Pete Mackanin called Monday's start "very encouraging," but was less enthused about an offense that produced four hits and struck out 16 times, 14 of those coming against Miami All-Star Jose Fernandez.
"I don't care who is pitching," he said. "That's too many."
The Phillies, who entered Monday's games with a major league-worst .222 batting average at home, also managed just a single hit against the New York Mets' Jacob deGrom in a 5-0 loss Sunday.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Brewers at Pirates

Game: 1
Date: July 19, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

PITTSBURGH -- The Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates will get a heavy dose of each other the rest of the way, starting Tuesday when the National League Central teams face off in PNC Park.
The clubs have met just three times this season, with Pittsburgh taking two of three in a home series April 15-17. Tuesday's game will be the first of 16 remaining games between them.
"We definitely have a lot of Pirates and Cubs in the second half," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "Division games in general, there are less unknowns. There is familiarity. It really becomes more of a game between the hitter and pitcher. It becomes more of a cat-and-mouse game."
Both clubs had Monday off and are coming off of one-run games Sunday, but the results were strikingly different.
Pittsburgh recorded a stamina-testing, character-defining 2-1 win at Washington on Starling Marte's 18th-inning home run. The Pirates blew a 1-0 lead when they were a strike away from a win in the ninth.
"I love the grit of our club," Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said. "I don't know if a game like this builds character, but it reveals character."
The Pirates can only hope that character translates to more offense as they open an eight-game homestand. In their three games at Washington -- counting innings, the equivalent of four games -- they managed just three runs.
Milwaukee, by comparison, scored 13 runs in its weekend series at Cincinnati. The problem was, they all came in the first two games. On Sunday, the Brewers lost a heartbreaking 1-0 game with the winning run coming on a walk-off passed ball by catcher Jonathan Lucroy with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
That ending might have masked the fact that Milwaukee's offense suddenly dried up.
"Offensively, we had six baserunners (total)," Counsell said. "We didn't really have a rally. Six baserunners. It's tough to score right there."
On Tuesday, Milwaukee right-hander Chase Anderson (4-10, 5.44 ERA) and Pittsburgh rookie right-hander Jameson Taillon (2-1, 3.86 ERA) will each be starting for the first time since the All-Star break.
For Anderson, it will be his third start since the Brewers skipped his spot in the rotation in late June.
"We put together a plan where Chase would be the guy that gets a break," Counsell said at that time. "We decided he was a good guy to get a break."
Anderson understood.
"They're looking out for my career," he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel then. "I appreciate that."
Unfortunately for him and the Brewers, it hasn't seemed to help.
Anderson's last start, July 9 against the Cardinals, continued a trend he no doubt would like to end. He gave up two runs on four hits over four innings in an 8-1 loss. He struck out five, but he also walked a career-high five and gave up a home run.
Anderson is 0-4 with a 9.61 ERA over his past five starts, none of them quality starts, and he is averaging just five innings per start.
Anderson has not faced the Pirates in his first season with the Brewers, but he is 0-1 with a 5.65 ERA in three career starts against Pittsburgh.
Taillon, meanwhile, will come off of the disabled list to start Tuesday, marking a change that was announced Sunday. Originally, Jeff Locke was scheduled to start, but Locke will now go on Wednesday.
Taillon, who will face Milwaukee for the first time, could be stepping into a regular role in the five-man rotation. He has been out since June 30 due to right shoulder fatigue.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Dodgers at Nationals

Game: 1
Date: July 19, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

WASHINGTON -- It will be a contrast in starting pitchers when the Los Angeles Dodgers begin a three-game series against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday.
Veteran lefty Scott Kazmir (7-3, 4.52) is scheduled to make the start for the Dodgers while hard-throwing Reynaldo Lopez, who appeared in the Futures Game in San Diego, is slated to make his big league debut for the Nationals.
Lopez, 22, will take the spot in the rotation of Joe Ross, who has been on the disabled list since July 3 with right shoulder inflammation. The Nationals bypassed Lucas Giolito, who made his big league debut June 28 against the New York Mets, in order to give Lopez a shot.
"Reynaldo's physical, mental and emotional development has been very impressive this year and we are excited about the strides he's made in all areas," according to Mark Scialabba, the director of player development for the Nationals.
Lopez began the season at Double-A Harrisburg before he was promoted to Triple-A Syracuse, where he has made two starts. He is 4-5 with a 3.19 ERA in 16 minor league starts this year.
"The improved feel and action on both his changeup and curveball have added more swings and misses to an already impressive arsenal," Scialabba said.
Washington manager Dusty Baker said Sunday that lefty reliever Sammy Solis will go on the disabled list with right knee soreness to clear a roster spot for Lopez.
He added that the Nationals decided to go with Lopez over Giolito, who is slated to pitch Tuesday for Syracuse, so Giolito can work on his breaking ball and command in the minors.
He will face a Dodgers team that is 52-42 and is 5 1/2 games back of the first-place San Francisco Giants in the National League West.
Washington (56-37) was six games ahead of the New York Mets and Miami Marlins in the National League East going into play Monday. The Nationals were off Monday while the Mets and Marlins had games against the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies, respectively.
The last time the two faced off in late June, the Dodgers swept the Nationals in a three game series in Los Angeles. Kazmir, who has been in the majors since 2004, spent a great deal of time in the American League, thus he has limited exposure to the Nationals.
Kazmir holds a 1-0 record and an ERA of 4.14 over three career starts against Washington in his career.
Washington left fielder Jayson Werth is hitting .714 with one home run in seven at-bats against Kazmir.
Bryce Harper also has a home run against the lefty in three at-bats, and Danny Espinosa has a homer in five at-bats against Kazmir.
The Nationals hope that infielder Daniel Murphy returns to the lineup Tuesday. He has not started the last three games due to a hamstring injury. He did hit a pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth Sunday to tie the game at 1-1 while the Nationals lost 2-1 in 18 innings to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Washington also hopes Anthony Rendon, who had the flu and missed the game Sunday, can start at third base against the Dodgers.
The Dodgers hope to get back outfielder Joc Pederson, who has been on the disabled list with a right shoulder separation.
And of course star lefty Clayton Kershaw is still on the disabled list for the Dodgers.
"Clayton doesn't pitch every day," manager Dave Roberts told MLB.com after the Dodgers lost Sunday to Arizona. "Even without Clayton, we're good enough to win baseball games. We're 11-6 since he's been gone. With or without Clayton, we have to continue to get better.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Preview: Mets (49-43) at Cubs (56-36)

Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 19, 2016 7:05 PM EDT

CHICAGO -- The New York Mets didn't bring outfielder Michael Conforto back up to ride the bench but exactly where the New York outfielder will play is still up for grabs.
Left field is a possible spot, but the Mets won't rule out center as this week's series with the Chicago Cubs continues at Wrigley Field. But wherever he lands, he's expected to be in the lineup.
"If you're Michael Conforto and you're sitting on the bench in the big leagues, that's not how you develop players, so he'll play," said Mets manager Terry Collins. "We need him to hit, and we need him to hit a lot."
Conforto was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas, where he hit .344 with 15 runs scored, four doubles, two triples, three homers and 15 RBIs in 16 games.
"They (the Las Vegas staff) told me they thought he was ready," Collins said. "The goal was to get him to swing back on plane and stay to the baseball a little bit better and get away from the pull mode. They say he was swinging great, so the powers that be said it was time."
He started the season with the Mets and hit .222 with 10 homers and 65 RBIs before being optioned to Las Vegas on June 25.
In a corresponding move, the Mets optioned Brandon Nimmo to Las Vegas.
Conforto entered Monday's game as a ninth-inning pinch hitter and singled to left as he beat a Cubs shift that left the left side of the infield open.
A lengthy All-Star game break was apparently beneficial for Tuesday's scheduled starter Noah Syndergaard (9-4, 2.56 ERA). He feeling better after suffering arm fatigue in the fifth inning of his last start on July 8.
"The last couple of days he feels fine," Collins said. "The rest has been good for him."
Syndergaard goes up against Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta, the 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner who has struggled with three losses in his last four starts. He's had 10 days between starts -- a break built around the All Star game -- and feels rested.
Mets right-hander Matt Harvey is officially gone for the season, but his 2017 prospects improved on Monday after undergoing successful surgery in St. Louis to treat a thoracic outlet syndrome injury. The surgery involved removal of a rib to ease pressure in his pitching arm.
The nerve condition affects shoulders, the neck, arms and hands and caused numbness and discomfort in Harvey's right arm.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he places no special emphasis on this series, despite a four-game Mets sweep in last year's National League Championship Series and the more recent four straight New York victories at Citi Field.
The Cubs swept all seven regular-season games from the Mets in 2015.
"You don't want to apply any more weight to any particular game," Maddon said. "The concept that I always try build from spring training is I want to play the same game on March 15 as we did on June 15 as we did on Oct. 15. I never want us to ever work with that dimmer switch, definitely not with an on-off switch.
"You never want to raise and lower based on competition. Every game counts."
The series concludes with a Wednesday day game as New York sends right-hander Bartolo Colon (8-4, 3.11) against Cubs righty Kyle Hendricks (8-6, 2.41).