MLB Betting News and Trends For Monday 7/23/18

National League
Dodgers (55-44) @ Phillies (55-43)
Stripling is 2-0, 2.35 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 9-5, 4-3 away
5-inning record: 9-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-14

Eflin is 6-0, 2.32 in his last seven starts (under 6-1). Team in his starts: 8-4, 4-1 home
5-inning record: 8-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12

Dodgers won six of their last eight games; they’re 7-1 in last eight road series openers. Over is 4-1 in their last five games. Phillies won six of their last seven home games; they’re 11-5 in home series openers. Over is 3-1 in their last four games.

Cardinals (50-49) @ Reds (43-56)
Poncedeleon is making his MLB debut; he is 9-3, 2.15 in 17 AAA starts this season. Team in his starts: 0-0, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Castillo is 0-0, 5.03 in his last four starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-10, 5-3 home.
5-inning record: 9-11. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Cardinals lost six of their last nine games; they’re 8-8 in road series openers. Last eight St Louis games went over. Cincinnati lost its last four games; they’re 7-9 in home series openers. Over is 10-2 in their last dozen home games.

Braves (53-43) @ Marlins (43-58)
Newcomb is 0-3, 9.75 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-10, 6-5 away
5-inning record: 10-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Urena is 1-1, 3.81 in his last five starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-14, 3-9 home (won last three hone starts).
5-inning record: 7-9-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-19

Braves are 4-9 in their last 13 games, 10-8 in road series openers. Over is 5-1 in their last six road games. Miami won four of its last five games; they’re 6-1 in last seven home series openers, 10-16 vs lefty starters. Over is 3-1 in their last four games.

Padres (41-61) @ Mets (40-56)
Lauer 2-0, 2.16 in his last three road starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight starts overall. Team in his starts: 5-11, 2-6 away.
5-inning record: 7-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

deGrom is 0-2, 2.25 in his last four starts; under is 12-3 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 8-11, 4-6 home
5-inning record: 10-3-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-19

San Diego lost seven of its last eight games; they’re 2-22 in last 24 series openers. Over is 5-1 in their last six games. Mets are 4-3 in their last seven games, 2-6 in last eight home series openers- they’re 9-15 vs lefty starters. Over is 3-1 in their last four games.

Diamondbacks (54-46) @ Cubs (58-40)
Corbin is 0-2, 3.32 in his last six starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 10-10, 5-4 away.
5-inning record: 8-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

Farrell allowed three runs in 2.2 IP in his only ’18 start (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Arizona lost three of its last four games; they’re 12-4 in road series openers. Under is 9-1-1 in their last 11 road games. Cubs won six of their last eight games; they’re 17-6 vs lefty starters- 9-5 in last 14 home series openers. Chicago’s last nine games went over.

Nationals (49-49) @ Brewers (56-45)
Gonzalez is 0-4, 6.67 in his last six starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 10-9, 4-6 road (lost last 4 road starts)
5-inning record: 8-5-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-19

Chacin is 2-0, 3.52 in his last four starts; his last five went over. Team in his starts: 14-7, 6-2 home.
5-inning record: 10-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Nationals are 4-6 in their last ten games; they’re 2-5 in last seven road series openers. Over is 3-1 in their last four games. Milwaukee lost eight of its last nine games; they’re 11-11 vs lefty starters- 9-4 in last 13 home series openers. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

American League
Red Sox (70-31) @ Orioles (28-72)
Porcello is 2-1, 7.40 in his last four starts; over is 10-3 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 13-7, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 13-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Gausman is 1-1, 3.90 in his last five starts; under is 4-1-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 5-14, 4-7 home
5-inning record: 7-8-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Red Sox are 14-2 in their last 16 games; they’re 9-8 in road series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five games. Baltimore is 5-20 in its last 25 games; they’re 5-11 in home series openers. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five home games.

Twins (44-53) @ Blue Jays (46-52)
Mejia allowed four runs in four IP (79 PT) in his first ’18 start (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Santos is making his first MLB start; he is 0-1, 4.38 in 15 MLB relief stints, five this year. He is 2-2, 2.52 in 17 AAA games this year (2 starts, 39.1 IP). Team in his starts: 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Twins lost its last nine road games; they’re 4-12 in road series openers. Under is 4-1 in their last five road games. Toronto won its last three games; they’re 11-6 in home series openers, 11-24 vs lefty starters. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games.

New York (63-34) @ Tampa Bay (50-49)
Severino is 5-0, 2.41 in his last six starts, 2-0, 1.15 vs Tampa Bay this year. His last three starts all went over. Team in his starts: 18-2, 8-2 away
5-inning record: 15-2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-20

Bullpen game for the Rays. Team in his starts: home.
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

New York split its last ten games; they’re 10-7 in road series openers. Over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Tampa Bay lost five of its last seven games; they’re 9-6 in home series openers. Over is 5-1 in their last six games.

A’s (57-43) @ Rangers (42-58)
Anderson is 1-2, 6.84 in four starts this year (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 4-2, 4-1 away
5-inning record: 1-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Hamels is 1-2, 13.50 in his last three starts; under is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-12, 2-7 home
5-inning record: 5-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-19

A’s are 17-5 in their last 22 games, 10-4 in last 14 road series openers, 16-17 vs lefty starters. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Texas lost seven of its last nine games; they’re 5-11 in home series openers, 12-17 vs lefty starters. Three of their last four games went over.

Tigers (42-59) @ Royals (30-68)
Liriano is 0-4, 7.52 in his last six starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight road starts. Team in his starts: 5-10, 2-8 away
5-inning record: 6-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Fillmyer allowed four runs in 4.1 IP (73 PT) in his first ’18 start (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 home
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Detroit lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 4-13 in road series openers. Under is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Royals won four of their last five games; they’re 5-12 in home series openers, 13-18 vs lefty starters. Over is 10-5 in their last 15 games.

White Sox (34-64) @ Angels (50-50)
Giolito is 1-1, 3.60 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-11, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 5-12-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-19

Barria is 0-5, 5.16 in his last six starts; Angels scored 11 runs in those six games, last four of which stayed under. Team in his starts: 5-8, 2-5 home.
5-inning record: 6-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

White Sox are 3-13 in their last 16 road games, 3-14 in road series openers. Under is 3-1 in their last four road games. Angels are 8-10 in their last 18 games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 home games.

Interleague
Pirates (51-49) @ Indians (54-44)
Williams is 1-3, 6.00 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-10, 3-5 away
5-inning record: 6-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Kluber is 1-2, 6.14 in his last four starts; over is 14-2 in his last 16. Team in his starts: 12-8, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 14-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Pirates won their last nine games; they’re 7-8 in road series openers. Over is 12-3 in their last 15 road games. Cleveland won three of its last four games; they’re 8-9 in home series openers. Over is 10-4 in their last 14 home games.

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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Los Angeles Dodgers (55-44) got the better of the Philadelphia Phillies (55-43) in the Manny Machado Sweepstakes and will look to showcase their shiny new toy on Monday in the opener of a three-game road series at Citizens Bank Park. Machado has paid immediate dividends for Los Angeles, going 5-for-13 since being acquired from Baltimore while extending his on-base streak to a career high-tying 22 contests.

"You throw a guy like that in our lineup that is already dangerous, and it makes it even worse for the other team," said Matt Kemp, who homered twice in Sunday's 11-2 romp over Milwaukee. The 33-year-old Kemp, who is 11-for-31 with six runs scored in his last eight games, has gone deep on two occasions in just five at-bats versus Monday starter Zach Eflin. While National League West-leading Los Angeles has won six of eight, Philadelphia has emerged victorious in 12 of 18 to sit atop the NL East. Home Run Derby participant Rhys Hoskins went deep in both games of Sunday's doubleheader against San Diego after being held in the park since homering in three straight games in late June.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Ross Stripling (8-2, 2.08 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (7-2, 3.15)

Stripling scattered six hits over six scoreless innings in a 3-2 triumph over San Diego on July 12 to win his second straight start heading into his first career All-Star appearance. The 28-year-old owns a 4-2 mark with a stingy 1.81 ERA on the road while limiting the opposition to a .235 batting average. Aaron Altherr has homered among his three hits in six at-bats versus Stripling, although Odubel Herrera and Cesar Hernandez are a combined 0-for-9 versus the hurler.

Eflin posted a 6-0 mark with a 2.32 ERA in his last seven starts before missing his scheduled turn in the rotation due to a blister on his pitching hand. The 24-year-old is slated to come off the disabled list prior to Monday's contest versus Los Angeles, against which suffered his last loss on May 30 as he was blitzed for five runs in four innings of an 8-2 setback. Max Muncy joined Kemp in going deep versus the hurler in that encounter, dropping Eflin to 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA in three career starts against the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles 2B Chase Utley likely will receive a hero's welcome on Friday when the soon-to-be retiring star returns to Philadelphia, with which he spent parts of 13 seasons.

2. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana, who had an RBI single in Sunday's nightcap, went 5-for-15 versus the Dodgers earlier this season.

3. Los Angeles 3B Justin Turner is nursing a groin injury and likely will be re-evaluated prior to Monday's series opener.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 3, Phillies 2
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Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Boston Red Sox's powerful offense woke up in the finale of their first series after the All-Star break and look to carry that over when they visit the Baltimore Orioles on Monday to open a three-game set between the major league's best and worst teams. The Red Sox managed one run while splitting the first two games of the series before routing Detroit 9-1 on Sunday improve their record to 70-31.

Boston left 19 on base during the first two games in Detroit but went 3-for-6 with runners in scoring position Sunday and Jackie Bradley Jr. launched a three-run homer as the Red Sox improved to 14-2 in their last 16. Rick Porcello, who beat Baltimore with six innings of three-run ball on May 19, gets the start in the opener for Boston, while fellow right-hander Kevin Gausman goes for the Orioles. Baltimore coughed up a three-run lead in the eighth inning and dropped a 5-4 decision at Toronto on Sunday for its third loss in a row and 20th in its last 25 outings to plummet to the bottom of the majors with a 28-72 record. Jonathan Schoop has warmed up of late for the Orioles, going 8-for-26 with a pair of homers during a six-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to .231.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (11-4, 4.13 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (4-7, 4.33)

Porcello hopes to rebound from his worst outing of the season in his last start before the break, allowing eight runs and seven hits over two innings in a loss to Toronto on July 13. The New Jersey native gave up five runs across 13 innings to win his first two starts of July while combining for 14 strikeouts. Mark Trumbo is 11-for-37 with four homers versus Porcello, who is 5-11 with a 4.86 ERA in 19 career starts against the Orioles.

Gausman has managed just one victory since May 11 but boasts five quality starts in 11 outings during that stretch. The 27-year-old LSU product, who started July with a win against the Los Angeles Angels, gave up five runs on a season-high 12 hits last time out on July 12 in a 5-4 loss to Philadelphia. Mookie Betts is 15-for-32 with three homers against Gausman, who is 4-7 with a 4.25 ERA in 19 appearances (14 starts) versus Boston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Betts has hit safely in 14 of his last 16 games and leads the majors with a .352 batting average.

2. Baltimore CF Adam Jones was rested Sunday after hitting safely in three straight games with five hits and four RBIs.

3. The Red Sox have won nine of 10 meetings with the Orioles this season, including a three-game sweep at Baltimore last month.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Orioles 4
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Minnesota Twins vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Toronto Blue Jays have a long way to go before getting back into playoff contention, but they can be a pest in the final two months of the season - especially on their home field. The Blue Jays go for their 16th win in 22 contests at Rogers Centre on Monday night to open a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins, who were cooled off when they got swept over the weekend.

Toronto rallied late on Sunday for a 5-4 victory to complete a three-game sweep of major league-worst Baltimore as Yangervis Solarte broke out of a slump with a two-run homer and an RBI double. Outfielder Randal Grichuk is 7-of-20 over his last five games for Toronto (46-52), which won two of three contests at Minnesota (44-53) from April 30-May 2. The Twins were rolling before the All-Star break with nine wins in 11 contests to pull within 7 1/2 games of first-place Cleveland in the American League Central but lost all three at last-place Kansas City after the Midsummer Classic. Minnesota managed just three hits in the 5-3 loss to the Royals on Sunday and Eddie Rosario went 0-for-3 to end his nine-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), TVA Sports, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Adalberto Mejia (0-0, 9.00 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Luis Santos (0-0, 7.88)

Mejia returns to the Twins for his second start of 2018 after spending most of the season with Triple-A Rochester. The 25-year-old Dominican, who went 4-7 with a 4.50 ERA in 21 starts last year, gave up four runs and six hits over four innings in a no-decision June 30 against the Chicago Cubs. Mejia is 5-3 with a 3.32 ERA in 14 appearances (11 starts) with Rochester in 2018 and lost his only career start against Toronto last year.

With Blue Jays opting to send Marco Estrada for a rehab outing instead, Santos is expected to make the first start of his major-league career after 15 relief appearances. The 27-year-old Dominican has allowed one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings across his last four outings after getting pounded in his 2018 debut. Santos, who owns 25 strikeouts in 24 2/3 major-league innings, gave up one run and took one loss in two appearances spanning 2 2/3 innings against the Twins in 2017.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota RHP Fernando Rodney needs one save to break the tie with Jose Mesa (321) for 19th on the majors' all-time list.

2. Toronto 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is 11-for-21 during a five-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to .281.

3. Twins 1B/DH Logan Morrison (hip) went 0-for-3 with an RBI on Sunday in his return from the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Blue Jays 5
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Atlanta Braves vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Atlanta Braves have played well against National League East foes this season as they contend for the division title and look to continue their good work inside the division Monday when they open a two-game series at the Miami Marlins. Atlanta split a rain-shortened two-game series over the weekend in Washington, enduring two long rain delays in Sunday's 6-2 defeat that dropped the Braves mark in division play to 28-15, one season after they finished 33-43 against East competition.

Atlanta right fielder Nick Markakis extended his hitting streak to 10 games in Sunday's defeat, while struggling center fielder Ender Inciarte snapped a 1-for-25 slid with three hits. Miami sat on the brink of its first series sweep of the season Sunday at Tampa Bay, only to see it unravel in a five-run ninth inning as the Marlins fell 6-4. Closer Kyle Barraclough threw 40 pitches in allowing five runs in the ninth, including a walk-off grand slam, and likely will not be available for the series opener. Third baseman Martin Prado has flourished in 12 games since returning from the disabled list, hitting .333 with five multi-hit games after going 2-for-4 on Sunday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (8-5, 3.51 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (2-9, 4.39)

Newcomb stumbled into the All-Star break by losing each of his last three outings, posting a 9.75 ERA with 12 walks and four homers allowed in 12 innings. The 25-year-old, whose scheduled start Saturday at Washington was postponed by rain, had pitched himself into consideration for the NL All-Star team with a dominant May and June, during which he went 7-1 with a 2.07 ERA. Newcomb, who gave up three runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings in a July 14 loss to Arizona, is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA in two starts against Miami this season.

Urena has struggled one season after winning 14 games, losing his first seven decisions this season while allowing four earned runs or more eight times in 19 starts. The 26-year-old, who has yet to win a home start this season, ended the first half by allowing five runs with four walks over just four innings in a no-decision on July 15 against Philadelphia. Urena faced the Braves in back-to-back outings in mid-May, losing both while allowing seven runs on nine hits in 12 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marlins CF Cameron Maybin is hitting .315 with three homers while collecting at least one hit in 13 of his past 18 games.

2. The Braves stole six bases in the series to give them 57 on the season; Atlanta stole just 77 in 2017.

3. Atlanta leads the season series 5-2 and boasts a 38-20 record in Miami since 2012.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Marlins 2
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San Diego Padres vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

Two last-place teams square off when the New York Mets host the San Diego Padres on Monday for the opener of their three-game series. New York is looking to escape the basement in the National League East as it trails Miami by one-half game after having the finale of its Subway Series against the crosstown Yankees rained out on Sunday.

Michael Conforto has gone 3-for-7 with a home run and four RBIs in his last two games for the Mets, who have allowed at least five runs in each of their last three contests. San Diego halted its six-game losing streak with a 10-2 victory in the opener of Sunday's doubleheader at Philadelphia but was blanked 5-0 in the nightcap to fall 20 games under .500. The Padres, who firmly are entrenched in last place in the NL West, registered 15 hits and a trio of three-run innings in the win over the Phillies but were held to a pair of singles in the shutout loss. San Diego's Freddy Galvis was hitless in two at-bats in Sunday's second game after going 6-for-9 with four RBIs over the first two contests of the three-game series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Eric Lauer (5-6, 4.87 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-4, 1.68)

After coming within one out of his first complete game, Lauer lasted only two innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs on July 15 as he was tagged for five runs and five hits. The 23-year-old rookie from Ohio had been pitching well overall of late, allowing one run in four of his previous five turns, but has been hit hard in two of his last three at home. Lauer will be facing New York for the first time as he makes his 17th major-league start.

DeGrom, who leads the major leagues in ERA, could be even more difficult to face as he has received an extra day of rest after his scheduled start on Sunday was washed away. The 30-year-old Floridian is winless in his last four turns as he enters Monday on the heels of back-to-back no-decisions in which he allowed a total of one run over 16 innings. DeGrom improved to 3-1 with a 1.53 ERA in five career starts against the Padres when he scattered five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless frames at San Diego on April 27.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard, who returned from a finger injury on July 13, is headed back to the disabled list with hand, foot and mouth disease while RHP Corey Oswalt is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas to start on Wednesday.

2. San Diego recalled INF Cory Spangenberg from Triple-A El Paso prior to Sunday's twinbill and optioned C Raffy Lopez to the Chihuahuas.

3. New York recalled Paul Sewald from Las Vegas on Sunday to replace fellow RHP Jeurys Familia, who was traded to Oakland a day earlier.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Padres 1
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Pittsburgh Pirates look to register a double-digit winning streak for the first time since 2004 when they visit the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians on Monday for the opener of their three-game interleague series. The Pirates have produced 40 runs over their last five contests and moved two games over .500 (51-49) for the first time since June 2 with their ninth straight win, a 9-2 triumph at Cincinnati on Sunday.

Starling Marte has recorded six home runs and 15 RBIs during his career-high 15-game hitting streak for Pittsburgh and Corey Dickerson has homered in four consecutive contests, going 10-for-21 with five blasts and seven RBIs in the process. The Pirates will test their red-hot offense when they face two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber in the series opener on Monday. The Indians (54-44) scored a total of 25 runs in their first two contests after the All-Star break but were shut out 5-0 by veteran Yovani Gallardo and three relievers on Sunday to keep their division lead at 9 1/2 games. Major League home run leader Jose Ramirez (30) went 15-for-31 with six blasts and 13 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak that came to an end on Sunday, when he walked twice and was hit by a pitch while flying out in his only official at-bat.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (7-7, 4.36 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (12-5, 2.76)

Williams snapped his three-start losing streak in his last outing on July 11, limiting Washington to four hits and three walks over five scoreless innings in a 2-0 win. The 26-year-old Arizona State product had given up 12 runs over 13 frames while going 0-3 and was 2-6 in 12 turns before beating the Nationals. Williams will be making his first career appearance against the Indians but is 4-1 with a 2.05 ERA in seven interleague starts, including a 2-0 mark this year.

Kluber has been up and down in his last six outings, with three quality starts and three in which he allowed a total of 16 runs. The 32-year-old native of Alabama, who received an injection in his knee on July 13 that kept him out of the All-Star Game, permitted six runs and eight hits over 7 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees one day earlier. Dickerson is 4-for-12 versus Kluber, who will face the Pirates for the first time but is 13-6 with a 2.57 ERA in interleague play.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 1B-DH Edwin Encarnacion was rested on Sunday but is 6-for-13 with a home run and five RBIs in his last three contests.

2. Pittsburgh RF Gregory Polanco has collected four homers and seven RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak.

3. The Pirates last visited Cleveland in 2012 and took two of three at home in the most recent matchup between the teams in 2015.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Pirates 2
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New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Tampa Bay Rays look to continue their recent success in the season series when they host the American League East-rival New York Yankees on Monday for the opener of their three-game set. The Rays dropped their first five meetings with the Yankees this season, getting outscored 31-10 in the process, but have won four in a row - with the last three coming at home last month.

Tampa Bay has lost five of its last seven overall but comes into the series with some juice after Daniel Robertson's walk-off grand slam capped a five-run rally in the ninth inning of Sunday's 6-4 win over Miami. The Rays will begin the opener with reliever Hunter Wood on the mound while the Yankees counter with All-Star Luis Severino, who already has defeated Tampa Bay twice this season but is coming off a loss in his last outing. New York split a pair of interleague games with the crosstown Mets before Sunday's rubber match was rained out, dropping the club five games behind first-place Boston in the AL East. The Rays will have to contain Didi Gregorius, who is batting .406 with three homers and 11 RBIs against them this season and is 7-for-16 with five RBIs during his current four-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (14-2, 2.31 ERA) vs. Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-0, 2.70)

Severino saw his five-start winning streak come to end on July 12 against Cleveland but avoided a loss despite giving up four runs over five innings. The 24-year-old Dominican permitted six runs over 32 1/3 frames while winning five straight prior to that outing. Severino is 7-1 with a 2.38 ERA in 12 career appearances (eight starts) against the Rays after recording two wins this year in which he yielded two runs over 15 1/3 innings.

Wood, who pinch-ran for the Rays in the ninth inning on Sunday, likely will pitch one or two innings when he makes his second start of the season. The 24-year-old native of Arkansas worked one frame in his other turn on July 11 against Detroit, allowing two hits while registering a pair of strikeouts. Wood, who will face the Yankees for the first time in his career, has given up four runs and nine hits with 10 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings as a reliever.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York OF Giancarlo Stanton, who is batting .323 on the road as opposed to .228 at home, has hit three homers versus the Rays in 2018.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy (back), who is batting .314, returned to the lineup Sunday after missing two games and went 0-for-3.

3. Yankees OF Aaron Judge, who is 8-for-17 in his last four contests, has gone two games without a strikeout for the first time since a three-game stretch from June 9-12.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Rays 2
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The All-Star break came at the wrong time for the Cincinnati Reds, who haven't been able to maintain their hot streak after having four days off. The Reds will try to get their revival back on track when they host the struggling St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game series that begins Monday.

Cincinnati resides in last place in the National League Central but won nine of its last 14 contests before the break, including two of three in St. Louis to end the first half. The second half got off to a rough start for the Reds, however, as they were outscored 27-5 during a three-game sweep at the hands of Pittsburgh over the weekend. The Cardinals have lost six of their last nine games despite Matt Carpenter's torrid streak. Carpenter's stretch of six straight contests with a home run ended with a 1-for-4 showing in Sunday's 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Daniel Poncedeleon (ML debut) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (5-8, 5.49 ERA)

Poncedeleon is an incredible story, as he underwent brain surgery 14 months ago after being hit in the temple by a line drive but has dominated the Pacific Coast League this season. The 26-year-old is 9-3 with a 2.15 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 92 innings at Triple-A Memphis. He has worked 20 frames over his last three outings without allowing an earned run.

Castillo has endured a disappointing sophomore campaign, but the Reds have won four of his last five starts. The 25-year-old has recorded only one win during that stretch, but he held the Cardinals to two runs over five innings in a no-decision last time out and might have earned the win if his night hadn't been cut short by a two-hour rain delay. Castillo is 0-3 with a 5.24 ERA in four career starts against St. Louis.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals INF Yairo Munoz has gone 13-for-34 during his 10-game hitting streak.

2. Reds SS Jose Peraza is 17-for-31 during his eight-game hitting streak and has gone 32 plate appearances without a strikeout.

3. Carpenter has gone 12-for-24 with eight homers and 12 RBIs during his seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Reds 7, Cardinals 6
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Oakland Athletics vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Texas Rangers' pitching staff finally kept Cleveland in check in the finale of their three-game series after being battered for 25 runs over the first two contests. Texas hopes for another strong performance Monday as it begins a four-game home set against the American League West-rival Oakland Athletics.

Yovani Gallardo combined with three relievers on a five-hitter while Rougned Odor went 3-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs on Sunday as the Rangers recorded a 5-0 victory to end their four-game losing streak. It was the third consecutive multi-hit performance for Odor, who has gone 9-for-16 over his last four contests. Oakland is coming off its 11th win in 15 games, a 6-5 triumph over San Francisco in 10 innings on Sunday in which Khris Davis and Matt Olson each homered twice before Matt Chapman delivered a walk-off single. The hit by Chapman, who is 7-for-17 in his last four contests, made a winner of Jeurys Familia as the right-handed reliever worked two scoreless frames in his debut after being acquired from the New York Mets on Saturday.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Brett Anderson (1-2, 6.08 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Cole Hamels (5-8, 4.36)

Anderson lasted only 3 1/3 innings at San Francisco on July 14, but escaped with a no-decision as he limited the damage to three runs despite yielding eight hits. The 30-year-old Texan fared much better in his previous turn at Cleveland on July 8, notching the win after scattering three hits over five scoreless frames in his return from a shoulder injury that had shelved him since May 18. Anderson has struggled against Texas in his career, going 1-4 with a 6.02 ERA in eight starts and three relief appearances.

Hamels halted his personal two-start skid on July 13 as he registered the victory at Baltimore despite surrendering four runs and five hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old Californian has been hit hard over his last four turns, yielding 22 runs and 28 hits in only 17 frames. Hamels has posted a 3-4 record and 3.96 ERA in nine career starts against Oakland, including a 1-1 mark and 2.38 ERA this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers OF Joey Gallo exited Sunday's win with a slightly sprained left ankle, but is not expected to miss much - if any - time.

2. Oakland optioned LHP Jeremy Bleich to Triple-A Nashville on Sunday to make room on the roster for Familia.

3. Texas 3B Adrian Beltre is one homer away from tying Chipper Jones (468) for 33rd place on the all-time list.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Athletics 5
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon might have found a way to get slugging first baseman Anthony Rizzo going at the plate - put him in the leadoff spot. Rizzo hopes to continue his hot streak at the top of the batting order when the Cubs open their four-game series against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.

Rizzo had a disappointing first half at the plate, but he reached base in 17 of his 23 plate appearances while helping the Cubs take three of five from visiting St. Louis over the weekend. Chicago's lead in the National League Central is up to 3 1/2 games over Milwaukee. The Diamondbacks snapped their three-game skid with a 6-1 victory over visiting Colorado on Sunday, keeping them within 1 1/2 games of the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. The Cubs have won eight straight home series and 12 of their last 15 contests at Wrigley Field.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS Arizona, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (6-4, 3.24 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Luke Farrell (3-3, 3.86)

Corbin earned his second career All-Star selection but was winless in his last seven starts before the break. The 29-year-old registered three quality starts over that stretch, but Arizona scored fewer than three runs in four of his outings. Corbin is 4-1 with a 4.25 ERA in six career games (five starts) against the Cubs.

Farrell will make his third major-league start and second this season after allowing three runs over 2 2/3 innings in a loss at Cincinnati on June 23. The 27-year-old hasn't allowed a run in 5 1/3 frames over his last four relief appearances. Farrell went 0-2 with a 4.39 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Iowa this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rizzo is Chicago's first leadoff hitter to reach base at least four times in three consecutive games since Brian McRae in 1996.

2. Diamondbacks RF Steven Souza Jr. has gone 10-for-27 with four doubles and four RBIs in his last eight games to lift his average from .148 to .216.

3. Cubs C Willson Contreras has gone 15-for-33 while hitting safely in nine straight home contests.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Cubs 4
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Washington Nationals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

Bryce Harper followed his long-ball heroics in the Home Run Derby last week with another epic blast to help the Washington Nationals (49-49) move back to .500. The 2015 National League Most Valuable Player aims to flex his muscles once again on Monday when the Nationals begin a seven-game road trip with the first of three contests against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Adam Eaton recorded his third three-hit performance in eight outings in Sunday's 6-2 victory over Atlanta to raise his batting average from .292 to .328. Anthony Rendon has 10 RBIs and as many runs scored during his 10-game hitting streak for Washington, which has split its last eight contests to reside within earshot of first-place Philadelphia in the NL East. While the Nationals are staying afloat, the Brewers are taking on water as they fell for the eighth time in nine outings following Sunday's 11-2 setback to the Los Angeles Dodgers to drop 3 1/2 games behind the front-running Chicago Cubs in the NL Central. "We got our butts kicked today but it's one game. We'll come back tomorrow," Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell told reporters.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-6, 3.72 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (8-3, 3.68)

Gonzalez will be working on extra rest after Saturday's scheduled start fell through due to Mother Nature. The 32-year-old fell to 0-4 with a 6.51 ERA in last eight starts on July 11 despite allowing two runs in six innings of a 2-0 setback at Pittsburgh. While Gonzalez has flustered Ryan Braun (3-for-20, five strikeouts), Hernan Perez (5-for-13) has gotten his licks in to send the hurler to a 2-4 mark with a 4.93 ERA in nine career starts versus the Brewers.

Chacin surrendered Corey Dickerson's two-run homer as his only hit permitted over 5 1/3 innings of a no-decision at Pittsburgh on July 15. The home-run ball hasn't been an issue for the 30-year-old Venezuelan, who has been taken deep just five times in his last 19 outings. Ryan Zimmerman has homered twice among his six hits off Chacin while Matt Adams has also gone deep in the midst of a 4-for-9 run versus the hurler.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee 1B Jesus Aguilar is expected to return to the lineup after sitting out Sunday's game with a sore hamstring, Counsell told reporters.

2. Nationals LHP Sean Doolittle is expected to be sidelined a few more weeks after an MRI on his injured toe revealed a stress reaction.

3. Brewers RHP Junior Guerra (forearm) is scheduled to come off the 10-day disabled list to start Tuesday's game.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Nationals 3
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Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

The Kansas City Royals didn't do much in order to feel good about themselves over the first half of the season, but a favorable slate immediately following the All-Star break has them enjoying the second half so far. After completing their first series sweep of the year versus one of the two American League teams against which they own a winning record, the Royals face the other on Monday, when they host the Detroit Tigers for the opener of their three-game series.

Kansas City (30-68) dropped 13 of 15 leading into the All-Star break to fall 41 games below .500, but the team with the second-worst record in the AL handled Minnesota over the weekend for its first sweep since taking three in a row at Detroit last July. Drew Butera provided the highlight in Sunday's 5-3 victory with a three-run, inside-the-park homer in the seventh inning that broke open a tie game and sent the Royals to their third straight home win after they lost 15 of their previous 16 at home. Kansas City is 6-4 this season against Detroit, which fell to 0-7-2 over its last nine series after dropping the rubber match of its three-game set versus Boston on Sunday. The Tigers were limited to one run in each of their two losses in the series and have been held to fewer than three in six of their last eight contests.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (3-5, 4.67 ERA) vs. Royals RH Heath Fillmyer (0-1, 3.45)

Liriano was removed from his last start on July 15 at Houston for precautionary reasons due to lower back tightness after yielding one run on one hit and three walks in three innings. The 34-year-old Dominican, who has posted an 8.74 ERA in three turns this month, hasn't recorded a victory since April 28 or worked more than six frames since May 20. Salvador Perez is 4-for-12 with a double and a homer against Liriano, who is 1-0 with a 2.37 ERA in three starts versus Kansas City the season.

Fillmyer will draw his second major-league start after appearing in relief on July 13, when he permitted one run in 2 1/3 innings versus the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old native of New Jersey took the loss against Boston in his first career start five days earlier after giving up four runs - three earned - on eight hits and three walks over 4 1/3 frames. Fillmyer is holding left-handed hitters to a .167 average (.370 against right-handers) but has more walks (eight) than strikeouts (seven) through his first 15 2/3 big-league innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals acquired OF Brian Goodwin from Washington on Sunday for RHP Jacob Condra-Bogan.

2. Detroit SS Jose Iglesias has collected 37 RBIs from the eighth spot in the batting order this season, 12 more than any other player.

3. Butera's inside-the-park home run was the first by a Royals catcher since Brent Mayne on Sept. 22, 1991.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, Tigers 2
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Chicago White Sox vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 07-23-2018 in MLB

Mike Trout hasn't provided the same MVP-caliber production recently that the Los Angeles Angels have come to expect from him, and his team has suffered as a result. The seven-time All-Star showed he might be ready to return to his dominant form in his last game, and the Angels hope Sunday's offensive breakthrough is a sign of things to come as they host the Chicago White Sox on Monday for the opener of their four-game series.

Trout registered only one homer and two RBIs from June 21-July 21 - a stretch during which Los Angeles went from 9 1/2 games down in the American League West to 16 behind division-leading Houston. The two-time MVP matched that output with one swing in Sunday's 14-5 rout of the Astros, capping a seven-run seventh inning with a two-run blast to give the Angels their highest-scoring effort of the season after the club had totaled 11 runs over its previous five contests. The White Sox entered the All-Star break winning three of four, but the worst road team in the major leagues fell to 15-35 away from Chicago after dropping two of three in Seattle over the weekend. Recent history does not bode well for the White Sox to turn things around at Los Angeles, as they have dropped 14 of their last 15 visits to Angel Stadium.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago Plus, FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (6-8, 6.18 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (5-6, 3.55)

Giolito led the AL at the break with 61 walks, but he recently has started to show the promise that made him the centerpiece of the trade with Washington involving Adam Eaton two winters ago. The 24-year-old has held three of his last four opponents to fewer than three runs while logging a minimum of 6 1/3 innings in each of those solid efforts. Ian Kinsler (0-for-2) and Justin Upton (0-for-3) are the only Angels that have faced Giolito, who has issued at least two walks in 18 of his 19 outings this season.

Barria is expected to be recalled from Single-A Inland Empire for his first action of any kind since suffering the loss against Seattle on July 11, when he gave up three runs and five hits while recording five strikeouts in as many innings. The 22-year-old Panamanian, who did not appear in any games with the 66ers, has limited the opposition to three runs or fewer in six of his last seven major-league turns. Barria is limiting left-handed hitters to a .198 average entering his first career start against Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels DH Albert Pujols is expected to return to the lineup Monday after a stint on the disabled list due to left knee inflammation. He is tied with Ken Griffey Jr. (630) for sixth place on the all-time home run list.

2. The White Sox are 8-19 against AL West foes, including a 2-11 mark on the road.

3. Trout's two-run homer marked the first time he drove in a teammate in 25 games.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, White Sox 4
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