Betting news, trends, odds and predictions for from various handicappers and websites
Wednesday’s games
National League
Pirates (17-13) @ Nationals (14-16)
Nova is 2-0, 2.28 in his last four starts (over 4-2). Team in his starts: 4-2
5-inning record: 4-0-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Strasburg is 0-2, 5.12 in his last three start (over 4-2). Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-6
Pirates won five of their last seven games; they lost last six road games. Under is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Washington won its last three games; they’re 6-9 at home. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games.
Phillies (16-13) @ Marlins (11-18)
Nola is 3-1, 2.57 in his last four starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 3-3
5-inning record: 1-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-6
Urena is 0-4, 4.91 in six starts this year (over 3-3). Miami scored 11 runs in his five home starts. Team in his starts: 0-6
5-inning record: 1-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Phillies lost six of their last eight games; over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Miami won six of its last seven games; they’re 7-10 at home. Under is 7-2 in their last nine games.
Braves (17-11) @ Mets (17-10)
Newcomb is 0-0, 5.19 in his last three starts, all of which went over. Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 2-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5
deGrom is 1-0, 1.25 in his last three starts (over 4-2). Team in his starts: 4-2
5-inning record: 4-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4
Atlanta won five of its last six games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine road games. Mets are 5-8 in their last 13 games; over is 7-3-1 in their last eleven games.
Brewers (18-13) @ Reds (7-23)
Miley is making his first ’18 start; he was 8-15, 5.61 in 32 starts for Baltimore LY. Miley has made 196 career starts (66-74, 4.38). Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0
Castillo is 1-1, 7.23 in his last four starts (over 5-1). Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 2-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Brewers lost four of their last six games; eight of their last ten road games stayed under. Cincinnati is 3-11 at home; over is 8-2 in their last ten games.
Rockies (16-15) @ Cubs (16-11)
Anderson is 1-0, 2.63 in his last five starts (only 24 IP). Four of his last five starts stayed under the total. Team in his starts: 4-2
5-inning record: 2-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6
Darvish is 0-2, 5.87 in his last three starts; his last four starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 1-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5
Colorado lost four of its last six road games; under is 7-1 in their last eight road games. Cubs won six of their last seven home games; their last seven games overall stayed under.
Dodgers (12-16) @ Diamondbacks (20-8)
Ryu is 3-0, 1.46 in his last four starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 4-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5
Godley is 4-1, 4.13 in five starts this year; over is 2-0-1 in his last three. Team in his starts: 4-1
5-inning record: 3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5
Dodgers lost seven of their last eight games; over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Arizona won eight of its last ten games; they’re 11-3 at home. Under is 8-1-1 in their last ten home games.
Padres (11-20) @ Giants (15-15)
Richard is 0-2, 5.40 in his last three starts (under 3-2-1). Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 1-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Holland is 0-3, 6.48 in five starts this season (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 0-1
5-inning record: 1-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-5
San Diego lost five of its last seven games; under is 10-3-1 in their road games. Giants won six of their last eight games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games.
American League
Rangers (12-19) @ Indians (15-13)
Moore is 1-3, 6.20 in five starts this year (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 1-4
5-inning record: 1-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-5
Kluber is 4-0, 2.08 in his last four starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 4-2
5-inning record: 4-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Rangers won four of their last six games; over is 6-1-1 in their last eight road games. Cleveland lost six of its last nine home games; over is 8-1 in their last nine home games.
Rays (13-15) @ Tigers (12-16)
Snell is 4-0, 1.69 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 4-2
5-inning record: 4-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Fulmer is 0-0, 1.38 in his last two starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 2-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5
Tampa Bay won nine of its last 11 games; under is 4-1 in their last five. Tigers lost six of their last nine games; under is 5-1 in their last six games.
Royals (8-21) @ Red Sox (21-8)
Duffy is 0-3, 5.68 in six starts this year, last three of which went over. Team in his starts: 0-6
5-inning record: 1-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6
Pomeranz is 0-1, 7.27 in two starts this year (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 1-1
5-inning record: 0-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-2
Royals lost seven of their last ten games; over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Boston is 4-6 in its last ten games; over is 3-1 in their last four games.
New York (19-10) @ Astros (20-11)
Severino is 2-0, 1.80 in his last three starts (over 3-3). Team in his starts: 5-1
5-inning record: 4-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Keuchel is 1-3, 4.32 in his last four starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 1-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
New York won 10 of its last 11 games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Astros won four of their last six games; over is 7-4-1 in their last 12 games.
Blue Jays (17-12) @ Twins (9-16)
Stroman is 0-3, 9.59 in five starts this season (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 0-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning:2-5
Romero is making his MLB debut; he was 0-1, 2.57 in four AAA games (3 starts). He was 11-9, 3.53 in 23 AA starts LY. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0
Blue Jays won their last three games; over is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Minnesota lost 11 of its last 12 games; ten of those 12 games went over.
Orioles (8-21) @ Angels (17-12)
Bundy is 1-3, 5.40 in his last four starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 2-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6
Heaney is 0-1, 8.16 in three starts this season (over 1-1-1). Team in his starts: 1-2
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3
Baltimore lost seven of its last nine games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten road games. Angels lost eight of their last ten home games; seven of their last nine games stayed under.
A’s (14-15) @ Mariners (17-11)
Oft-injured Anderson is making his first ’18 start; he was 1-1, 1.89 in four AAA starts this year, is 42-47, 4.08 in 128 career MLB starts (4-4, 6.34 in 13 MLB starts LY). Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0
Paxton is 1-0, 4.09 in his last four starts (over 3-3). Team in his starts: 4-2
5-inning record: 2-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6
A’s lost four of their last five games; over is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Seattle won six of its last seven games; over is 8-2 in their last ten games.
Interleague
White Sox (8-18) @ Cardinals (15-12)
Giolito is 1-3, 9.31 in his last four starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 1-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5
Martinez is 2-0, 0.54 in his last five starts (under 3-0-2). Team in his starts: 5-1
5-inning record: 3-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6
White Sox are 3-7 in last ten road games; over is 6-3 in their last nine. St Louis lost three of its last four games; over is 3-2 in their last five home games.
Umpires
Pitt-Wsh: Under is 6-3-1 in last ten Cooper games.
Phil-Mia: Six of last nine Hoye games went over.
Atl-NY: Under is 9-5-1 in last 15 LBarrett games.
Mil-Cin: Over is 7-3-1 in last 11 Winters games.
Colo-Chi: Favorites won six of last seven Fletcher games.
LA-Az: Under is 7-3 in last ten Carapazza games.
SD-SF: Home side won eight of last 11 Guccione games.
Tex-Clev: Home side won four of last five Carlson games.
TB-Det: Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Whitson games.
KC-Bos: Home side won seven of last eight O’Nora games.
NY-Hst: Over is 6-1 in Marquez games this season.
Tor-Minn: Under is 11-7 in last 18 Bellino games.
Balt-LAA: Under is 4-0-1 in last five Ortiz games.
A’s-Sea: Under is 5-2 in last seven Porter games.
CWS-StL: Under is 5-1 in Holbrook games this season.
MLB(921) TEXAS @ (922) CLEVELAND | 05/02/2018 - 1:10 PM
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in Road games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 28 Wins and 19 Losses for the last two seasons (+24.22 units)
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MLB(913) LA DODGERS @ (914) ARIZONA | 05/02/2018 - 9:40 PM
Play ON ARIZONA using the money line in Home games against left-handed starters
The record is 23 Wins and 5 Losses for the last two seasons (+17.75 units)
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MLB(927) OAKLAND @ (928) SEATTLE | 05/02/2018 - 10:10 PM
Play OVER SEATTLE on the total in All games as a home favorite of -175 to -250
The record is 15 Overs and 2 Unders for the last three seasons (+13.00 units)
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MLB(907) ATLANTA @ (908) NY METS | 05/02/2018 - 7:10 PM
Play ON ATLANTA using the money line in All games when playing against a team with a winning record
The record is 12 Wins and 4 Losses this season (+11.50 units)
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MLB(905) PITTSBURGH @ (906) WASHINGTON | 05/02/2018 - 7:05 PM
Play UNDER PITTSBURGH on the total in Road games after a loss
The record is 16 Overs and 37 Unders for the last two seasons (+19.90 units)
__________________
MLB(911) MILWAUKEE @ (912) CINCINNATI | 05/02/2018 - 7:10 PM
Play UNDER MILWAUKEE on the total in Road games against right-handed starters
The record is 23 Overs and 49 Unders for the last two seasons (+23.50 units)
__________________
MLB(913) LA DODGERS @ (914) ARIZONA | 05/02/2018 - 9:40 PM
Play ON ARIZONA using the run line in Home games vs. left-handed starters
The record is 32 Wins and 16 Losses for the last three seasons (+23.05 units)
Preview: Royals at Red Sox
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
In a matchup of the best and worst teams in the American League, the struggling Kansas City Royals came out on top by using some late-inning thunder on two occasions. A pair of dramatic home runs powered the Royals to a 7-6 victory over the Boston Red Sox and put them in position for their first series win of the year in Wednesday afternoon's rubber match at Fenway Park.
Jorge Soler provided the deciding blow with a three-run homer in the 13th inning, extending his hitting streak to seven games and handing Boston only its eighth loss. Alex Gordon picked a big moment for his first homer of the season, clubbing a solo shot off Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. Boston did not go quietly even after the deflating homers, getting a tying solo blast from Eduardo Nunez in the 12th and scratching out a pair of runs in the 13th before losing for the third time in five games. Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland is 6-for-10 with a pair of homers, three RBIs and five runs scored in the series.
TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (0-3, 5.40 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (0-1, 7.27)
Duffy matched his season high with six innings last time out against the Chicago White Sox but remained winless, giving up four runs on six hits. He was pounded in his previous turn at Detroit, lasting 4 2/3 innings and allowing six runs on 10 hits -- both season worsts -- in his third loss. J.D. Martinez is 3-for-22 with a home runs and nine strikeouts against Duffy, who is 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA against Boston.
Pomeranz has labored in his first two starts, surrendering three home runs over five innings in a loss to Tampa Bay last time out after escaping with a no-decision despite lasting only 3 2/3 innings in his season debut at Oakland. He did not factor in the decision in two starts versus the Royals last year but gave up only three runs on 13 hits in 13 innings. Catcher Salvador Perez is 3-for-5 against Pomeranz.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts (hamstring), who came on as a defensive replacement Tuesday, is expected to return to the starting lineup Wednesday.
2. Kansas City released former Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz, who could opt out of his minor-league deal if he wasn't called up.
3. Kimbrel suffered his first blown save since Aug. 1, ending a streak of 17 straight conversions.
PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Royals 5
Preview: Rangers at Indians
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
Two-time American League Cy Young winner Corey Kluber will try to end a rough stretch on the mound for the Cleveland Indians when he takes the ball against the visiting Texas Rangers in the rubber match of a three-game series Wednesday afternoon. The Indians have allowed 45 runs over the last six games while losing four of them, including an 8-6 decision in 12 innings on Tuesday night.
Kluber earned one of the two Cleveland victories during the last six contests and has won four straight overall for the Indians, who have begun to swing the bats better after a slow start to the season. Cleveland is averaging 5.2 runs during its 2-4 stretch while the Rangers won four of their past six, recording 5.3 tallies per contest, after getting back-to-back solo homers from Joey Gallo and Isiah Kiner-Falefa in the 12th on Tuesday. Nomar Mazara also knocked in two runs in the victory and boasts 14 RBIs in his last 14 runs for Texas, which still sits at the bottom of the AL West standings. Left-hander Matt Moore gets the start for the Rangers in the finale as they attempt to improve to 3-1-1 in road series.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Southwest (Texas), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Matt Moore (1-3, 5.33 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (4-1, 2.18)
Moore returns to the starting rotation after pitching one scoreless inning April 29 at Toronto and tries to win back-to-back decisions after starting the season with three straight losses. The 28-year-old Florida native allowed six earned runs on 19 hits over 17 innings across the last three starts with 10 strikeouts and seven walks. Francisco Lindor is 6-for-10 with a homer versus Moore, who is 2-2 with a 3.57 ERA in seven career contests against the Indians.
Kluber won each of his last four trips to the mound while allowing seven total runs over 30 1/3 innings with 33 strikeouts and just six walks after beating Seattle last Friday, yielding three tallies across 8 2/3 frames. The 32-year-old Alabama native has permitted 26 hits in 45 1/3 innings overall this season with a .165 batting average against and a 0.77 WHIP. Mazara is 5-for-12 with a homer against Kluber, who is 3-1 with a 3.73 ERA in six career games versus the Rangers.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas OF Delino DeShields is 8-for-22 during his current five-game hitting streak, raising his average from .174 to .267 in that span.
2. Cleveland LF Michael Brantley belted a grand slam to tie the game in the ninth Tuesday, but is just 2-for-11 in his last three games.
3. Rangers RHP Chris Martin (forearm cramp) was not available Tuesday and may need to go on the disabled list.
PREDICTION: Indians 6, Rangers 2
Preview: Rays at Tigers
Gracenote
May 1, 2018
There is strong potential for a third straight pitcher’s duel in the series when the Tampa Bay Rays visit the Detroit Tigers for the rubber match of a three-game set Wednesday afternoon. Red-hot Blake Snell seeks his fifth straight win for the Rays, who have won nine of their last 11, while 2016 American League Rookie of the Year Michael Fulmer goes for the Tigers after they edged Tampa Bay 2-1 on Tuesday.
Detroit came up short in the series opener 3-2 after the teams went to the ninth inning scoreless, before Leonys Martin doubled home what proved to be the winning run in the fifth inning Tuesday as the Tigers won for the second time in seven contests. All-Star Miguel Cabrera has missed the last two games with a biceps strain, but could return in the finale as Detroit goes for its first series victory since sweeping Baltimore April 17-19. The Rays offense has cooled off the last two days with 12 hits combined and they left seven on base in Tuesday’s loss as they failed for the second straight time to reach .500. Catcher Wilson Ramos (16-for-38, 10 games) and first baseman-designated hitter C.J. Cron (12-for-40, nine games) take hitting streaks into Wednesday’s contest for Tampa Bay.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (4-1, 2.52 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (1-2, 2.76)
Snell is on the best run of his career with four consecutive victories, giving up five runs on 16 hits with 34 strikeouts and just six walks over his last 26 2/3 innings. The 25-year-old Washington native limited Boston to two runs on five hits and one walk with nine strikeouts over a career-high 7 1/3 frames Friday in a 4-3 victory. Jose Iglesias is 1-for-2 with an RBI against Snell, who lost his only career start versus Detroit in 2016 while allowing three runs across 5 1/3 innings.
Fulmer has put together two straight strong outings after his worst start of the season, permitting two runs on 12 hits over 13 innings combined without earning a victory. The 25-year-old Oklahoma native gave up nine runs in his lone poor start April 12 against Cleveland and surrendered three combined in his other four trips to the mound this season. Daniel Robertson is 2-for-3 with two RBIs versus Fulmer, who is 2-2 with a 2.36 ERA in four career games against the Rays.
WALK-OFFS
1. Tampa Bay OF Carlos Gomez registered a single in three at-bats Tuesday and needs two extra-base hits to reach 400 in his career.
2. Detroit 3B Jeimer Candelario is 5-for-10 with two walks over the last three contests to raise his batting average to .291.
3. The Rays placed RHP Yonny Chirinos (forearm strain) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled LHP Ryan Yarbrough
PREDICTION: Rays 4, Tigers 3
Preview: Blue Jays at Twins
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
The Minnesota Twins are calling up top pitching prospect Fernando Romero on Wednesday to make his major-league debut in the finale of three-game series with the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. The 23-year-old Romero made three starts for Triple-A Rochester to begin the season after spending all of 2017 at the Double-A level.
He will be taking the rotation spot of Phil Hughes, who is moving to the bullpen to work on some issues after another rocky start Friday against Cincinnati. "There's something good about the process of having [prospects] going step-by-step, for most guys," Twins manager Paul Molitor told reporters of Romero's quick movement through Triple-A. "But every once in a while, you get exceptions." Minnesota has to hope for some sort of boost from Romero after dropping the first two games of the series, including a 7-4 setback in 10 innings Tuesday night to fall to 1-11 over its last 12 games. The Blue Jays will turn to struggling right-hander Marcus Stroman as they aim to win four games in a row for the third time this season.
TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (0-3, 8.88 ERA) vs. Twins RH Fernando Romero (NR)
Stroman has allowed six earned runs over 5 1/3 innings in each of his last two starts, although he did walk a season-low one batter his last time out. The New York native, who turned 27 on Tuesday, is allowing opponents to hit .298 and currently sports the worst walk rate (5.3 per nine innings) of his career by a wide margin. Stroman allowed a run and three hits in 7 2/3 innings to pick up the win in his only prior start at Target Field in 2016.
Romero was 0-1 with a 2.57 ERA in four games (three starts) in Triple-A while striking out 20 and allowing 17 hits in 21 innings. He is 23-17 with a 2.83 ERA in 73 games (57 starts) across parts of six seasons in the minors. The Dominican Republic native missed all of 2015 following elbow surgery.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Twins placed 3B Miguel Sano on the 10-day disabled list with a hamstring strain and selected the contract of INF Gregorio Petit from Triple-A Rochester.
2. Blue Jays DH Kendrys Morales was 3-for-3 with two homers Tuesday after going 0-for-19 over his previous seven contests.
3. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier went 0-for-1 as a pinch hitter Tuesday and is 3-for-31 over an eight-game stretch.
PREDICTION: Twins 6, Blue Jays 5
Preview: White Sox at Cardinals
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
The St. Louis Cardinals will try to build off a dramatic game-winning rally when they cap a quick two-game Interleague series with the visiting Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. After getting swept three straight at Pittsburgh over the weekend, the Cardinals were in danger of losing their fourth straight game before scoring twice in the bottom of the ninth inning to steal Tuesday's series opener 3-2.
Matt Carpenter's solo homer started the rally and Yadier Molina won it with a base hit to score Marcell Ozuna, giving St. Louis its sixth win in its last seven home games. Tommy Pham also homered - a 454-foot shot to lead off the bottom of the first - helping the Cardinals jump on top early in manager Mike Matheny's 1000th game at the helm. The White Sox have lost three in a row after winning three straight and they are 0-5 in their last five one-run games. Carlos Martinez has allowed two runs over his last five starts and looks to continue his dominant run for St. Louis when he gets the nod against Chicago's Lucas Giolito.
TV: 1:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (1-3, 7.71 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (2-1, 1.43)
Giolito rebounded from a rocky outing against Houston with 5 2/3 solid innings in a win at Kansas City on Thursday. However, he had just two strikeouts and owns 11 against 21 walks in his first 25 2/3 frames after posting a 34-to-12 ratio last season. The 23-year-old has never faced the Cardinals and gave up three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in his only prior career Interleague start.
Martinez limited the New York Mets to one run and four hits over six innings his last time out, and he owns an ERA of 0.54 over his outstanding five-start run. The one blemish along the way has been an odd tendency to hit batters, as the 26-year-old has already matched his 2017 total with eight hit batters - three against the Mets on Thursday. Martinez boasts a 1.93 ERA in 14 games (10 starts) in his Interleague career but will be facing the White Sox for the first time.
WALK-OFFS
1. White Sox 2B Yoan Moncada had two hits Tuesday and has recorded five multi-hit efforts over his last nine games.
2. Carpenter also had a double in the series opener after going six games in a row without an extra-base hit.
3. Cardinals RHP Bud Norris picked up his first win Tuesday with a scoreless ninth while lowering his ERA to 1.88.
PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, White Sox 3
Preview: Rockies at Cubs
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
Two underachieving offenses looking to break out of slumps go head-to-head Wednesday, when the Chicago Cubs host the Colorado Rockies for the rubber match of their three-game series. The Cubs have scored three runs or fewer in seven straight games, while the Rockies have been held to three or fewer in five consecutive contests.
It looked as if both struggling lineups might snap out of it with the wind blowing out at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, as Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon and David Dahl hit back-to-back homers to start the game and Chicago’s Anthony Rizzo went deep to lead off the bottom of the first inning. However, the teams combined for just four more hits the rest of the night. The win snapped a three-game skid for the Rockies and ended the Cubs’ five-game winning streak. It also put Colorado in position to salvage a split of the season series with a victory on Wednesday.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (1-0, 4.10 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Yu Darvish (0-2, 5.26)
Anderson left his last start in the second inning due to light-headedness and shortness of breath, but he received a clean bill of health from the team medical staff. The 28-year-old beat the Cubs in his previous start on April 21, allowing two runs and six hits over six innings. Anderson is 1-0 with a 4.85 ERA in two career turns against Chicago but never has pitched at Wrigley Field.
Darvish looked more like himself last time out, striking out eight and allowing one unearned run and three hits over six innings against Milwaukee. It was the second quality start in five outings for the 31-year-old, who still is looking for his first win with the Cubs. Darvish gave up five runs and five hits over 4 2/3 frames in a loss at Colorado on April 21.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rizzo is 7-for-13 with four home runs in his career when leading off a game.
2. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado is 21-for-51 with three doubles and five homers in his last 13 contests against the Cubs.
3. Colorado recalled INF Daniel Castro on Tuesday and optioned INF Ryan McMahon to Triple-A Albuquerque.
PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Rockies 3
Preview: Padres at Giants
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
After a rough start, Eric Hosmer appears to be settling in nicely with the San Diego Padres, who signed the veteran to an eight-year contract in February. The 28-year-old first baseman looks to build on his recent success Wednesday when the Padres face the host San Francisco Giants in the rubber match of their three-game series.
Hosmer helped San Diego record a 3-2 victory Tuesday with a two-out solo blast in the ninth inning off Giants closer Hunter Strickland and is 9-for-16 with five extra-base hits during his four-game hitting streak. Prior to Tuesday’s game, the Padres placed catcher Austin Hedges on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right elbow, and it’s unclear how long he’ll be out. The Giants had their three-game winning streak snapped Tuesday and received another blow when starting pitcher Johnny Cueto landed on the disabled list with inflammation in his throwing elbow. Rookie Andrew Suarez will likely take Cueto’s spot in the rotation after the left-hander impressed again with seven strong innings on Tuesday.
TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (1-3, 5.35 ERA) vs. Giants LH Derek Holland (0-3, 5.76)
Richard suffered his second straight loss last Friday despite holding the New York Mets to three runs in 6 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old native of Indiana has tossed at least five innings in each of his six starts but hasn’t been able to duplicate his success from Opening Day, when he tossed seven innings of one-run ball against Milwaukee. Richard is 6-7 with a 4.25 ERA in 21 career games (18 starts) against the Giants and has struggled to contain Buster Posey (12-for-32 with two homers).
Holland remained winless in five starts with the Giants when he gave up four runs in 3 1/3 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Friday. The 31-year-old has seen his ERA climb in each of his last four outings. Hosmer is 7-for-16 with a home run against Holland, who allowed three runs in 4 2/3 innings against San Diego on April 14 at Petco Park and has gone 0-1 with a 7.84 ERA in two career starts against the Padres.
WALK-OFFS
1. Giants LHP Will Smith, who missed the entire 2017 season following Tommy John surgery, is expected to be activated from the disabled list prior to Wednesday's game.
2. The Padres recalled C Rafael Lopez from Triple-A El Paso to replace Hedges.
3. Giants 3B Evan Longoria is four hits away from reaching 1,500 for his career.
PREDICTION: Padres 6, Giants 4
Preview: Pirates at Nationals
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
A return to the leadoff position for the first time since 2013 allowed Bryce Harper the opportunity to leave some of his frustration in his rear-view mirror. Harper aims to let loose again as the Washington Nationals bid to win four straight for the first time since the first four contests of the season when they continue their four-game series versus the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
"(On Monday) night, I spoke to Harp, and I just came to a conclusion -- why not, really. He's a little frustrated, and hopefully, he gets some more pitches to hit," Washington manager Davey Martinez said of elevating Harper to the leadoff position. The 2015 National League MVP entered the contest mired in a 5-for-35 slump and had gone 12 games without an extra-base hit before launching a three-run homer in the fifth inning of Tuesday's 12-4 romp. Matt Adams went deep twice for the Nationals (14-16), who improved to 3-2 on their 10-game homestand and sent Pittsburgh (17-13) to its second consecutive loss to begin its nine-game road trip. Corey Dickerson also homered for the second straight outing with a two-run shot to give him 12 hits with six RBIs and seven runs scored in his last 10 games heading into a matchup versus Stephen Strasburg, against whom he is 2-for-6 with a pair of doubles in his career.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (2-1, 3.32 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (2-3, 3.63)
Nova turned in his fourth straight strong performance since sustaining his lone loss of the season, but was left to settle for his second consecutive no-decision despite scattering six hits over eight scoreless innings versus Detroit on Thursday. The 31-year-old Dominican did not allow a walk for the fourth straight outing, a stretch in which he owns a 2-0 mark after permitting just seven runs on 24 hits in 27 2/3 innings. Matt Wieters (13-for-39, four homers) has taken Nova to task in his career, but the right-hander has split a pair of decisions versus Washington despite allowing the club to bat .339 against him.
Strasburg sustained his second straight loss on Friday after allowing five runs in 6 1/3 innings of a 5-4 setback against Arizona. The 29-year-old hasn't done himself any favors with the long ball, as he has been taken deep in five of his six outings this season and has surrendered seven homers total in 39 2/3 innings. Starling Marte (5-for-15, homer) has found success against Strasburg, although the same cannot be said of David Freese (0-for-8, three strikeouts), Adam Frazier (0-for-6) and Sean Rodriguez (0-for-5, four strikeouts).
WALK-OFFS
1. Pittsburgh RF Gregory Polanco is mired in a 1-for-15 stretch in his last four games after collecting seven hits in his previous six contests.
2. Washington SS Trea Turner is 12-for-24 with six RBIs and five runs scored in his last six games.
3. Pirates C Francisco Cervelli is 6-for-12 with a homer, two RBIs and two runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Pirates 2
Preview: Brewers at Reds
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
A visit to the worst pitching staff in the majors was all it took to snap the Milwaukee Brewers out of a wretched offensive slump. After mustering only two runs in a four-game sweep at the Chicago Cubs, the Brewers have a chance to close their nine-game road trip with a sweep of their own in Wednesday night's series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.
Travis Shaw belted a two-run homer and Jesús Aguilar and Hernan Perez added solo shots as Milwaukee followed up Monday's 6-5 victory by holding on for a 7-6 win 24 hours later. The Brewers have five homers and eight extra-base hits in the first two games of the series, including a two-run double by Ryan Braun that put them ahead for good Tuesday. Eugenio Suarez homered and drove in three runs to give him seven RBIs in the series for Cincinnati, which matched its worst 30-game start in history (1931, 1934) by falling to 7-23. Struggling Reds right-hander Luis Castillo, whose lone win came at Milwaukee on April 16 despite allowing four runs, will face left-hander Wade Miley on Wednesday night.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers LH Wade Miley (2017: 8-15, 5.61 ERA) vs. Reds RH Luis Castillo (1-3, 7.85)
Miley signed a minor-league deal with Milwaukee after finishing with a career-worst 15 defeats in 2017, including losses in all five starts in September. The 31-year-old, called up to take the rotation spot of Brent Suter, struck out 11 batters over six scoreless innings in his final rehab start at Double-A. Joey Votto is 4-for-9 with a homer, double and two RBIs versus Miley, who is 3-2 with a 3.68 ERA against the Reds.
Castillo's ugly season hit a low point when he lasted only one inning last time out and was pummeled for five runs and six hits at Minnesota while failing to strike out a batter for the first time. It also marked the first time Castillo has failed to go five innings, although he has permitted at least three runs in each turn -- the last five away from home. He was 1-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two starts versus the Brewers last season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Brewers RH Jeremy Jeffress had his 12th consecutive scoreless outing with 1 2/3 innings Tuesday to earn his first save since 2016.
2. Reds 2B Rosell Herrera collected his first career hit in place of Scooter Gennett, who grounded out as a pinch hitter Tuesday.
3. Brewers SS Orlando Arcia had three hits after going 1-for-15 in his previous five games.
PREDICTION: Brewers 6, Reds 4
Preview: Phillies at Marlins
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
The Miami Marlins have raised the outlook in South Florida on the strength of a season-high four-game winning streak while the Philadelphia Phillies have seen their fortunes take a tumble with losses in four straight and six of eight overall. The Marlins (11-18) aim for their first series sweep of the season on Wednesday when they wrap up the three-game set versus the visiting Phillies (16-13).
Yadiel Rivera celebrated his 26th birthday one day early with a walk-off single in the 10th inning of Tuesday's 2-1 victory for Miami, which has answered a miserable 3-15 stretch with wins in six of its last seven. Justin Bour belted a pinch-hit homer in the sixth inning and is expected to return to the starting lineup for the first time in five outings on Wednesday after being plagued by back spasms. While the outlook has changed for a Marlins' team with little expectation, the Phillies' positive start has been dampened due in large part to an offense that has mustered just seven runs during the four-game skid. Odubel Herrera singled in the fourth inning to reach base safely for the 31st consecutive contest and is 4-for-8 in his career versus Wednesday starter Jose Urena.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Florida (Miami)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Aaron Nola (3-1, 2.58 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Jose Urena (0-4, 4.91)
Nola recorded his fourth consecutive quality start and second straight victory by overcoming a bumpy start in which he allowed three runs in the first inning before tossing six scoreless frames the rest of the way in Friday's 7-3 triumph against Atlanta. The 24-year-old was taken to task by Miami last season, posting a 1-3 mark with a gaudy 7.59 ERA and 1.59 WHIP while permitting the Marlins to bat .308 against him. Martin Prado has fared well by going 3-for-9 versus Nola, but the right-hander has flustered J.T. Realmuto (1-for-11) and Derek Dietrich (2-for-12, five strikeouts).
After posting a 14-7 mark in 2017, Urena's tough season in 2018 continued on Friday as he was handed the hard-luck loss versus Colorado despite yielding just one run on six hits over seven innings in a 1-0 setback. The 26-year-old Dominican owns an 0-5 mark in eight starts since defeating the New York Mets on Sept. 20. Urena pitched well in a pair of outings versus Philadelphia last season, permitting three runs in a 7-4 triumph on Aug. 22 before settling for a no-decision two weeks later despite allowing one run in seven innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins' RBI double on Tuesday is his lone hit in his last four games (1-for-15) after hitting safely in 12 of his previous 13 outings.
2. Miami 2B Starlin Castro is 14-for-37 in his last 10 games.
3. Phillies C Jorge Alfaro is 7-for-16 with two homers, five RBIs and three runs scored in his last four contests.
PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Marlins 2
Preview: Braves at Mets
Gracenote
May 1, 2018
The Atlanta Braves youth movement is on full display, and so far the results have been good as they could move into first place in the National League East with another victory Wednesday at the New York Mets. Featuring the three youngest players in the major leagues on its roster, Atlanta captured a 3-2 victory in Tuesday’s series opener as Mike Soroka won his big-league debut while Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies combined for three hits and two runs scored.
Albies (21 years old), Soroka (20) and Acuna (20) gave the Braves the youngest three players to start a major league game in the same lineup since Atlanta did it in 1978, as Tuesday’s victory pushed the Braves to six games above .500 and within one-half game of first place in the NL East. There was good news for the Mets as outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who was expected to miss at least part of the series with a bruised left thumb, extended his hitting streak to seven games by going 3-for-4 - including a solo homer - and threw out a runner at home plate. Outfielder Jay Bruce extended his hitting streak to eight games and New York’s bullpen fired three scoreless innings in the opener. The Braves have won three of the first four games against New York this season and have won five of eight on their current 10-game road trip.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), SNY (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (1-1, 4.23 ERA) vs. Mets RH Jacob deGrom (3-0, 2.06)
Newcomb’s start was pushed back a day to allow Soroka to make his debut Tuesday. Newcomb struck out seven but gave up four runs in a no-decision Thursday at Cincinnati. The 24-year-old has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three of his five starts this season, including against the Mets on April 20 in Atlanta when Newcomb held New York to two earned runs (three total) with five strikeouts in six innings.
DeGrom completed the first month of the season healthy and pitching as well as anybody in the NL, allowing zero runs in his last two starts while striking out 18 in 14 1/3 innings. That stretch includes a no-decision against the Braves in Atlanta on April 21, when the 29-year-old allowed just four hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts. DeGrom earned the victory Friday at San Diego, striking out eight while giving up five hits with three walks.
WALK-OFFS
1. Atlanta RHP Shane Carle left Tuesday’s game with numbness in his right thumb and forefinger after throwing two pitches in the seventh inning.
2. New York CF Michael Conforto did not reach base Tuesday, snapping his streak at 20 games.
3. The Braves finished with 15 hits Tuesday and have collected at least nine hits in their past seven games.
PREDICTION: Mets 4, Braves 2
Preview: Yankees at Astros
Gracenote
May 2, 2018
After bouncing back from their first loss in more than a week, the New York Yankees attempt to begin another winning streak when they visit the Houston Astros on Wednesday for the third contest of their four-game series. New York dropped a 2-1 decision in the opener and was locked in a scoreless battle for eight innings on Tuesday before scoring four times in the ninth for the victory.
Gary Sanchez provided the big blow, a three-run homer that helped lift the Yankees to their 10th win in 11 contests. The 25-year-old Sanchez, who went 2-for-4, has collected six RBIs in his last four games and 14 in his past nine. Houston managed only six hits as it fell to 4-4 on its 10-game homestand. Jose Altuve recorded one of them to extend his hitting streak to six games and give him at least one in 13 of his last 14 contests.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, YES (New York), AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (4-1, 2.61 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (1-4, 4.00)
Severino settled for a no-decision on the road against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday after allowing three runs and five hits in seven innings. The 24-year-old Dominican yielded one run and four hits over 13 frames in his previous two turns - both victories. Severino, who went 0-1 against Houston in two starts during the American League Championship Series last year, owns an identical 0-1 regular-season record and an 8.38 ERA versus the Astros in two starts and a relief appearance.
Keuchel's seven-inning outing against Oakland on Friday was like two games in one as he retired the first 13 batters he faced but wound up with the loss as he finished having surrendered six runs and seven hits, including three homers. The 30-year-old former Cy Young Award winner yielded a total of six runs in his previous three turns and hadn't given up more than three in any of his previous five outings this season. Keuchel split a pair of decisions against New York in the 2017 ALCS and is 4-2 with two complete games, a shutout and a sparkling 1.41 ERA in six career regular-season starts versus the Yankees.
WALK-OFFS
1. Yankees LHP Jordan Montgomery left Tuesday's start after one inning with elbow tightness and will return to New York to be evaluated by the team physician.
2. Altuve has gone hitless in only four of his 31 games this season.
3. New York 1B Tyler Austin returned to the lineup Tuesday after serving a four-game suspension and went 0-for-4.
PREDICTION: Astros 4, Yankees 2