MLB Betting News and Trends For Sunday 7/8/18

National League
Reds (39-50) @ Cubs (50-36)
Castillo is 1-1, 5.06 in his last four starts; under is 6-3-3 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 9-9
5-inning record: 8-10. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Lester is 7-0, 2.51 in his last seven starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 14-3.
5-inning record: 10-3-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-17

Cincinnati is 14-5 in its last 19 games; they’re 13-11 vs lefty starters— over is 11-3 in their last 14 games. Cubs won seven of their last eight games; over is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Marlins (36-57) @ Nationals (44-43)
Richards is 1-2, 6.87 in his last four starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 4-7
5-inning record: 3-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-11

Roark is 0-4, 7.90 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 5-12.
5-inning record: 4-11-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17

Marlins lost four of their last five games; over is 8-2 in their last ten road games. Washington won its last three games, scoring 35 runs; under is 7-4 in their last 11 games.

Phillies (49-37) @ Pirates (40-48)
Eflin is 6-0, 1.91 in his last six starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 8-3
5-inning record: 9-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11

Kingham is 0-4, 6.58 in his last five starts (under 4-3). Team in his starts: 2-5.
5-inning record: 2-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-7

Phillies won eight of their last nine games; under is 9-2 in their last 11 games. Pittsburgh lost six of its last seven games; over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Braves (50-38) @ Brewers (53-36)
Newcomb is 0-1, 5.17 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 9-8.
5-inning record: 10-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-17

Guerra is 2-0, 2.81 in his last three starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 9-7.
5-inning record: 6-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16

Braves lost three of their last three games; over is 11-5-1 in their last 17 road games. Milwaukee won seven of its last ten games; they’re 9-9 vs lefty starters- over is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

Padres (38-53) @ Diamondbacks (50-40)
Richard is 0-2, 6.23 in his last two starts; under is 7-3-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 9-9
5-inning record: 8-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Greinke is 4-0, 1.38 in his lat four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 11-7
5-inning record: 11-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Padres are 4-14 in their last 18 games; under is 8-3-2 in their last 13 road games. Arizona lost six of its last nine games; they’re 19-12 vs lefty starters- under is 9-4-2 in their last 15 games.

Cardinals (46-42) @ Giants (46-45)
Flaherty is 0-2, 4.76 in his last three starts (under 8-2-2).
5-inning record: 7-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

Bumgarner is 1-1, 1.29 in his last three starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 3-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-6

Cardinals are 5-2 in their last seven road games; they’re 11-11 vs lefty starters- five of their last eight games went over. Giants lost five of their last six games; under is 10-3 in their last 13 games.

American League
New York (57-29) @ Toronto (41-47)
German is 1-0, 6.91 in his last three starts (over 5-4-1). Team in his starts: 6-4
5-inning record: 3-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-10

Borucki is 0-1, 2.77 in two starts (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 0-2.
5-inning record: 0-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

New York won four of its last five games; they’re 22-6 vs lefty starters- under is 14-2 in their last 16 road games. Blue Jays lost four of their last six games; over is 8-5-1 in their last 14 home games.

A’s (49-40) @ Indians (49-38)
Montas is 1-1, 5.87 in his last three starts (over 6-1). Team in his starts: 5-2
5-inning record: 4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-7

Bieber is 4-0, 2.19 in his last four starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 5-0.
5-inning record: 4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

A’s won nine of their last 11 games; under is 5-3-1 in their last nine games. Cleveland won five of its last six games; over is 5-1 in their last six games.

Rangers (39-51) @ Tigers (40-51)
Bibens-Dirks is 1-2, 5.02 in five starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 2-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Fulmer is 0-2, 4.58 in his last three starts; his last five starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 5-12.
5-inning record: 6-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17

Rangers lost five of their last sixe games; under is 10-4-1 in their last 15 road games. Detroit lost 14 of its last 18 games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games.

White Sox (30-59) @ Astros (60-31)
Giolito is 1-1, 6.59 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-10
5-inning record: 4-11-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-17

Keuchel is 2-0, 3.75 in his last four starts; over is 6-2-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 9-9
5-inning record: 6-9-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-18

White Sox lost eight of their last ten games; they’re 7-12 vs lefty starters- over is 8-2 in their last ten road games. Houston won seven of its last eight home games; seven of last nine Astro games stayed under.

Orioles (24-64) @ Twins (38-48)
Cobb is 0-3, 7.14 in his last five starts (over 3-1-1). Team in his starts: 3-12
5-inning record: 3-11-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Odorizzi is 0-4, 5.53 in his last six starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-11.
5-inning record: 6-8-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18

Orioles lost 12 of their last 13 games; seven of their last nine games stayed under. Minnesota won its last three games; under is 3-1 in their last four games.

Red Sox (61-29) @ Royals (25-63)
Porcello is 2-0, 2.89 in his last three starts; over is 8-3 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 12-6
5-inning record: 12-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18

Junis is 0-7, 7.81 in his last seven starts; under is 7-4 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 7-10.
5-inning record: 7-6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Boston won six of its last seven games; over is 8-3-1 in their last 12 games. Royals lost their last eight games; under is 6-4 in their last ten home games.

Interleague
Rays (44-44) @ Mets (35-49)
Eovaldi is 1-0, 1.50 in his last two starts (under 6-1). Team in his starts: 2-5
5-inning record: 3-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-7

Flexen is 3-7, 8.06 in 17 MLB games (9 starts, all LY). He is 4-6, 4.84 in 13 AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0.
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Tampa Bay is 10-4 in its last 14 games; under is 19-4 in their last 23 road games. Mets are 4-12 in their last 16 games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six.

Dodgers (48-40) @ Angels (45-45)
Wood is 4-0, 2.55 in his last four starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-7
5-inning record: 6-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17

Heaney is 1-1, 4.62 in his last four starts; under is 9-1-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 5-10.
5-inning record: 3-8-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Dodgers won five of their last six games; four of LA’s last six games went over the total. Angels are 4-9 in their last 13 games; seven of their last nine games stayed under.

Rockies (46-43) @ Mariners (56-34)
Senzatela blanked the Giants for seven IP (95 PT) in his first ’18 start. Team in his starts: 1-0
5-inning record: 1-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

LeBlanc is 4-0, 3.83 in his last seven starts (under 8-3-1). Team in his starts: 9-3.
5-inning record: 8-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12

Rockies won eight of their last nine games; they’re 19-17 vs lefty starters. Under is 9-2 in their last 11 games. Seattle lost three of its last four games; under is 10-3 in their last 13 games.

Umpires
Cin-Chi- Over is 5-2 in last seven TGibson games.
StL-SF- Six of last eight O’Nora games went over.
Phil-Pitt- Eight of last nine Estabrook games went under.
Atl-Mil- Under is 7-2-1 in last ten Wolcott games.
Mia-Wsh- Last nine Reynolds games stayed under.
SD-Az- Favorites are 9-2 in Visconti games.

Balt-Min- Five of last six Baker games stayed under.
NY-Tor- Under is 3-2 in Libka games.
Chi-Hst- Under is 8-3 in last 11 Miller games.
Tex-Det- Under is 4-1-1 in last six Segal games.
A’s-Clev- Under is 5-2 in last seven Cooper games.
Bos-KC- Seven of last eight Wolf games went over.

TB-NY- Over is 9-2-2 in last 13 Carlson games.
LA-LA- Home side won four of last five Timmons games.
Col-Sea- Under is 6-4-1 in last 11 West games.

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New York Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

Rogers Centre has been a black hole for the New York Yankees, who entered the weekend series at the Toronto Blue Jays with eight straight losing seasons north of the border. New York finally ended that streak with an 8-5 victory on Saturday and will go for a series win in Sunday afternoon's rubber match of the three-game set against the Blue Jays.

The Yankees rebounded from Friday's 6-2 loss as Brett Gardner and Aaron Judge each homered five pitches into Saturday's game, with Gardner also adding a two-run triple as New York improved to 8-4 overall versus Toronto and 5-3 at Rogers Centre. The Yankees got a scare when closer Aroldis Chapman had to leave Saturday's win after facing one batter, but manager Aaron Boone said it was a flare-up of the knee tendinitis that has been bothering the fireballing lefty. Kevin Pillar clubbed a two-run homer and Randal Grichuk and Aledmys Diaz added solo shots for the Blue Jays, who are vying for their first series win since a three-game home sweep of Washington from June 15-17. Justin Smoak had two more hits Saturday and is 14-for-41 with three homers, four doubles and 11 RBIs in 11 games versus New York this season.

TV: 1:07 p.m. ET, YES (New York), TVAS, SNET (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Domingo Germán (2-4, 5.37 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Ryan Borucki (0-1, 2.77)

German is coming off another abbreviated start against Atlanta on Tuesday, although he escaped with a no-decision after allowing two homers and giving up three runs in 4 1/3 innings. He lasted only three innings in his previous start and was battered for six runs and nine hits in another no-decision at Tampa Bay. German gave up two runs in 1 2/3 innings versus Toronto on April 20.

Borucki faced the reigning world champions in his major-league debut and worked six solid innings, limiting Houston to two runs on six hits while overcoming four walks. The 24-year-old was even better last time out against Detroit, striking out eight while not walking a batter and also permitting two runs and six hits. Ten of Borucki's 11 strikeouts have come against right-handed batters.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees CF Aaron Hicks will sit out Sunday after leaving Saturday's game with due to cramping in his left hamstring.

2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales is 6-for-31 against the Yankees in 2018.

3. Yankees RH Dellin Betances is riding a streak of 18 straight scoreless appearances.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 4
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Texas Rangers vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Detroit Tigers wasted little time jumping all over the Texas Rangers on Saturday to put themselves in a position to win the series and take some momentum onto the road for a tough trip to finish the first half. The Tigers will try to win their final home game before the All-Star break when they host the Rangers in the finale of the four-game series on Sunday.

Detroit, which goes into the break on a six-game trip through Tampa Bay and Houston beginning on Monday, dropped the opener to Texas on Thursday but scratched out a 3-1 victory on Friday and pounded out seven runs in the first inning on Saturday en route to a 7-2 triumph. Nicholas Castellanos continues to be a bright spot in an otherwise down season for the Tigers and homered to spark that first-inning rally, his fifth blast in the last 10 games. The Rangers are languishing in the American League West basement and are losers of five of their last six with trips to Boston and Baltimore still left on the road trip. Texas will try to avoid another loss behind right-hander Austin Bibens-Dirkx while Detroit counters with righty Michael Fulmer on Sunday .

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Austin Bibens-Dirkx (1-2, 4.40 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (3-7, 4.22)

Bibens-Dirkx had a string of two straight solid starts come to an end when he went up against the Houston Astros on Tuesday and was knocked around for five runs on nine hits and a pair of walks in six innings. The Oregon native served up a pair of home runs in that outing, doubling his total from the previous four turns. Bibens-Dirkx made one relief appearance against Detroit during his 2017 rookie campaign and yielded one hit in 4 2/3 scoreless frames.

Fulmer is winless in his last three starts and did not factor in the decision at the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, when he was reached for three runs on seven hits and three walks in six innings. The 25-year-old has seen his name pop up in trade rumors and showed off his potential value to a contender with solid starts against the likes of Cleveland and Oakland in the last month. Fulmer struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings at Texas on May 7 but was reached for five runs and did not factor in the decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers RHP Shane Greene (shoulder) began throwing on Saturday and could return next week.

2. Rangers RH Shin-Soo Choo has reached base safely in each of the last 46 games, tying a franchise record set by Julio Franco.

3. Detroit CF Leonys Martin (hamstring) is not expected back before the All-Star break.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Rangers 3
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

Aside from one swing from Jose Bautista, the New York Mets are not having much luck against the Tampa Bay Rays' pitching staff. The Mets will try to scrape together a few runs and pull off a rare series win when they host the Rays in the finale of a three-game interleague series on Sunday.

Bautista connected on a walk-off grand slam in Friday's 5-1 victory, but New York could not carry that momentum into Saturday and suffered a 3-0 loss while going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and watching Bautista strike out three times. The Mets have not won a series since sweeping a three-game set from the Arizona Diamondbacks at home from May 18-20 and dropped to 15-27 in their own park with Saturday's setback. The Rays aren't exactly lighting up the scoreboard with a total of four runs in their last three games but remain at .500 thanks to a pitching staff limiting opponents to a .224 batting average. Tampa Bay will try to keep the run of strong pitching performances going behind right-hander Nathan Eovaldi while New York gives righty Chris Flexen his first start of the season.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Nathan Eovaldi (2-3, 3.92 ERA) vs. Mets RH Chris Flexen (0-1, 10.80)

Eovaldi scattered eight hits across six innings at Miami on Monday and limited the damage to two runs without factoring in the decision. The Texas native received a total of four runs of support in his last four starts and owns one win in that span, when he struck out nine in six scoreless innings against Washington on June 26. Eovaldi made three of his seven starts against NL East opponents this season and is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA in those outings.

Flexen made his first three appearances this season in relief and absorbed a loss in his last game, surrendering a run in one inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 24. The 24-year-old went 4-6 with a 4.84 ERA in 14 games - 13 starts - for Triple-A Las Vegas between major-league stints this season. Flexen went 3-5 with a 7.78 ERA in nine starts for the Mets during his 2017 rookie campaign.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays INF Willy Adames (illness) sat out Saturday and is day-to-day.

2. New York 3B Wilmer Flores hit safely in 12 of the last 13 games.

3. Tampa Bay RHP Chris Archer (abdominal) will return to the rotation on Monday for the first time since June 2.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Mets 3
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Oakland Athletics vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Oakland Athletics are making a bid to join the top teams in the American League prior to the All-Star break and turn their team into buyers instead of sellers at the end of the month. The Athletics are winners of nine of their last 11 and will try to earn their second series win over the Cleveland Indians in the last week when they visit for the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday.

Oakland, which took two of three from the Indians last weekend at home, scored three runs in the eighth inning to tie the game on Saturday before earning a 6-3 victory in 11 innings. "You can't sleep on our offense," outfielder Stephen Piscotty, who hit a two-run homer in the 11th inning, told reporters. "We can vaporize a lead really quick. We know that, and that's why we keep grinding and keep playing." Cleveland had a five-game winning streak come to an end with Saturday's loss but still owns a 10 1/2-game lead over the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central. The Indians will send rookie Shane Bieber to the mound in the finale while the Athletics counter with lefty Brett Anderson.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Brett Anderson (0-2, 7.63 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (4-0, 2.97)

Anderson is returning to the rotation for the first time since May 18 after dealing with a shoulder strain. The veteran has not thrown more than 55 1/3 innings since 2015 while dealing with injuries and was knocked around for 25 hits in 15 1/3 frames before going down in May. Anderson made three of his four starts on the road before he was hurt and went 0-1 with a 4.38 ERA in those outings.

Bieber has yet to lose since making his major-league debut on May 31 and earned a win at Kansas City on Tuesday despite allowing four runs and nine hits in six innings at Kansas City. The 23-year-old surrendered a total of two runs over 18 2/3 innings in his previous three outings, earning the win in all three turns. Bieber is seeing the Athletics for the first time in his career and is 2-0 with a 0.71 ERA in two starts at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman went 4-for-4 on Saturday and recorded his first career stolen base.

2. Cleveland 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion is 5-for-34 over his last 10 games.

3. Oakland placed OF Matt Joyce (back) on the 10-day DL on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Indians 8, Athletics 5
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Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

Mark Reynolds was passed over by every other major league team this spring but is rewarding the Washington Nationals in record-setting ways. One day after going 5-for-5 with two home runs and 10 RBIs, the veteran first baseman concludes his memorable weekend Sunday when the Nationals aim for a sweep of their four-game series against the visiting Miami Marlins.

Reynolds crushed a walk-off home run in Friday's 3-2 victory before delivering the ultimate encore in Saturday's 18-4 victory, helping Washington post its 14th consecutive victory over Miami and its third in a row overall following a 5-17 slide. Reynolds' 10 RBIs tied Anthony Rendon's club record set last season and came two days after Trea Turner had eight RBIs in Thursday's series-opening 14-12 victory. Miami fell 19 games under .500 with Saturday's loss but hit back-to-back homers for the first time this season when Starlin Castro and J.T. Realmuto went deep in the fourth inning. The Marlins have had a dismal trip to the nation's capital, but utilityman Yadiel Rivera belted his first career homer in Saturday's contest and Castro is 13-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Trevor Richards (2-5, 5.26 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-10, 4.60)

Richards received a no-decision Tuesday against Tampa Bay after giving up four runs on nine hits over five innings. The 25-year-old rookie was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on June 7 and has gone 2-3 with a 5.52 ERA and 24 strikeouts against eight walks over his last six starts. Richards, who is making his first career appearance against Washington, has posted a 4.44 ERA in five home starts compared to a 6.08 mark in six starts away from Marlins Park.

Roark lost his third straight start Tuesday, allowing nine runs on 10 hits across seven innings against Boston. The 31-year-old native of Illinois is 0-4 with an 8.44 ERA over his last four starts covering 21 1/3 innings. Martin Prado is 10-for-23 with a home run against Roark, who owns a 5-8 record and 3.99 ERA in 22 career games (16 starts) against Miami and has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts against the Marlins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals closer Sean Doolittle was unavailable Saturday following a precautionary MRI on his foot but is not expected to miss any time.

2. Miami OF Brian Anderson was given a scheduled day off Saturday after starting the team's first 90 games.

3. Washington C Matt Wieters (hamstring) is set to conclude his minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Harrisburg on Sunday and could be activated from the disabled list Monday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 9, Marlins 4
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/08/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies are kings of the Keystone State, and they hope to add to their dominance over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. The Phillies aim to complete a season sweep of their intrastate rivalry and earn a seventh straight victory overall when they face the host Pirates in the finale of a three-game series.

The Phillies improved to a major league-best 19-7 in one-run games with a 3-2 victory Saturday, collecting their third such win over Pittsburgh this season to go along with three triumphs of four or more runs. Philadelphia has outscored the Pirates 38-12 in the previous five meetings in 2018. The Phillies have won eight of their last nine and remain tied with Atlanta atop the National League East. The Pirates have dropped five straight, allowing 51 runs during the skid.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Drew Anderson (2017: 0-0, 23.14 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Nick Kingham (2-4, 4.70)

Anderson will make his first big-league start and his first appearance of the season with the Phillies. The 24-year-old was tagged for seven runs (six earned) in 2 1/3 innings across two relief appearances last August. Anderson is 5-3 with a 4.15 ERA in 10 starts at Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season.

After winning his first two starts of the season, Kingham has lost four consecutive decisions, including three straight starts in which the offense has scored a total of one run. The 26-year-old was lit up for seven runs (five earned) in three-plus innings Monday at the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he allowed three home runs. Kingham is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in three home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pirates C Francisco Cervelli, sidelined since June 21 due to a concussion, worked out Saturday and is expected to be activated before the series finale.

2. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez was held out of the lineup Saturday after fouling a ball off his foot Friday, but he was used as a pinch hitter and is day-to-day.

3. Pittsburgh on Saturday activated RHP Michael Feliz from the 10-day disabled list and called up RHP Alex McRae from Triple-A Indianapolis. RHP Dovydas Neverauskas and LHP Josh Smoker were optioned to Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Phillies 4
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Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Brewers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

The Atlanta Braves got exactly what they needed on Saturday and enter Sunday's series finale at the Milwaukee Brewers with a chance to finish a 10-game road trip with a winning record. The Braves opened their three-city tour with a sweep of St. Louis and a victory over the Yankees, only to lose their next four games before Anibal Sanchez authored a gem and Freddie Freeman busted out of a slump in a 5-1 victory that gives Atlanta a chance to go 6-4 on the trip.

Freeman fell a homer short of the cycle in finishing 3-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored, his first multi-hit game since June 22, ending a stretch during which the Atlanta first baseman had collected only seven hits in his previous 13 games. Sanchez stymied the Brewers through 6 2/3 innings, allowing only one run on two hits, and the Braves bullpen gave up just one hit over 2 1/3 scoreless innings as Milwaukee's streak of consecutive games with a homer ended at 12. Second baseman Brad Miller finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, giving him a .317 average with eight RBIs in 13 games since being traded from Tampa Bay. Infielder Jonathan Villar came off the bench Saturday and recorded a hit in his only at-bat, giving him four hits in nine at-bats in his past five games, but the Brewers' powerful offense finished with just four singles.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, TBS, FS South (Atlanta), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (8-3, 3.10 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (5-5, 2.87)

Newcomb seeks to return to form after the shortest start of his season Tuesday in New York, a 2 2/3-inning stint in which he gave up five runs with five walks in a loss to the Yankees. It marked just the fourth time in 17 starts the 25-year-old had surrendered more than three earned runs and set a season high in walks. Newcomb, who posted a 2.33 ERA while going 8-1 in his previous 15 starts, makes his first career appearance against Milwaukee.

Guerra looks to win his third consecutive start after holding Minnesota to two hits with eight strikeouts in five scoreless innings Tuesday. The 33-year-old has allowed three earned runs or fewer 11 times in 16 starts, but Milwaukee is averaging just 2.85 runs per game in his outings. Guerra, who is holding opponents to a .217 batting average, earned a no-decision in his only career appearance against the Braves in 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee OF Ryan Braun was scratched from Saturday's starting lineup with right side tightness; he struck out as a pinch hitter to end the game.

2. Atlanta OF Ronald Acuna (left groin tightness) did not play Saturday, but is expected to be available Sunday.

3. Brewers OF Lorenzo Cain, out since June 26 with a left groin strain, could be activated from the disabled list for the series finale, according to published reports.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Brewers 2
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Chicago White Sox vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

As great as the disparity is between the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox in the win column, the gap between them when they have played each other this season has been even larger. The Astros attempt to complete a dominant season sweep of the White Sox on Sunday when they host the finale of a four-game set.

Houston (60-31) has made a mockery of Chicago (30-59) in six meetings this season, winning five by at least six runs and scoring 10 runs in four of those contests. Alex Bregman and Yuli Gurriel combined to go 5-for-9 with two homers, seven RBIs and five runs scored in Saturday's 12-6 victory, increasing the Astros' scoring margin over the White Sox in the season series to 54-15. Houston's fifth win in a row overall allowed it to expand its lead in the American League West to 3 1/2 games over Seattle and join Boston as the only 60-win teams in the majors. Chicago has dropped four in a row and eight of 10, but Avisail Garcia has been one of the team's few bright spots lately with eight home runs in his last 12 games - including a majors-best five in July.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet - Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (5-7, 6.93 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (5-8, 4.12)

Giolito surrendered two two-run shots before recording an out - and three homers in all - among the seven runs and eight hits he allowed over five innings in Tuesday's loss at Cincinnati. The 23-year-old, who has surrendered seven of his 16 home runs over his last four turns, has as many walks this season as strikeouts (54) over 89 2/3 frames. Giolito suffered through perhaps the worst outing of his 33-start major-league career April 21 against Houston, giving up nine runs on five hits and seven walks across only two innings.

Keuchel posted his third quality start in four tries to get the win Tuesday at Texas, allowing two runs on five hits and a walk while striking out seven over as many innings. Despite getting tagged for six runs across 5 1/3 frames in his previous outing, the 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner is 2-0 with a 2.96 ERA over his last four trips to the mound. Jose Abreu is 7-for-18 with two homers against Keuchel, who is 3-4 with a 3.81 ERA in eight starts versus Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gurriel (.432) and Bregman (.384) went a combined 3-for-4 with runners in scoring position on Saturday. The duo ranks first and second, respectively, in the AL in such situations this season.

2. Chicago has clubbed 14 homers in its last eight contests. Garcia and OF Daniel Palka have combined to hit nine of the last 12.

3. Houston owns a team batting average of .339 against the White Sox this season.

PREDICTION: Astros 11, White Sox 3
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th July 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/07/2018

A pair of former teammates with the Tampa Bay Rays who are struggling mightily this season will square off on the mound when the Minnesota Twins go for a sweep of a four-game series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon. Minnesota's Jake Odorizzi seeks his first win in two months when he opposes Baltimore's Alex Cobb.

After a 1-8 road trip that ended with six straight losses, all the Twins needed was a return home -- and a visit from the worst team in the majors -- to snap out of their rut and post their first three-game win streak in over a month. Bobby Wilson had two hits and three RBIs, including a tiebreaking two-run double, and Max Kepler homered for the second straight day as Minnesota erased an early 3-0 deficit in Saturday's 5-4 victory. Baltimore, which dropped to 40 games below .500 with its fifth consecutive loss and 12th defeat in 13 games, will be hoping to avert a four-game sweep in the Twin Cities for the first time in franchise history. Jonathan Schoop has hit safely in five straight games overall for the Orioles and is 11-for-32 with a homer and four doubles against Odorizzi.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alex Cobb (2-10, 6.53 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (3-6, 4.57)

Cobb's winless drought reached five starts despite a quality start at Philadelphia on Tuesday, when he took the loss after giving up three runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings. He had another strong effort in his previous road start when he tossed seven innings of one-run ball in a no-decision at Atlanta. Joe Mauer is 3-for-5 against Cobb, who is 2-0 with a 2.20 ERA in three starts versus the Twins.

Odorizzi is mired in an even longer drought than Cobb, giving up two runs over five innings in a loss at Milwaukee on Wednesday to remain winless since May 8. The 28-year-old is 0-4 during that 10-start stretch and has failed to get through six innings eight times in that span. Odorizzi is 5-4 against the Orioles, including a no-decision on Opening Day when he yielded two hits in six scoreless innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins RH Fernando Rodney notched his 319th save to move into a tie with Todd Jones for 19th on the all-time saves.

2. Orioles DH Chris Davis hit a two-run homer Saturday but also set a franchise record with his 1,306th strikeout.

3. Kepler has five homers and 16 RBIs in 13 games against Baltimore.

PREDICTION: Twins 5, Orioles 3
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Boston Red Sox vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th July 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/08/2018

The Boston Red Sox took a bit longer than usual to get going in their last time out, but once the majors' best offense got rolling, the Kansas City Royals' league-worst pitching staff was powerless to do anything about it. The Red Sox, coming off their best offensive performance of the season, seek their second straight road series sweep Sunday when they meet the Royals.

Boston (major league-best 61-29) found itself in a tie game in the seventh inning with the worst home team in the majors Saturday when Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi sparked an 11-run outburst over the final three innings en route to a 15-4 triumph. All 11 Red Sox batters who played had at least one RBI, and only struggling Jackie Bradley Jr. failed to contribute to the 16-hit onslaught. Boston has piled up 25 runs and 31 hits through two games this weekend against Kansas City (25-63), which owns the worst staff ERA in baseball (5.34) and has lost 14 of its last 15 at home to fall to 11-34 at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals are one loss away from their third nine-game skid of the season and 38 games below .500 for the first time since ending the 2006 season 62-100.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (10-3, 3.57 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jakob Junis (5-10, 5.13)

Porcello did a bit of everything in Monday's win at Washington, delivering a three-run double in the second inning in addition to pitching six frames of two-run ball to get the victory. The 2016 American League Cy Young Award winner was also sharp in his previous road outing, allowing one hit and one walk across seven innings to beat Minnesota. Salvador Perez (8-for-30) and Alex Gordon (11-for-46) have each homered twice against Porcello, who is 8-8 with a 4.71 ERA in 22 starts versus Kansas City.

Junis lost his seventh straight start Monday against Cleveland, surrendering career highs in runs (nine) and earned runs (eight) across 5 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old, who has given up at least five runs in four of his last five turns, has yielded 13 home runs and posted a 7.59 ERA during his losing streak. Junis permitted a home run to Mitch Moreland but settled for a no-decision in Boston on May 1, allowing two runs across six frames in his first career start versus the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Benintendi went 2-for-2 with a home run and four walks Saturday, becoming the first Red Sox player since David Ortiz in 2007 to draw four free passes and hit a homer in the same game.

2. The Royals issued 13 free passes Saturday, one shy of the franchise record.

3. Betts is 9-for-15 with four solo homers, five RBIs and six runs scored in his last three games against Kansas City.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 9, Royals 2
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th July 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/08/2018

Early deficits haven't meant much to the Chicago Cubs, whose last eight victories have been comeback wins. The cardiac Cubs will take any type of win they can get when they host the Cincinnati Reds for the finale of a three-game series Sunday.

The Cubs erased a five-run deficit in an 8-7 win Saturday, snapping a five-game losing streak against the Reds to even the series. Chicago (50-36) has matched its high-water mark for the season at 14 games above .500 and pulled within 1 1/2 games of National League Central leader Milwaukee. The loss was just the fifth in 19 games for the Reds, who are 7-4 against Chicago this season. The Reds haven't won a series at Wrigley Field since July 4-6, 2016.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (5-8, 5.53 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (11-2, 2.25)

Castillo's season has been disappointing this season, but he took a shutout in the seventh inning of a no-decision Monday against the Chicago White Sox. It was the 25-year-old's first quality start since May 24 and just his fifth in 18 outings this season. Castillo is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in three starts against the Cubs.

Lester won his seventh straight start when he allowed four runs (two earned) over five innings to beat Minnesota last Sunday. The 34-year-old has allowed two or fewer earned runs in six consecutive outings, posting a 1.46 ERA over that stretch. Lester is 6-1 with a 4.07 ERA in 14 starts against the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 2B Javier Baez is 20-for-43 with 12 RBIs and 13 runs scored over his past 10 games and leads the team with 26 multi-hit games.

2. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is 14-for-38 during a 10-game hitting streak and leads the NL with 66 RBIs.

3. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton has 18 stolen bases at Wrigley Field, the most all-time by a Reds player.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Reds 2
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/08/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals look to continue their successful road trip and recent strong performance against the San Francisco Giants when the teams wrap up a four-game series Sunday. The Cardinals have won six of their last eight against the Giants, outscoring San Francisco 48-23 over that span.

St. Louis won 3-2 on Saturday to improve to 4-2 on its nine-game trip, which will conclude with two games against the Chicago White Sox. The Giants have totaled only 10 runs while losing five of their last six games, hitting .167 over that stretch. Brandon Belt had three of the team's eight hits Saturday, including the only one that went for extra bases, and drove in both of San Francisco's runs. "I think we're seeing a lot of really good pitchers," Belt told reporters. "Sometimes it's hard to diagnose, but we faced some guys that threw to us really well. ... It's something we're having to grind through right now. But we know what this team is capable of, and we will get through it."

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (3-4, 3.19 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (1-3, 2.58)

Flaherty has lost his last two starts, allowing eight runs over 10 innings after a dominant stretch in which he gave up just two runs in 18 1/3 frames across his previous three outings. The 22-year-old permitted four runs across six innings in a loss at Arizona on Tuesday. The Cardinals have totaled only four runs in Flaherty's last three starts.

Bumgarner posted his fourth straight quality start but took the loss Monday at Colorado, allowing three runs (two earned) over six-plus innings. The 28-year-old ace threw 15 scoreless frames across his previous two outings and has allowed only two runs in three home turns since coming off the disabled list. Bumgarner is 3-5 with a 4.38 ERA in eight starts against the Cardinals.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis INF Jedd Gyorko is 8-for-19 with five extra-base hits and seven RBIs in his past five games with an at-bat.

2. Cardinals C Yadier Molina (right shoulder soreness) is expected to be back in the lineup after getting a day off Saturday.

3. The Giants placed 2B Joe Panik (strained groin) on the disabled list before Saturday's game and purchased the contract of INF Chase d'Arnaud from Triple-A Sacramento.

PREDICTION: Giants 3, Cardinals 2
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San Diego Padres vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 07-08-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 8th July 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/08/2018

One day after setting a franchise record for most runs in a game, the Arizona Diamondbacks look to carry over some of that offense Sunday when they conclude a four-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres. David Peralta had five hits and three RBIs on Saturday as the Diamondbacks scored 15 runs in the first four innings and cruised to a 20-5 victory.

Steven Souza belted his first home run as a member of the Diamondbacks while Ketel Marte, Alex Avila, Nick Ahmed and Paul Goldschmidt also homered and combined for 10 RBIs in the rout. Center fielder Jon Jay, who contributed two hits and scored three runs from the leadoff spot, has gone 7-for-15 over his last three games after recording one hit in 34 at-bats during the previous 10 contests. Arizona has won back-to-back games since losing the series opener to the rebuilding Padres, who have dropped 15 of their last 19 games and fallen 15 games under .500. The lone bright spot Saturday was the play of left fielder Wil Myers, who homered three times and is 13-for-35 with five multi-hit efforts over his last 10 games.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-8, 4.46 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (9-5, 3.36)

Richard allowed five runs and walked a season-high five batters over six innings against Oakland on Tuesday, losing his second straight start following a four-game winning streak. The 24-year-old has posted a 3.86 ERA in eight starts at Petco Park compared to a 5.01 mark in 10 road outings. Chris Owings is 7-for-18 with five RBIs against Richard, who is 10-6 with a 4.14 ERA in 18 career starts versus Arizona -- including 4-4 with a 6.12 ERA in nine outings at Chase Field.

Greinke won his fourth consecutive outing Tuesday, allowing two runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 4-2 victory over St. Louis. "He's on a great roll right now," manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. "I feel like he had his best slider of the year. He went to that pitch often, got a lot of swings and poor contact on that pitch." Freddy Galvis is 1-for-14 against Greinke, who owns a 10-2 record and 2.07 ERA in 19 career starts versus San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego is 2-34 when scoring two or fewer runs.

2. The Diamondbacks activated Avila from the disabled list prior to Saturday's game and optioned RHP Silvino Bracho to Triple-A Reno.

3. The Padres placed LHP Jose Castillo on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain and recalled RHP Kazuhisa Makita from Triple-A El Paso.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Padres 2
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