MLB Betting News and Trends For Monday 9/17/18

National League
Mets (69-80) @ Phillies (76-72)
Wheeler is 3-1, 1.25 in his last five starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 14-14, 7-5 away
5-inning record: 14-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-28

Arietta is 1-1, 6.33 in his last four starts- his last three all went over. Team in his starts: 14-14, 8-5 home
5-inning record: 15-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-28

Mets are 5-3 in their last eight games, 7-4 in last 11 road series openers- their last five games stayed under. Philly lost 10 of its last 14 games; they’re 14-10 in home series openers- over is 4-1 in their last five games.

Nationals (76-74) @ Marlins (58-91)
Fedde is 2-0, 4.86 in his last four starts (under 4-3-1). Team in his starts: 3-5, 3-0 away
5-inning record: 2-2-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

Richards is 0-2, 9.14 in his last five starts (over 5-0). Team in his starts: 8-14, 4-6 home
5-inning record: 8-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-22

Nationals won seven of their last nine games; they’re 5-10 in last 15 road series openers. Over is 10-5 in their last 15 games. Miami lost six of its last eight games; they’re 2-7 in last nine home series openers. Marlins’ last three games went over the total.

Cardinals (82-68) @ Braves (83-66)
Mikolas is 3-1, 3.99 in his last five starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 21-8, 11-3 road
5-inning record: 16-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-29

Foltynewicz is 2-2, 1.93 in his last six starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 13-15, 6-8 home
5-inning record: 14-8-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-28

Cardinals lost four of their last five games, are 7-11 in last 18 road series openers. Under is 7-3-1 in their last 11 road games. Atlanta won six of its last eight games; they’re 10-7 in last 17 home series openers- four of Braves’ last six games stayed under.

Reds (64-86) @ Brewers (85-65)
DeSclafani is 0-1, 8.76 in his last three starts; over is 3-0-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 11-7, 4-2 road
5-inning record: 10-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18

Miley is 2-0, 1.96 in his last three starts; over is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 9-4, 3-2 home
5-inning record: 6-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

Reds lost five of their last six road games; they’re 0-8 in last eight road series openers- under is 4-0-1 in their last five games. Milwaukee won nine of its last 13 games; they’re 12-2 in last 14 home series openers- seven of their last nine games stayed under.

Cubs (87-62) @ Diamondbacks (78-72)
Hendricks is 2-1, 2.74 in his last four starts; under is 8-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 15-15, 6-8 away
5-inning record: 11-13-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 15-30

Corbin is 1-0, 2.08 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 17-13, 9-6 home
5-inning record: 16-7-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-30

Cubs won three of their last four games; they’re 16-9 in road series openers- their last six games stayed under. Arizona lost four of its last five games; they’re 2-9 in last 11 home series openers. Snakes’ last four home games went over the total.

Giants (70-80) @ Padres (60-90)
Suarez is 0-2, 5.25 in his last two starts; under is 3-0-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 11-15, 5-8 away
5-inning record: 7-10-9 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-26

Mitchell is 1-0, 1.64 in his last two starts (over 5-4). Team in his starts: 4-5, 1-4 home
5-inning record: 1-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-9

Giants lost 12 of their last 14 games; they’re 12-12 in road series openers- under is 18-2 in their last 20 games. San Diego lost four of its last five home games; they’re 4-19 in home series openers. Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.

Rockies (82-67) @ Dodgers (82-68)
Gray is 1-1, 5.66 in his last four starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 17-11, 8-5 road
5-inning record: 13-13-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-28

Ryu is 0-2, 6.55 in his last two starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-5, 5-2 home
5-inning record: 6-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

Colorado is 10-5 in its last 14 games, 15-9 in road series openers; under is 9-2 in their last 11 road games. Dodgers won four of their last five games; they’re 1-6 in last seven home series openers- under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

American League
Blue Jays (67-82) @ Orioles (43-106)
Borucki is 0-1, 4.76 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-8, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 4-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14

Team in his starts: home
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Blue Jays are 4-12 in their last 16 road games, 1-5 in last six series openers- over is 7-4 in their last 11 road tilts. Baltimore lost 12 of its last 15 games; they’re 3-14 in last 17 home series openers- six of last nine Oriole games went over.

Twins (68-81) @ Tigers (61-88)
Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Zimmerman is 1-2, 5.73 in his last four starts (over 4-0). Team in his starts: 11-11, 5-6 home
5-inning record: 12-9-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Twins lost eight of their last nine road games; they’re 8-17 in road series openers. Twins’ last five road games went over. Detroit lost seven of its last nine home games; they’re 13-11 in home series openers- over is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Rays (82-66) @ Rangers (64-85)
Glasnow is 0-4, 6.15 in his last five starts (under 5-2-1). Team in his starts: 3-5, 0-4 road
5-inning record: 2-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-8

Sampson allowed one run in five IP (78 PT) in his first ’18 start (under 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Tampa Bay won 11 of their last 14 games; they’re 3-11 in last 14 road series openers- over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Rangers lost seven of their last ten games; they’re 8-16 in home series openers- over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games.

Mariners (82-67) @ Astros (94-55)
LeBlanc is 1-1, 2.25 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 15-9, 6-5 away
5-inning record: 14-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-24

Valdez is 2-1, 3.26 in his four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 3-1, 1-1 home
5-inning record: 3-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Seattle split its last 16 games; they’re 5-2 in last seven road series openers- eight of their last 11 games stayed under. Astros won 12 of their last 14 games; they’re 2-5 in last seven home series openers. Over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Interleague
Royals (52-97) @ Pirates (74-74)
Keller is 4-1, 2.31 in his last six starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 9-9, 2-6 away
5-inning record: 8-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-18

Musgrove is 1-2, 5.40 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-11, 5-5 home
5-inning record: 7-10-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Royals won five of their last seven games; they’re 4-12 in last 16 road series openers- their last four games went over. Pittsburgh won eight of its last 11 games; they’re 15-9 in home series openers- under is 11-2 in their last 13 home games.

Seahawks (0-1) @ Bears (0-1)— Chicago led 20-0 at Lambeau LW before Rodgers got off his golf cart and led epic comeback in 24-23 Packer win. Bears averaged only 4.0 yds/pass attempt, had only one TD in four trips to red zone. Seahawks were outgained 470-306 in 27-24 loss at Denver LW; they ran ball for only 64 yards, converted 2-12 on third down. Seattle is 7-5-2 vs spread in their last 14 games as road underdogs- they’re 11-6 in this series, but 0-2 in playoff meetings. Seahawks are 6-4 in Windy City, winning last two visits, last of which was in 2012. Last three years, Bears are 1-6 as home favorites- under is 10-6 in their last 16 home games. Seattle won five of its last six Monday night games; Bears split their last six.

September 16, 2018
By Kevin Rogers

LAST WEEK

The Seahawks (0-1 SU, 0-0-1 ATS) entered the season opener by losing six consecutive road games in September as Seattle visited Denver. In spite of a grabbing a fourth quarter lead on a Russell Wilson 51-yard touchdown connection with Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks fell short in a 27-24 defeat to the Broncos. Seattle’s defense intercepted Case Keenum three times, but the Broncos outgained the Seahawks from a yardage standpoint, 470-306, while racking up 25 first downs compared to 13 by Seattle.

Seattle also committed three turnovers in the loss as Wilson was picked off twice, while running back Chris Carson lost a fumble in the third quarter. The second Wilson interception came on the final drive deep in Seattle territory, but the Seahawks’ quarterback also threw three touchdown passes, including one to former Broncos’ standout Brandon Marshall. The game sailed OVER the total of 42 ½, while Seattle pushed as a three-point underdog as the Seahawks last won a game in Week 16 of last season following an 0-4 preseason.

The Bears (0-1 SU, 1-0 ATS) were on their way to an impressive road upset of the Packers last Sunday night by jumping out to a seemingly commanding 20-0 lead at Lambeau Field. It helped Chicago’s cause that Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers exited the game in the second quarter with a knee injury as newly acquired linebacker Khalil Mack returned an interception for a touchdown.

However, Rodgers returned in the third quarter and led Green Bay to an incredible 24-23 comeback victory, capped off by a 75-yard touchdown strike to Randall Cobb late in the fourth quarter. The Bears managed a cover as seven-point underdogs, but left Green Bay with a division loss as quarterback Mitchell Trubisky threw for 171 yards and rushed for a touchdown. Chicago has dropped 10 straight division contests dating back to December 2016, while last winning a road game against an NFC North opponent in 2015 at Green Bay.

SEATTLE DUE?

The task for Pete Carroll’s team on Monday night is try to not only pick up their first win of the season, but also halt this seven-game road losing streak in September. The Seahawks started 0-2 on the road last season (and 0-2 overall), but managed to win five of their next six games away from CenturyLink Field, while going 8-4 overall before a late meltdown prevented Seattle from the postseason.

Since Carroll arrived in Seattle back in 2010, the Seahawks have gone 0-2 through two road games twice (2011 and 2015), while the Seahawks are riding an 0-4 ATS streak in the last four Week 2’s dating back to 2014.

LAY THE POINTS AND RUN

In Trubisky’s rookie season, the Bears covered in all four opportunities as a home underdog, including outright victories over the Steelers and Panthers. However, Chicago struggled when laying points by posting a 1-2 SU/ATS record with the only victory coming against the winless Browns in Week 16. Dating back to the start of 2015, the Bears own a dreadful 1-7 SU/ATS mark as a favorite, including six outright losses at Soldier Field.

SERIES HISTORY

These two teams are meeting for the first time since 2015 when the Seahawks crushed the Bears, 26-0 as 16 ½-point favorites at CenturyLink Field. Seattle had started the season 0-2 before picking up that shutout, while limiting Chicago to 146 yards of offense. Wilson hooked up with Jimmy Graham for the only offensive touchdown, while Lockett returned the second half kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown.

Seattle has captured four of the past five matchups with Chicago since 2010, while making its first trip to Soldier Field since 2012. The Seahawks held off the Bears in overtime, 23-17 as three-point underdogs in December 2012, as the last four meetings in Chicago have sailed OVER the total.

MONDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

The Seahawks have appeared on Monday night football once in each of the past seven seasons. Seattle has compiled a 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS mark in this stretch, while making its first road appearance on a Monday night since 2014 in a 10-point victory at Washington.

The Bears have split their last six Monday night contests since 2014, but interestingly enough have gone 1-3 at home in this stretch. Chicago was squeezed by Minnesota in the final seconds last season, 20-17 at Soldier Field in Trubisky’s first start, but the Bears barely covered as 3 ½-point underdogs.

HANDICAPPER’S CORNER

NFL expert Joe Nelson checks in with his thoughts on Seattle’s performance at Denver, “There were some positives for a Seahawks team with perhaps the most grounded expectations entering Carroll’s ninth season. Earl Thomas returned in time for the game and made an impact with an interception as a veteran leader on a defense that has lost many key players the past two years. Wilson nearly willed Seattle to a win by himself as the Seahawks had three late possessions down three late in the game and lost by just three despite running 17 fewer offensive plays.”

On the flip side, Nelson looks at Chicago’s late meltdown at Green Bay, “Trubisky took four sacks and gained just 4.9 yards per pass, but he had only one turnover and that was in a desperation fourth down play at the end of the game. The running game produced 5.1 yards per carry as the offense could be improved for Chicago after scoring just 16.5 points per game last season as Matt Nagy’s offensive background could pay dividends over time now in his second game as head coach.”

LINE MOVEMENT

This line stayed pretty steady through most of the week since the Bears opened up as three-point favorites last Sunday night. However, Chicago is currently a 4 ½-point favorite at most books, while other books that have the Bears at -5. The total opened at 43 ½, but has slightly moved to 43 at many outlets.

Kansas City Royals vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates inserted themselves into the National League postseason race over the weekend, but only as spoilers. The Pirates will try to carry the momentum gained from a series win at Milwaukee back home when they host the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game interleague series on Monday.

Pittsburgh, which will get more chances to impact the NL Central race with three games against the Brewers next weekend followed by a four-game set at the Chicago Cubs, is finishing the season strong and reached .500 at 74-74 with a 3-2 win over the Brewers on Sunday - its eighth victory in the last 11 contests. The Pirates pitching staff surrendered three or fewer runs in each of those eight wins as young starters like Trevor Williams and Jameson Taillon asserted themselves. Pittsburgh will turn things over to another promising young arm on Monday, when right-hander Joe Musgrove takes the mound opposite Royals rookie righty Brad Keller. Kansas City is enjoying its own surge down the stretch and earned the win in each of its last two series, taking a combined five of seven from the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins while averaging six runs.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (8-6, 3.04 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Joe Musgrove (6-9, 3.87)

Keller is earning himself a spot in the Kansas City rotation of the future with a strong finish to the season and will look to allow two earned runs or fewer in his seventh straight outing on Monday. The 23-year-old is coming off a win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, in which he allowed one run and four hits over seven innings while striking out six - his third straight outing of seven or more frames. The last time Keller allowed more than two earned runs came in his last interleague start on Aug. 7, when he was knocked around for four runs and seven hits over six frames by the Chicago Cubs.

Musgrove struck out eight over six innings at St. Louis on Tuesday but was reached for four runs on as many hits and suffered the loss. The 25-year-old managed to keep the ball in the ballpark against the Cardinals after surrendering a total of six homers over his previous four turns. Musgrove's lone interleague start this season came at Cleveland on July 24, when he held the Indians to two runs and five hits over seven innings to pick up a win.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates 1B Josh Bell reached base safely in each of his last eight games.

2. Kansas City INF Adalberto Mondesi is 13-for-28 with seven RBIs over the last six contests.

3. Pittsburgh rookie 2B-SS Kevin Newman has hit safely in five straight and owns four RBIs in that span.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Royals 5
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
The rest of the American League East ran away and left the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles behind months ago, but the two teams are still doing their best to disrupt things. Fresh off a series win over the New York Yankees, the Blue Jays will try to finish off the road trip strong when they visit the Orioles for the opener of a three-game series on Monday.

Toronto began the road trip by dropping three straight at first-place Boston and lost the opener against the Yankees before recovering to earn a pair of one-run wins. The Orioles own the worst record in baseball and are looking for any sign that the future might be better, and the organization's minor league player of the year, Cedric Mullins, is creating some excitement. Mullins enjoyed a four-hit day in Sunday's 8-4 win over the Chicago White Sox and is 8-for-16 over the last four contests. Baltimore, which enjoyed its lone three-game sweep of the season over the Blue Jays at home Aug. 27-29, has yet to announce a starter for Monday's game while the Blue Jays will hand the ball to rookie lefty Ryan Borucki.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, TVA (Toronto), MASN 2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (3-4, 4.26 ERA) vs. Orioles TBD

Borucki is suffering through a three-start winless streak but turned in quality starts in each of his last two outings. The 24-year-old yielded two runs and three hits over 6 1/3 innings against the major league-best Boston Red Sox on Tuesday but was left out of the decision in a game Toronto ended up losing 7-2. Borucki was not as sharp at Baltimore on Aug. 29, when he was lit up for five runs on eight hits - two homers - over 4 2/3 innings.

The Orioles are scrambling to find a starter for Monday after right-hander Andrew Cashner was ruled out due to a knee injury. The veteran Texan received a cortisone shot on Thursday but was still not able to make it through his bullpen session on Saturday and is pushed back indefinitely. Baltimore could instead give the start to left-hander Sean Gilmartin, who worked three innings in relief of Cashner on Wednesday at Oakland and has not pitched since, before turning things over to the rest of an expanded September bullpen.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays OF Randal Grichuk is 4-for-9 with four extra-base hits and three RBIs in the last two games.

2. Baltimore C Chance Sisco left Sunday's game after taking a foul tip off the mask and is day-to-day.

3. Toronto rookie OF Billy McKinney is 0-for-14 with six strikeouts over his last five contests.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 12, Orioles 6
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New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies' struggles against their National League East rivals have gone a long way toward dimming their bids for both a division title and wild-card berth. The Phillies have dropped 10 of their 16 meetings with the New York Mets heading into the opener of the teams' final series of the season Monday in Philadelphia.

Cesar Hernandez homered for the second straight game in Philadelphia's 6-4 setback to Miami on Sunday, giving him 12 hits to go along with eight RBIs and four runs scored in his last eight contests. The 28-year-old Venezuelan is 19-for-65 against the Mets this season and is a stellar 7-for-11 lifetime versus Tuesday starter Zack Wheeler. While the free-falling Phillies have dropped 10 of 14 in September to fall 6 1/2 games behind division-leading Atlanta, the Mets had won 10 of 13 this month before losing back-to-back interleague contests at Boston. Michael Conforto recorded a run-scoring double on Sunday to give him 18 hits and 16 RBIs in September heading into an encounter with Jake Arrieta, against whom he is just 1-for-7 in his career.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (11-7, 3.23 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (10-9, 3.66)

Wheeler improved to 8-1 with a 1.32 ERA in his last 10 starts on Wednesday after scattering four hits and striking out seven in eight innings of a 13-0 romp over Miami. The 28-year-old has faced Philadelphia on one occasion this season and came away with a no-decision on July 9 after permitting three runs and seven hits in 4 2/3 frames. Former Met Asdrubal Cabrera (1-for-10) and Odubel Herrera (1-for-9) have struggled mightily versus Wheeler.

Arrieta came away his second no-decision in three starts on Tuesday after yielding three runs and as many hits in five innings against Washington. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner has posted a 1.94 ERA in nine career starts versus New York, although he is 0-1 this season despite producing a pair of strong outings. Arrieta settled for a no-decision on May 11 despite scattering five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings before taking the hard-luck loss on Aug. 18 after allowing one run and four hits in six frames of a 3-1 setback.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia OF Rhys Hoskins has recorded five multi-hit performances in his last eight games.

2. New York OF Brandon Nimmo is 1-for-9 in his last four contests, although the lone hit was a homer.

3. Phillies 1B Carlos Santana has registered 20 hits and 12 runs scored in his last 17 games.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Phillies 2
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Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins will see plenty of each other as they play out the string over the next two weeks. The National League East rivals will meet five times over the next 10 days, including a two-game series that begins Monday in Miami.

The Nationals haven't yet been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, but they're close as they trail division-leading Atlanta by 7 1/2 games and are 6 1/2 out of the second NL wild-card spot. Washington has won seven of its last nine contests, however - including two of three on the road against the Braves over the weekend. The Marlins snapped their five-game losing streak with a 6-4 win at Philadelphia on Sunday, wrapping up a 2-7 road trip. Miami owns the worst record in the NL.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Erick Fedde (2-3, 5.12 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-9, 4.85)

Fedde is looking to build off his best major-league start to date as he held Philadelphia to two hits while registering nine strikeouts in 5 2/3 scoreless innings on Tuesday. The 25-year-old has recorded only one quality start in 11 outings over the last two seasons. Both of Fedde's career victories have come on the road.

Richards is winless in his last nine starts and has been roughed up in each of his last two. The 25-year-old rookie surrendered 12 runs - 10 earned - over 6 1/3 innings in those outings and has served up eight home runs in his last six turns. Richards has made two starts against the Nationals, allowing two runs over 9 2/3 frames in a pair of no-decisions.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon has reached base in 25 consecutive games, the longest streak by a Washington player this season.

2. The Marlins have recorded 42 stolen bases - the fewest in the majors and only three more than Nationals SS Trea Turner's major league-leading total.

3. Washington OF Juan Soto has reached safely in 21 straight contests, one shy of Hall-of-Famer Mel Ott's 1928 record for a teenager.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 4
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Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Detroit Tigers attempt to snap their four-game losing streak at Comerica Park when they kick off their final homestand of the season with the opener of a three-game set against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. Detroit is coming off a series victory in Cleveland that concluded with Sunday's 6-4 triumph over the American League Central champion.

Jim Adduci belted a three-run homer and finished with a career-high four RBIs as the Tigers ended a string of five consecutive series losses to the Indians. Christin Stewart has hit safely in five of his first seven major-league contests after joining Jeimer Candelario with a 3-for-5 performance on Sunday. Minnesota used the long ball to salvage the finale of its four-game set in Kansas City, belting four solo home runs in Sunday's 9-6 triumph. Jorge Polanco and Johnny Field both went deep while registering four hits, with the former finishing 6-for-14 in the series.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Gabriel Moya (3-1, 4.88 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (7-7, 4.17)

Moya makes his third start of the month in the "opener" role after working one inning at Texas on Sept. 2 and two in Kansas City 11 days later. The 23-year-old Venezuelan took the loss against the Rangers after yielding two runs on one hit - a homer - and one walk. Moya has made five relief appearances versus Detroit in his brief career, notching his lone save while allowing one run over 5 2/3 frames.

Zimmermann is coming off a loss to Houston on Tuesday when he surrendered five runs and six hits - three homers - over five innings. The 32-year-old native of Wisconsin has served up three blasts in two of his last three outings and is five shy of matching the dubious career high of 29 he yielded last season. Zimmermann is 4-3 with a 5.86 ERA in eight career starts against the Twins, winning his lone meeting this year on Aug. 10.

WALK-OFFS

1. Candelario has recorded multiple hits in three of his last five games and a trio of three-hit performances over his last 10 contests.

2. Minnesota OF Max Kepler homered on Sunday, ending his 21-game drought while matching the career high of 19 he set last season.

3. Detroit RHP Michael Fulmer (knee) will undergo an MRI on Monday and may be done for the season.

PREDICTION: Tigers 7, Twins 3
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/17/2018

The Atlanta Braves look to maintain their sizeable cushion in the National League East when they host the playoff-contending St. Louis Cardinals on Monday for the opener of their three-game series, with another big test looming over their final 10 contests of the regular season. The Braves lead second-place Philadelphia by 6 1/2 games in the East but play seven of their last 10 against the Phillies, with a three-game set versus he pesky New York Mets sandwiched in between.

Atlanta, which has not been to the postseason since 2013, lost one game off its lead over the weekend after dropping back-to-back contests to visiting Washington, which has crept within 7 1/2 games of the division leader. Mike Foltynewicz hopes to match his last effort against St. Louis, an outing in which he allowed one hit and registered nine strikeouts over five scoreless innings on July 1, as he gets the ball for the Braves while the Cardinals counter with 15-game winner Miles Mikolas. St. Louis snapped its four-game losing streak with a 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday that put the clubs in a tie for the second wild card spot in the NL with 12 contests remaining for both. Marcell Ozuna homered among three hits in the victory for the Cardinals, improving to 19-for-49 with six blasts and 14 RBIs over his last 12 games.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (15-4, 2.99 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (11-9, 2.66)

Mikolas limited Pittsburgh to one run on five hits and one walk over seven innings on Tuesday to open the month with back-to-back wins. The 30-year-old Floridian has held opponents to fewer than three runs 11 times in his last 15 starts, including a loss to Atlanta on June 29 in which he gave up one over 6 1/3 frames. Johan Camargo and Dansby Swanson are 2-for-3 versus Mikolas, who is 8-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 14 road starts this season.

Foltynewicz has been dominant in his first two starts of September, permitting two runs on eight hits and three walks with 12 strikeouts over 15 innings. The 26-year-old native of Illinois has yielded fewer than two earned runs in six of his last seven outings, including his second career complete game on Tuesday at San Francisco in which he gave up one. Kolten Wong is 3-for-5 versus Foltynewicz, who is 2-2 with a 7.13 ERA against St. Louis.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cardinals clinched their 11th consecutive winning season on Sunday, a feat they accomplished only once before (15 straight from 1939-53).

2. Atlanta rookie 2B Ozzie Albies needs one run to become the first to reach 100 for the team since 1B Freddie Freeman in 2016.

3. The Braves swept a three-game set at St. Louis from June 29-July 1 but have dropped the last six meetings at home.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 3, Braves 2
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Milwaukee Brewers' aspirations for the National League Central title haven't been done any favors by their play against division rivals. After losing for the 11th time in 16 meetings with Pittsburgh, the Brewers bid to rebound on Monday as they open a three-game home series versus the one NL Central foe they have enjoyed success against in the Cincinnati Reds.

Jesus Aguilar and Domingo Santana hit back-to-back home runs to begin the ninth inning in Sunday's 3-2 setback for Milwaukee, which has answered winning nine of 11 by dropping back-to-back contests to fall to 32-35 versus NL Central adversaries. Aguilar has recorded four hits in his last two games overall and is a robust 18-for-51 this season versus Cincinnati, against which the Brewers have won 11 of 16 encounters. The Reds' sputtering offense did just enough on Sunday to keep Milwaukee 2 1/2 games behind division-leading Chicago, increasing the team's total to five runs in its last four games with a 2-1 victory over the Cubs. Jose Peraza has gone 19-for-46 during his 11-game hitting streak, although he is just 1-for-9 against Monday starter Wade Miley.

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (7-5, 4.80 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Wade Miley (4-2, 2.23)

DeSclafani retired the first nine batters he faced on Wednesday before the bottom fell out, as he allowed six runs in 4 2/3 innings of an 8-1 setback against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 28-year-old has permitted four runs in both outings versus Milwaukee this year, escaping with a no-decision after 6 1/3 frames on June 28 before picking up the win on Aug. 28 in 6 2/3 innings. Ryan Braun (3-for-16) has been kept under wraps by DeSclafani, although Christian Yelich has gotten in his licks by going 3-for-9 with a homer.

Miley yielded fewer than three earned runs for the 12th time in 13 starts with Milwaukee after allowing two in five innings of a 3-2 triumph over the Cubs. The 31-year-old has pitched well in a pair of turns versus Cincinnati, permitting one run and three hits in six frames of a 3-1 win on May 2 before surrendering one run in 7 1/3 innings of a no-decision on Aug. 30. Speedster Billy Hamilton is 3-for-8 at the plate versus Miley, who owns a 4-2 record and 3.14 ERA in nine career meetings with Cincinnati.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yelich, who saw his NL-best 30-game on-base streak halted on Sunday, is 20-for-44 versus Cincinnati this season.

2. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett, who is hitting .318 this year, is batting just .224 against the Brewers in 2018.

3. Brewers 3B Mike Moustakas has gone 0-for-8 in his last two games after collecting six hits - including a homer - to go along with three RBIs and four runs scored in his previous three.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Reds 2
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays kept alive their slim hopes of an American League wild-card spot over the weekend and hope to make up some more ground when they open a three-game series against the host Texas Rangers on Monday. The Rays are seven games behind Oakland for the second wild card after edging the Athletics each of the last two days to remain unbeaten in their last eight series (7-0-1).

It will take a near-perfect run and some help for Tampa Bay to reach the postseason, but the team has optimism for the future after clinching its first winning season since 2013 with Sunday's 5-4 win, getting homers from C.J. Cron and rookie Willy Adames (.350 batting average this month). "This organization has been very fortunate over the last decade to play in a lot of playoff games. We want to get back to that," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash told reporters. "We've had a little bit of a lull recently, and these guys give you some positive thoughts like (playing in the postseason) is on the horizon." Texas, which resides in the AL West cellar, returns home after giving up five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning of a 7-3 loss at San Diego on Sunday to finish its 3-6 road trip. Jurickson Profar, who recorded a solo homer and a double in the setback, has gone 7-for-16 with a pair of blasts and four RBIs over his last four contests but is just 4-for-26 lifetime versus the Rays.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-6, 4.48 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Adrian Sampson (0-1, 5.06)

Glasnow matched his career high with seven innings against Cleveland on Tuesday, allowing two runs on solo homers, but still is looking for his first win with Tampa Bay. The 25-year-old Californian, who has registered 43 strikeouts in 38 1/3 frames with the Rays, has limited opponents to fewer than three runs in five of eight starts since being acquired from Pittsburgh. Glasnow, who will face the Rangers for the first time in his career, owns a 6.53 ERA on the road in 2018.

Sampson makes his second start with the Rangers after suffering a tough-luck loss Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels after permitting one run and two hits over five innings. The 26-year-old, who was claimed off waivers from Seattle in 2016, gave up three runs - two earned - while retiring one batter at Oakland in relief on Sept. 7 in his only other major-league appearance this year. Sampson went 8-4 with a 3.77 ERA in 33 outings (19 starts) for Triple-A Round Rock this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Texas 3B-DH Adrian Beltre has hit 474 career homers, one behind Stan Musial and Willie Stargell for 30th place on the all-time list.

2. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier has gone 17-for-40 with three homers, nine RBIs and 10 runs scored this month.

3. The Rays took two of three from the Rangers in April after losing won four of six meetings in 2017.

PREDICTION: Rays 7, Rangers 2
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Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Mariners vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Houston Astros gained some breathing room in the American League West over the weekend and are surging down the stretch with wins in 12 of the last 14 games. The Seattle Mariners, who visit the Astros for the opener of a three-game series on Monday, drew closer to mathematical elimination over the weekend and are running out of time.

Justin Verlander struck out 11 in Sunday's 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks and helped Houston increase its lead in the AL West to 4 1/2 games over the Oakland Athletics with 13 games left in the regular season. "This was a really good series for us to dial it in against a really good team," Astros manager AJ Hinch told reporters. "I know they've scuffled lately, but they've been in the mix the entire year. We needed to play well to win the series, and we did." The Mariners took three of four from the Los Angeles Angels over the weekend but sit 7 1/2 games behind Oakland in the race for the second AL wild card and will play the next six on the road before finishing the season with a seven-game homestand. Seattle sends left-hander Wade LeBlanc to the mound on Monday opposite Astros lefty Framber Valdez.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (8-4, 3.56 ERA) vs. Astros LH Framber Valdez (3-1, 2.66)

LeBlanc had a string of three straight stellar outings come to an end when he was reached for five runs - two earned - on four hits and a walk over five innings to suffer a loss against San Diego on Wednesday. The 34-year-old allowed a total of one run across 19 innings against Arizona, Oakland and Baltimore in his previous three turns. LeBlanc suffered through one of his worst starts against Houston at home on Aug. 1 - surrendering seven runs and 10 hits over 4 1/3 frames - but earned a win at the Astros on Aug. 11.

Valdez endured his first real struggle at the major league level at Detroit on Tuesday, when he was reached for four runs on five hits and four walks over four innings without factoring in the decision. The Dominican rookie yielded a total of three earned runs in his first four appearances - three starts. Valdez made his major league debut in relief at Seattle on August 21 and picked up a win while scattering an unearned run and two hits across 4 1/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros 3B Alex Bregman has reached base safely in 42 straight games.

2. Mariners OF Mitch Haniger recorded multiple hits in each of the last five contests.

3. Houston OF George Springer is 9-for-17 with seven runs scored over the last four games.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Mariners 3
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Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/16/2018

The Chicago Cubs hope a trip to the desert might help jump-start their struggling offense. The Cubs look to get their bats going for the final stretch when they open a three-game road series against the sliding Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.

The Cubs had their three-game winning streak snapped with a 2-1 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday but maintained their 2 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee in the National League Central. Chicago has totaled only 15 runs in its last seven contests but has managed to go 4-3 over that stretch thanks to strong pitching. The Diamondbacks continued their September swoon with a 5-4 loss at Houston on Sunday, dropping them to 4-11 this month. Arizona fell 4 1/2 games behind first-place Colorado in the NL West and are four back in the race for the second wild-card spot.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (11-11, 3.71 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (11-5, 3.05)

Hendricks has allowed fewer than three earned runs in five consecutive outings, going 2-2 with a 1.80 ERA over that span. The 28-year-old suffered a tough-luck loss last time out after giving up two runs over five frames in a 5-1 defeat against the Brewers. Hendricks is 1-1 with a 3.24 ERA in three career starts against the Diamondbacks but won his only previous turn in Arizona.

Corbin has posted quality starts in seven of his eight outings since the beginning of August, posting a 2.49 ERA during that stretch. The 29-year-old gave up 10 hits but limited the damage to three runs over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision at Colorado on Wednesday. Corbin is 5-1 with a 3.68 ERA in seven career games (six starts) against the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs C Willson Contreras doubled as a pinch-hitter on Sunday for only his second extra-base hit in his last 13 games (nine starts).

2. The Diamondbacks, whose 68 errors are the third-fewest in the NL, have committed 13 in their last 15 contests.

3. Chicago OF Kyle Schwarber (back) will not make the trip to Arizona with the team set to face two left-handed starters.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Diamondbacks 3
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Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 09-17-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 17th September 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 09/17/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers hoped to begin their final homestand of the season with a winning streak and possession of first place in the National League West. Instead, they sit one-half game out of the top spot when they host the division-leading Colorado Rockies on Monday for the opener of their crucial three-game series.

Los Angeles managed only four hits on Sunday as it suffered a 5-0 setback at St. Louis after winning four in a row, slipping out of the top spot in the NL West and into a tie with the Cardinals for the second wild card. Colorado salvaged the finale of its three-game set in San Francisco on Sunday, posting a 3-2 victory after being shut out in each of the first two contests. The Rockies scored all of their runs in second inning, with starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela - who worked five solid frames - driving in two with a single. Colorado's Charlie Blackmon is riding a nine-game hitting streak after recording his 26th double of the season on Sunday to match his home run total.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (11-7, 4.80 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (4-3, 2.42)

Gray hasn't lost since June 12 at Philadelphia but has recorded only five victories during his 14-start unbeaten streak. The 26-year-old Oklahoman has lasted only four innings in each of his last two outings, including a no-decision against Arizona on Wednesday in which he yielded four runs on four hits - two homers - and two walks. Gray is 3-3 with a 3.83 ERA in 10 career starts versus Los Angeles, including a pair of no-decisions this season.

Ryu has lost back-to-back starts, including a setback at Cincinnati on Tuesday in which he gave up three runs and eight hits over five innings. The 31-year-old South Korean has pitched well at home this year, posting a 1.51 ERA over seven turns while registering a 4.15 mark in five outings on the road. Ryu has struggled against Colorado in his career, going 3-6 with a 5.77 ERA in nine starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies look to set the franchise record for road wins after matching it with their 41st on Sunday.

2. Los Angeles 3B Justin Turner (forearm) proved he was fine a day after being hit by a pitch as he recorded half of the team's four hits to improve to 9-for-18 during his five-game hitting streak.

3. Colorado RHP Seunghwan Oh (hamstring), who hasn't pitched in a week, is expected to be available on Monday.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Rockies 3
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