Betting news, trends, odds and predictions from various handicappers and websites for Tuesday 9/25/18
National League
Marlins (62-94) @ Nationals (79-78)
Brigham is 0-3, 5.84 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 0-3, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 0-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3
Scherzer is 1-1, 5.06 in his last five starts (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 21-11, 8-6 home
5-inning record: 18-12-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-32
Marlins won three of their last four games; five of their last six games stayed under. Washington lost four of its last six home games; over is 10-4 in their last 14 home games.
Braves (88-68) @ Mets (73-83)
Toussaint is 2-1, 3.27 in his last four starts (over 4-0). Team in his starts: 3-1, 1-0 away
5-inning record: 2-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4
Syndergaard is 3-1, 2.70 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 15-8, 8-3 home
5-inning record: 14-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23
Atlanta won its last five games; they’re 10-2 in last dozen road series openers- under is 10-4 in their last 14 road games. Mets won three of their last four games; they’re 4-11 in last 15 home series openers. Under is 9-3 in their last 12 games.
Pirates (79-76) @ Cubs (91-65)
Archer is 1-1, 3.38 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 4-5, 1-4 away
5-inning record: 6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9
Montgomery is 1-1, 4.42 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 9-8, 3-3 home
5-inning record: 7-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-17
Pittsburgh won seven of their last nine games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 road games. Cubs won seven of their last 11 games; four of their last six games went over.
Brewers (90-67) @ Cardinals (87-70)
Gonzalez is 2-0, 2.20 in his three starts for Milwaukee (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 3-0, 0-0 road
5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3
Gomber is 1-1, 7.07 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-2, 2-1 home
5-inning record: 8-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10
Brewers are 6-2 in their last eight road games; under is 6-3 in their last nine games. St Louis won six of its last eight games; their last seven games went over the total.
Phillies (78-78) @ Rockies (86-70)
Velasquez is 0-2, 9.64 in his last four starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 12-17, 4-10 road
5-inning record: 12-12-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-29
Bettis is 0-1, 7.82 in his last five starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-9, 4-5 home
5-inning record: 14-2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-19
Phillies are 7-21 in their last 28 road games; over is 7-4-2 in their last 13 road games. Colorado won its last four games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games.
Dodgers (88-69) @ Diamondbacks (79-78)
Buehler is 2.17 in his last six starts; under is 8-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 13-8, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 12-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21
Koch is 0-2, 9.35 in his last two starts; over is 3-1-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 7-6, 5-3 home
5-inning record: 4-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-13
Dodgers won ten of their last 12 games; their last four games all went over. Arizona lost eight of its last nine games; over is 8-3 in their last 11 home games.
Padres (63-94) @ Giants (72-85)
Erlin is 1-4, 7.72 in his last five starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 4-7, 3-2 away
5-inning record: 1-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-11
Stratton is 1-3, 4.30 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 13-12, 7-4 home
5-inning record: 11-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-25
Padres lost their last three games; over is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games. San Francisco lost its last five games; their last 15 home games stayed under.
American League
Astros (99-57) @ Blue Jays (71-86)
James is 1-0, 2.61 in his two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 2-0, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2
Gaviglio is 0-2, 6.27 in his last four starts; his last three home starts went over. Team in his starts: 8-14, 5-5 home
5-inning record: 6-10-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-22
Houston won seven of its last nine games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Blue Jays won six of their last ten games; under is 6-3 in their last nine games.
New York (96-60) @ Tampa Bay (87-69)
Tanaka is 3-0, 2.16 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 16-10, 10-4 away
5-inning record: 16-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-26
Team in his starts: home
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:
New York won five of its last seven games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven road games. Tampa Bay won seven of its last ten games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 home games.
Orioles (45-111) @ Red Sox (106-51)
Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:
Price is 1-1, 4.57 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 21-8, 11-4 home
5-inning record: 15-8-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-29
Baltimore is 5-17 in its last 22 games; over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Red Sox are 5-5 in their last ten games; under is 6-0 in their last six games.
Tigers (63-93) @ Twins (72-83)
Turnbull allowed six runs in four IP (87 PT) in his first MLB start (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1
Moya is 0-1, 3.60 in four “opens” (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2, 0-0 home
5-inning record: 3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4
Tigers lost five of their last seven games; they’re 7-17 in road series openers. Over is 5-1-1 in their last seven road games. Minnesota won five of its last seven games; they’re 9-2 in last 11 home series openers. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine home games.
Indians (88-68) @ White Sox (61-95)
Bauer is 4-0, 1.00 in his last five starts; under is 11-4 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 16-9, 7-6 away
5-inning record: 13-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-25
Shields is 2-2, 4.93 in his last six starts; under is 11-4 in their last 15 games. Team in his starts: 12-20, 8-9 home
5-inning record: 12-18-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-32
Indians won five of their last seven games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Chicago lost six of its last eight games; under is 8-4-2 in their last 14 games.
Rangers (66-90) @ Angels (76-81)
Gallardo is 0-3, 10.22 in his last three starts (over 10-4-2). Team in his starts: 10-6, 3-4 away
5-inning record: 8-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-16
Shoemaker is 2-2, 5.25 in his five starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 3-2, 0-1 home
5-inning record: 2-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5
Texas lost six of its last eight games; over is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Angels lost five of their last six games; over is 5-0-2 in their last seven games.
A’s (95-62) @ Mariners (85-71)
Anderson is 2-2, 4.12 in his last four starts (under 11-4). Team in his starts: 8-7, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 5-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15
Leake is 2-3, 5.70 in his last five starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 19-11, 9-5 home
5-inning record: 12-10-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-30
Playoff-bound A’s won five of their last six games; over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Seattle is 4- in its last nine games; under is 7-2 in their last nine home games.
Interleague
Royals (54-102) @ Reds (66-91)
Skoglund is 0-0, 1.64 in his last two starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 3-8, 1-4 away
5-inning record: 2-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-11
Harvey is 1-1, 4.67 in his last three starts; under is 7-1-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 11-12, 7-3 home
5-inning record: 13-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-23
Royals lost five of their last seven games; they’re 4-12 in last 16 road series openers- under is 4-1 in their last five games. Cincinnati lost four of its last five games; they’re 8-5 in last 13 home series openers. Under is 11-0-1 in their last dozen games.
Umpires
Mia-Wsh: Under is 6-2 in last eight Porter games.
Pitt-Chi: Over is 11-5-1 in last 16 Reyburn games.
Mil-StL: Four of last five Little games went over.
Phil-Col: Five of last six Tumpane games stayed under.
LA-Az: Over is 5-3 in last eight Foster games.
SD-SF: Four of last six Mahrley games stayed under.
Hst-Tor: Underdogs are 5-3 in last eight Estabrook games.
Balt-Bos: Five of last six Baker games stayed under.
NY-TB: Under is 5-3 in last eight Blakney games.
Clev-Chi: Under is 9-5 in last 14 Fletcher games.
Tex-LAA: Under is 8-4 in last dozen Hoberg games.
A’s-Sea: Five of last six Morales games stayed under.
Kansas City Royals vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 24th September 2018 by Gracenote
The Cincinnati Reds had difficulty locating their bats during their 10-game road trip, with five shutout losses serving as an eyesore on their 3-7 trek. The Reds (66-91) aim to find their offense Tuesday as they host the Kansas City Royals (54-102) in the opener of an abbreviated two-game interleague series between cellar-dwelling clubs.
"It'll be good to get home. It's been a long trip. Hopefully we'll be a little energized when we get home and start swinging the bats a little better," Cincinnati interim manager Jim Riggleman said. Scooter Gennett has five of his career-best 180 hits this season in the last five games entering the series versus Kansas City, against which he went 3-for-8 with two runs scored as the Reds recorded a pair of wins at Kauffman Stadium on June 12 and 13. The Royals answered losing five straight with two wins in three outings to split a four-game set in Detroit. Adalberto Mondesi homered for the fifth time in 10 games during Sunday's 3-2 setback, giving him six homers, 27 hits, 13 RBIs and 15 runs scored this month.
TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Eric Skoglund (1-5, 5.60 ERA) vs. Reds RH Matt Harvey (7-9, 4.92)
Skoglund saw his winless skid extend to eight outings last Tuesday despite scattering three hits over six scoreless innings at Pittsburgh. The 25-year-old has allowed only two runs and seven hits in his last three trips to the mound (13 innings), with all three earning him a no-decision as he works his way back from an ankle injury. "He threw the ball great," manager Ned Yost said. "Six strong innings. Did a really nice job. Got to 67 (pitches) last time out and was starting to get a little tired. Was in the mid-80s this time and felt great. So he's getting back on track."
Harvey answered a stellar outing with a disastrous one Wednesday, as he yielded seven runs on as many hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-0 setback at Milwaukee. The 29-year-old surrendered two homers for the second time in four starts, with a pair of three-run blasts against the Brewers upping his total to 26 in 150 innings this season. Harvey is limping down the stretch (2-4, 5.37 ERA since the All-Star break) and is 0-1 lifetime against Kansas City following a 4-3 loss while pitching with the New York Mets in 2016.
WALK-OFFS
1. Kansas City 2B Whit Merrifield has scored 15 times during his a 14-game hitting streak.
2. Reds 3B Joey Votto, who is 1-for-14 in his last four contests overall, had a bases-loaded triple in the 10th inning of a 5-1 victory over the Royals on June 12.
3. Kansas City 3B Hunter Dozier, who is 0-for-12 in his last three games, had a solo homer in that 10-inning loss to Cincinnati in June.
PREDICTION: Reds 3, Royals 2
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Miami Marlins vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
Max Scherzer's bid for a fourth Cy Young Award has taken a big hit of late, but the ace of the Washington Nationals has another chance to boost his resume when he takes on the visiting Miami Marlins in the second of a three-game series Tuesday night. Scherzer is 1-1 with a 5.06 ERA in his last five starts, falling behind Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets in most Cy Young predictions.
The Nationals' right-hander does have 14 innings with no earned runs allowed in his last two starts against the Marlins, who went 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position in dropping the series opener 7-3. Bryce Harper hit a double and added a sacrifice fly for Washington to reach the 100-RBI mark for the first time in his seven-year career. Anthony Rendon homered in Monday's win and he owns 16 RBIs in a nine-game stretch for the Nationals, who are 39-40 at home with two to play at Nationals Park. Rookie Jeff Brigham will make his fourth start for the Marlins on Tuesday.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jeff Brigham (0-3, 5.84 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (17-7, 2.57)
Brigham is coming off the best of his three career starts after allowing two runs and three hits with six strikeouts over five innings against Cincinnati. He was reached for six runs in a total of 7 1/3 innings over his first two outings. The 26-year-old is holding left-handed batters to a .200 average but righties are at .350.
Scherzer had 13 strikeouts over seven innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets on Thursday, and he's 10 shy of becoming the second pitcher in franchise history to punch out 300 in a season. The 34-year-old entered Monday tied for the National League lead in wins, ranked third in ERA and topped all hurlers with a .188 opponents' batting average. He is 11-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 18 career starts against the Marlins.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rendon has reached safely in a career-high 32 straight games.
2. Marlins 1B Peter O'Brien is 5-for-10 with a home run and two doubles in three games against Washington this year.
3. Nationals LF Juan Soto slugged his 21st home run Monday, one shy of tying Harper for second on baseball's all-time list for a player before his 20th birthday.
PREDICTION: Nationals 7, Marlins 2
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Houston Astros vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
The Houston Astros are the hottest team in the majors in September, and their success this month has them on the verge of clinching consecutive division titles for the first time since winning three in a row from 1997-99. The Astros look to take one more step toward making that dream a reality Tuesday when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays in search of a fifth straight victory overall in the middle contest of a three-game set.
Brian McCann and Josh Reddick connected on back-to-back homers in the second inning as Houston raced out to a four-run lead after three frames and held on for a 5-3 win in Monday's series opener. The Astros, who are 17-4 in September, lowered their magic number to win the American League West to two. Houston (99-57) also only needs three victories over its final six contests to tie the 1998 club for the most wins in team history. Kevin Pillar homered Monday for the Blue Jays, who have dropped four of six following a four-game winning streak and lost three in a row to the Astros.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston), Sportsnet (Toronto)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Josh James (1-0, 2.81 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (3-8, 5.18)
James secured his first major-league victory last Tuesday against Seattle, yielding four hits and two walks while striking out seven across 5 1/3 scoreless innings in his second career start. The Western Oklahoma State product earned his promotion at the beginning of the month by going 6-4 with a 3.23 ERA and fanning 171 in 114 1/3 frames across two minor-league stops. James has struck out 24 across 16 innings in four big-league appearances and is holding hitters to a .172 average entering his first start against Toronto.
Gaviglio is winless over his last four turns and hasn't lasted six innings over that time, including Thursday's no-decision versus Tampa Bay in which he permitted two runs over five innings. The 28-year-old Oregon native has not fared particularly well since joining the rotation for good in mid-May, posting a 2-8 record and 5.30 ERA in 22 starts. Evan Gattis has homered twice in three at-bats versus Gaviglio, who has given up seven runs in 12 frames while losing both of his career starts against Houston.
WALK-OFFS
1. With a victory on Tuesday, the Astros will match a club record by going 43 games over .500.
2. Toronto INF Yangervis Solarte went 2-for-4 on Monday to lift his batting average in nine career games against Houston to .387.
3. If Houston can win its final six games at Toronto and Baltimore, it will tie the 2001 Seattle Mariners (59-22) for the best road record in major-league history.
PREDICTION: Astros 7, Blue Jays 2
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Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 24th September 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Mets Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/24/2018
The champagne has been popped and the celebratory T-shirts have been printed, but there is plenty of work remaining for the Atlanta Braves entering the final week of the season, starting Tuesday at the New York Mets. The newly crowned National League East champions have secured their first postseason berth since 2013, and look to build on their slim lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers for the second seed and home-field advantage in the NL Division Series.
While the Braves will give some of their regulars time off during this six-game road trip to New York and Philadelphia, expect Atlanta to give starters at-bats against Noah Syndergaard on Tuesday and Jacob deGrom on Wednesday in preparation for facing tough pitching in the playoffs. First baseman Freddie Freeman, who began the season's final week leading the majors with 186 hits, is hitting .387 with 12 RBIs in 16 games against the Mets this season. New York never recovered from a 5-21 June, but the Mets are 34-28 since the All-Star break and have won 14 of 22 games in September. Outfielder Michael Conforto continued his strong late-season showing with two hits and three RBIs in Sunday's 8-6 victory over Washington, and is hitting .312 with seven homers and 25 RBIs in his past 19 contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Touki Toussaint (2-1, 4.30 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (12-4, 3.36)
Toussaint makes his sixth appearance and fifth start, on the heels of the most important outing of his short big-league career - striking out eight while allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings Wednesday to beat St. Louis and snap Atlanta's four-game losing streak. The 22-year-old gave up three runs in one inning of relief Sept. 15 against Washington, but has posted a 3.27 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP in his four starts. Toussaint is holding opponents to a .190 batting average, and is a candidate to make the postseason roster.
Syndergaard made only seven starts a season ago because of injury, but in 23 starts this year he has regained his place on the short list of baseball's best pitchers. The 26-year-old brings a 1.27 WHIP while averaging 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings, and in the second half he has won seven of his 11 starts (7-3) with a 3.75 ERA. Syndergaard, who is 3-1 with a 2.70 ERA in September, is 0-1 in two starts against Atlanta this season with a 4.50 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. New York plans to activate 3B David Wright from the disabled list for the season, and the Mets captain - who last played in the majors on May 27, 2016 - could make a pinch-hit appearance in the series.
2. The Braves are 47-23 against the NL East this season, after going 103-124 within the division from 2015-17.
3. Atlanta SS Dansby Swanson is 5-for-10 lifetime against Syndergaard, while Freeman (.467) and RF Nick Markakis (.400) also have hit Syndergaard well.
PREDICTION: Mets 4, Braves 2
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
The Boston Red Sox have established a franchise record for victories and will continue their postseason preparation as they play the second of a three-game series against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. A 6-2 victory in Monday's series opener was the 106th of the year for the Red Sox, eclipsing the team mark previously established in 1912.
Mookie Betts has been the catalyst for so many of Boston's victories this year and he is 10-for-16 with three home runs and eight RBIs over his last three games after notching a two-run homer and a single Monday. David Price will try to bounce back from his first loss in more than two months when he gets the start Tuesday for the Red Sox in what is expected to be rainy conditions. While Boston was in the process of establishing a team record for wins in the opener, the Orioles were matching a franchise mark (1939 St. Louis Browns) with their 111th loss. They'll try to avoid the unwanted record for a day with Jimmy Yacabonis on the mound to start Tuesday.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Jimmy Yacabonis (0-2, 6.34 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (15-7, 3.53)
Yacabonis will be making his sixth start of the year and his second in a row after tossing four scoreless innings against Toronto on Wednesday. He also started against Boston on Aug. 11, giving up three runs over 4 2/3 frames. Betts is 2-for-5 with a triple against the 26-year-old Yacabonis.
Price was unbeaten in 11 straight starts and went 6-0 in that span before suffering the loss at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday. He gave up four earned runs in 5 1/3 innings to raise his ERA in four starts against the Yankees to 10.34, compared to 2.84 in 25 outings against all other opponents. Price is 14-5 with a 2.67 ERA in 27 career starts against the Orioles.
WALK-OFFS
1. Betts needs one stolen base to record the second 30/30 season in team history (Jacoby Ellsbury, 2011).
2. Orioles INF Tim Beckham is 4-for-12 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs scored during his three-game hitting streak.
3. Boston has won 18 of the last 20 meetings.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Orioles 2
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New York Yankees vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Rays Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
Veteran outfielder Andrew McCutchen hopes to build off a productive night as his New York Yankees look to create more cushion in their fight for home field in the American League Wild Card Game when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. McCutchen, acquired from San Francisco in late August, was batting .212 with the Yankees before recording a double and a solo homer in Monday's 4-1 victory.
McCutchen (five homers, nine RBIs with New York) could be important in the playoffs if the Yankees decide to use Giancarlo Stanton or Aaron Judge as a designated hitter and Aaron Hicks, who left Monday's game with a tight hamstring, is not available. New York (96-60) leads Oakland by 1 1/2 games for the AL's top wild-card spot with six contests left on the schedule. Tampa Bay was officially eliminated from contention for the second wild card after managing two hits in Monday's setback, falling to 48-27 at home and losing for just the third time in 10 games overall. Tommy Pham had a double for the Rays in the series opener, extending his hitting streak to eight games and his on-base run to 26 contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, YES (New York), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (18-8, 3.38 ERA) vs. Rays RH Jake Faria (4-3, 5.17)
Severino produced his second straight one-run performance Wednesday to post his first win since Aug. 26 in a 10-1 romp over Boston. The 24-year-old Dominican has a 2-1 mark with a 3.54 ERA in three starts versus Tampa Bay this season, although he surrendered season highs in runs (seven) and hits (11) over five innings of a 7-6 setback on July 23. Jake Bauers is 3-for-5 with a homer versus Severino, who is 7-2 with a 3.06 ERA in 13 career appearances (nine starts) against the Rays.
Faria makes his first start since Aug. 15 when he limited the Yankees to one run on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts over 3 1/3 innings in a no-decision. The 25-year-old California native has made five relief appearances, sandwiching that one start since coming off the disabled list, while allowing six runs and 12 hits across 11 2/3 innings without being involved in a decision. Brett Gardner is 2-for-5 with a homer against Faria, who is 0-0 with a 5.23 ERA in three career starts versus the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tampa Bay SS Willy Adames has hit safely in his last eight games with an at-bat, going 10-for-29 in that stretch.
2. The Yankees have a league-best 252 homers and are one behind the 2016 Baltimore Orioles for the fifth most in baseball history.
3. Rays C Nick Ciuffo exited Monday's game with a bruised hand and is considered day-to-day.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Rays 2
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
The boom-or-bust nature of the Chicago Cubs' offense has been especially prevalent when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates. After opening their four-game set against the visiting Pirates with another weak offensive output, the Cubs will try to get the bats going and preserve their slim National League Central lead when the clubs meet for the second of four games Tuesday.
The Cubs have been held to one or zero runs in 10 of their last 16 losses, including Monday's 5-1 defeat in which pitcher Cole Hamels' solo homer accounted for Chicago's only run. The Cubs, who hold a 1 1/2-game edge on Milwaukee in their division, have scored a single run on a solo homer in each of their last five games against the Pirates. Pittsburgh is on its way to a strong finish to the season, having won 13 of their last 18. The season series is tied at eight wins apiece, and the Cubs have been limited to one run in six of their eight losses to the Pirates.
TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet - Pittsburgh, WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Chris Archer (5-8, 4.49 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (5-5, 3.75)
Archer is 2-3 with a 4.86 ERA in nine starts since the Pirates acquired him from Tampa Bay ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline. The 29-year-old snapped a six-start winless streak Wednesday, holding Kansas City to one run over seven innings for his first win since Aug. 8. Archer is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three starts against the Cubs.
Montgomery entered the season as a reliever but became a valuable member of the rotation beginning in late May, going 5-4 with a 3.35 ERA in 17 starts. The 29-year-old struck out eight and allowed one run on four hits over six frames to win at Arizona last Tuesday for his first win since Aug. 7. Montgomery is 3-0 with a 2.30 ERA in nine games (three starts) against the Pirates.
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh C Francisco Cervelli homered Monday and is 14-for-34 with four homers and 12 RBIs in 11 games against the Cubs this season.
2. Pirates CF Starling Marte (left calf tightness) did not play Monday and is day-to-day.
3. Cubs RHP Pedro Strop (left hamstring) played catch and took part in agility drills Monday and hopes to pitch before the end of the regular season.
PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Pirates 3
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Detroit Tigers vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 24th September 2018 by Gracenote
Tigers vs. Twins Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/24/2018
The Minnesota Twins picked themselves up after a brief stumble to begin their 10-game road trip by erupting for 19 runs en route to a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers. The Twins (72-83), winners of five of their last seven overall, return to Target Field on Tuesday to face the Tigers (63-93) in the opener of their season-ending seven-game homestand.
Joe Mauer is in line for a hero's welcome should he reach base for the 3,073rd time in his distinguished career, which would snap a tie with Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew for the most in Twins history. The 35-year-old Mauer, who is 11-for-34 versus Detroit this season, registered a two-hit performance for the fifth time in his last 10 outings in Minnesota's 5-1 romp at Oakland on Sunday. The Tigers dropped five of seven on their final homestand of the season following Sunday's 3-2 setback to Kansas City. Nicholas Castellanos had 13 hits -- including seven for extra bases (five doubles, triple, homer) and five runs scored in the first six contests of the homestand, highlighted by going 6-for-11 in the previous series with Minnesota.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Spencer Turnbull (0-1, 10.80 ERA) vs. Twins TBA
Turnbull's first major-league start certainly didn't go the way of legend, as he answered a 1-2-3 first inning with a four-run, 36-pitch second in Wednesday's 8-2 setback versus Minnesota. In total, the 26-year-old was pierced for six runs on as many hits in four frames. Turnbull, who also balked on two occasions, told the Detroit News that "things started to speed up," and that he "just couldn't seem to get an out, and then it snowballed."
Minnesota plans to use an unannounced starter for the contest before giving way to rookie right-hander Kohl Stewart (2-1, 4.40 ERA). The 23-year-old Stewart replaced Gabriel Moya after the first inning and permitted no earned runs on three hits in six frames of a 6-1 victory at Detroit on Sept. 17. "Kind of how you would draw it up if you're hoping for success with the 'opener' format," Twins manager Paul Molitor said. "Moya gets through the first. Kohl was good. He got a lot of balls on the ground."
WALK-OFFS
1. Detroit has recorded 25 wins on the road, which is third-worst in the American League behind cellar-dwelling clubs Baltimore and Kansas City.
2. Twins LF Robbie Grossman had five hits and four runs scored in last week's series against the Tigers.
3. Detroit 3B Jeimer Candelario is 6-for-45 against Minnesota this season.
PREDICTION: Twins 4, Tigers 2
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Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
All-Star Trevor Bauer looks to get himself ready for the postseason as he makes the start Tuesday night when the American League Central champion Cleveland Indians visit the Chicago White Sox for the second of a three-game set. Bauer, who returned last Friday for a short appearance after missing more than a month with a stress fracture in his right leg, is expected to throw between 60 and 65 pitches Tuesday.
"The health, the feeling in the ankle, has been better," Bauer told reporters after pitching 1 1/3 innings in Boston last week. "So, everything's trending in a very positive direction." Corey Kluber reached 20 victories for the first time in his career with seven strong innings as the Indians took the series opener 4-0 on Monday for their fifth win in seven games overall and 13th in 17 meetings with the White Sox this season. Chicago, which needs two wins to avoid its first 100-loss season since 1970, has dropped six of its last eight contests after managing four hits and leaving five on base Monday. Nicky Delmonico registered a pair of hits for the White Sox in the series opener and Avisail Garcia extended his hitting streak to four games with a single.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (12-6, 2.21 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (7-16, 4.48)
Bauer threw 34 pitches against the Red Sox while giving up two hits and issuing one walk in his first appearance since Aug. 11. The 27-year-old UCLA product, who boasts 215 strikeouts in 167 1/3 innings, had won four straight starts before the abbreviated outing against Boston. Yoan Moncada is 4-for-11 with a homer versus Bauer, who is 2-1 with a 1.71 ERA in three starts against the White Sox in 2018 and 8-3, 3.15 in his career.
Shields has registered six quality starts in his last nine outings, including two solid efforts against the Indians despite being unable to earn a victory. The 36-year-old Californian held Cleveland to two runs on five hits Thursday in a no-decision and is 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in three starts versus the Indians this year. Francisco Lindor is 7-for-15 with two homers against Shields, who is 5-8 with a 3.76 ERA lifetime versus Cleveland.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox OF Daniel Palka has 27 homers, tied with Zeke Bonura (1934) for the third-highest total by a rookie in franchise history.
2. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley, who was rested in the series opener, is 9-for-21 with a homer during a four-game hitting streak.
3. Chicago 1B Jose Abreu, who has not played since Sept. 16 due to a thigh infection, could be done for the season.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, White Sox 3
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
The Brewers can take a huge step toward clinching a wild-card berth and remain within striking distance of winning the National League Central on Tuesday when they visit the St. Louis Cardinals in the middle contest of a three-game set. Milwaukee lowered its magic number to clinch a postseason spot to three following Monday's 6-4 victory over St. Louis.
The win stretched out Milwaukee's lead over the Cardinals - the Brewers' closest competition in the wild-card race - to three games with five left to play. The victory also allowed Milwaukee (90-67) to close within 1 1/2 games of the Central-leading Cubs as the club continues its quest to end a six-year postseason drought. The Cardinals (87-70) appeared to be on their way to closing the gap on the Brewers on in the opener after roughing up All-Star reliever Josh Hader and taking a 4-3 lead in the sixth inning, but two late RBIs from Christian Yelich and a wild pickoff throw in the eighth inning ultimately led to the end of St. Louis' three-game winning streak. The loss not only made the Cardinals' bid to overtake the Brewers this week unlikely, but it also reduced their lead over Colorado to a half-game for the final wild card.
TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee), FS Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers LH Gio Gonzalez (9-11, 4.28 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (6-1, 3.63)
Gonzales remained unbeaten in three starts since arriving in a trade from Washington earlier this month, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out five over six scoreless innings on his 33rd birthday. The two-time All-Star is 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA as a member of the Brewers, although all three of his outings with them have come at home. Yadier Molina (8-for-23) has fared well while Matt Carpenter (2-for-19) has not versus Gonzalez, who was tagged for five runs across four frames in a loss at St. Louis on Aug. 14.
Gomber rebounded from his worst performance as a major leaguer to move to 5-1 as a member of the rotation, permitting one run while fanning five over as many innings last Tuesday against Atlanta. The Florida Atlantic product continues to struggle with his control, however, handing out 31 free passes over his first 69 1/3 big-league innings. Gomber, who did not give up a run in two-thirds of an inning in his only appearance versus Milwaukee on June 23, is allowing left-handed hitters to bat .301 against him.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Brewers reached the 90-win mark in the opener for only the eighth time in the franchise's 50-year history.
2. The Cardinals reached Hader for three runs - a walk sandwiched by two homers - in one inning of work Monday after entering the game with only three hits in their first 28 at-bats against him.
3. With a victory in either one of the final two games of this series, Milwaukee will win the season series for the second year in a row after failing to do in the previous six seasons.
PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Cardinals 3
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
Trevor Story is back in the lineup after a five-game absence and the All-Star shortstop will look to help the Colorado Rockies win their fifth straight contest when they host the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday. Story recorded two doubles as the Rockies rolled to a 10-1 victory in the opener of the four-game series to climb within one-half game of St. Louis for the National League's second wild-card berth.
Story injured his right elbow during a defensive play against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sept. 17 but avoided ligament damage and was able to make a swift return. The Rockies, who opened their season-ending seven-game homestand on Monday, have outscored opponents 23-4 during their winning streak and sit 1 1/2 games behind the first-place Dodgers in the NL West. The Phillies continue to plummet downward as they have lost five in a row and 24 of their last 34 to drop to .500. Philadelphia slugger Rhys Hoskins belted his 33th homer in the series opener but has gone just 6-for-40 over his last 10 games.
TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (9-11, 4.59 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Chad Bettis (5-2, 5.18)
Velasquez has struggled over his last four outings, going 0-2 with a 9.64 ERA. The 26-year-old has worked five or fewer innings in eight consecutive starts and three or fewer in three of those turns. Velasquez defeated the Rockies on June 14, when he gave up two runs and one hit over 6 2/3 innings, to improve to 2-0 with a 3.95 ERA in five career meetings.
Since Jon Gray was moved up to start the series opener after Tyler Anderson (shoulder) was scratched, Colorado manager Bud Black announced he will begin Tuesday's game with Bettis on the mound. Black stated the 29-year-old, who has made six straight relief appearances, likely will only be able to throw between 35 and 50 pitches. Bettis is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in six career games (four starts) against the Phillies.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rockies CF Charlie Blackmon went 1-for-5 in the series opener to extend his career-best hitting streak to 16 games.
2. Philadelphia LF Aaron Altherr (concussion/toe/knee) departed in the fourth inning on Monday after crashing into the left-field fence.
3. Colorado 3B Nolan Arenado went 2-for-4 with an RBI in the opener but is homerless in his last 10 contests.
PREDICTION: Rockies 9, Phillies 3
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
The Los Angeles Dodgers send rookie sensation Walker Buehler to the mound Tuesday against the host Arizona Diamondbacks with hopes of moving a step closer toward their sixth consecutive division title. David Freese went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs on Monday as the Dodgers opened the three-game series with a 7-4 victory.
Manny Machado drove in two runs to help Los Angeles win for the 10th time in 12 contests and remain 1 1/2 games ahead of Colorado in the National League West. Justin Turner added two hits and is batting .364 in his last 29 games for the Dodgers, whose magic number for the NL West title is five with five games remaining. There was a large and vocal contingent of Dodgers fans at Chase Field for Monday's series opener against the Diamondbacks, who have dropped 13 of their last 16 contests and scored a total of seven runs during their current four-game losing streak. Ketel Marte provided the bulk of Arizona's offense in Monday's loss by going 3-for-4 with a triple, a home run and three RBIs.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, ESPN, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (7-5, 2.74 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Matt Koch (5-5, 4.26)
Buehler turned in another stellar outing last Wednesday, allowing two unearned runs and three hits while registering a career-high 12 strikeouts in six innings of a 5-2 victory over Colorado. The 24-year-old rookie owns a 1.58 ERA over his last 10 starts, recording 79 strikeouts over 62 2/3 frames. "I really like our chances when he's taking the mound," Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts told reporters. "I feel the same, obviously, about Clayton (Kershaw). A different sort of track record, but Walker has ascended to that."
Koch has shuttled between the bullpen and rotation this season but earned another start after tossing four scoreless innings of relief against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. "He threw the ball extremely well in the back end of that game," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. "We felt like this is a good opportunity for him to go out there and get a true start." The 27-year-old rookie is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two career games (one start) versus the Dodgers.
WALK-OFFS
1. Los Angeles has won 10 of its last 14 games on the road, where it has gone 44-32 this season.
2. Arizona 1B Christian Walker is day-to-day after being hit in the face by a pitch in the eighth inning of Monday's contest.
3. The Dodgers activated RHP J.T. Chargois from the 10-day disabled list.
PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Diamondbacks 1
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Texas Rangers vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 09-25-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 25th September 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Angels Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 09/25/2018
The Los Angeles Angels turned on the power to end their five-game losing streak and hope the surge continues when they resume their season-ending six-game homestand on Tuesday with the middle contest of their three-game set against the Texas Rangers. Los Angeles belted four solo homers in the series opener, including a lead-off, pinch-hit blast by Jose Briceno in the 11th inning that produced a 5-4 victory.
Shohei Ohtani, Jefry Marte and Michael Hermosillo also went deep, with the latter's shot being his first in the major leagues, as the Angels posted their first win since last Tuesday at Oakland. Texas is looking to break out of its funk as it continues its season-ending seven-game road trip. The Rangers staged a two-out rally in the ninth inning on Monday as Ronald Guzman doubled before pinch-runner Delino DeShields scored on pinch-hitter Elvis Andrus' single, but the team went on to suffer its sixth loss in eight contests. Guzman also belted a solo homer to complete his second consecutive two-hit performance after going 1-for-17 over his previous seven games.
TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS West (Los Angeles)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (8-6, 6.59 ERA) vs. Angels RH Matt Shoemaker (2-2, 5.48)
Gallardo has struggled down the stretch, surrendering 14 runs on 20 hits and nine walks over 12 1/3 innings in his last three starts - all losses. The 32-year-old from Mexico suffered his fifth defeat in six decisions last Tuesday, when he yielded three runs on eight hits and three walks in five frames against Tampa Bay. Gallardo fell to 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) versus the Angels after yielding six runs and six hits in three innings at Los Angeles on Sept. 12.
Shoemaker lost his second straight start on Thursday as he was tagged for five runs and five hits in just 2 2/3 innings at Oakland. It was just the fifth outing of the season for the 31-year-old native of Michigan, who allowed three runs or fewer in each of the first four but has yet to last six frames. Shoemaker is 4-2 with a 4.91 ERA in seven career starts against Texas, including a no-decision on Sept. 3 in which he gave up two hits over five scoreless innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Angels CF Mike Trout drew two walks on Monday to raise his season total to a franchise-record 117, breaking the mark he set in 2016.
2. Texas INF Jurickson Profar belted his 19th homer in his 140th game of the season on Monday after going deep only 12 times over his first 206 major-league contests.
3. Los Angeles SS Andrelton Simmons (knee) sat out the series opener but could return to the lineup on Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Angels 3
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