MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Wednesday’s games
National League
Braves (12-10) @ Reds (5-18)
Wisler allowed one run in seven IP (102 PT) in his first ’18 start, a 12-4 win over the Mets. Team in his starts: 1-0
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Finnegan is 0-2, 11.05 in his first two starts (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 0-2
5-inning record: 0-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-2

Atlanta lost three of their last four games; five of their last six games went over. Reds lost 13 of their last 16 games- their last three games went over.

Diamondbacks (16-6) @ Phillies (14-8)
Greinke is 2-1, 4.13 in four starts this season (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 2-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Arrieta is 2-0, 3.06 in his first three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1
5-inning record: 2-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Arizona is 10-4 in its last 14 games; their last six road games went over. Phillies won seven of their last eight home games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games overall.

Mets (15-6) @ Cardinals (13-9)
Matz is 1-1, 5.40 in four starts this season (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Wacha is 3-0, 3.78 in his last three starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 2-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-4

Mets are 8-2 on the road this season; four of their last five games went over. St Louis won eight of its last ten games; under is 6-3 in their last nine games.

Padres (9-16) @ Rockies (13-12)
Ross is 1-0, 1.32 in his last two starts (under 3-1); he threw 127 pitches in his last start, a near no-hitter in Arizona. Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Gray is 0-3, 10.91 in his last three starts (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 1-4
5-inning record: 2-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Padres lost six of their last eight games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Colorado lost four of its last six games; over is 4-2 in its last six games.

Marlins (6-17) @ Dodgers (11-11)
Richards is 0-2, 6.63 in four starts this season (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 0-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Kershaw is 1-3, 2.45 in five starts this year (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Marlins lost 11 of their last 14 games; under is 4-1 in their last five games. Dodgers won seven of their last nine games; eight of their last 12 games went over.

Nationals (10-14) @ Giants (11-12)
Scherzer is 3-0, 1.23 in his last three starts (over 2-2-1). Team in his starts: 4-1
5-inning record: 3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Samardzija blanked the Angels for five innings (80 PT) in his first ’18 start, an 8-1 win. Team in his starts: 1-0
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Washington lost five of its last six games; their last four games stayed under. Giants won four of their last five games; they’re 5-4 at home. Under is 7-0-1 in their last eight games.

American League
Mariners (12-10) @ White Sox (5-15)
Hernandez is 1-1, 3.64 in his last three starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Shields is 1-1, 5.87 in four starts this season (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Seattle won five of its last seven road games; over is 8-4 in their road games. White Sox lost 13 of their last 15 games; over is 6-1-1 in their last eight games.

Twins (8-10) @ New York (13-9)
Lynn is 0-1, 6.00 in three starts this season (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 0-3
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Gray is is 1-1, 10.22 in his last three starts (over 3-0-1). Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 1-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Twins lost six of their last seven games; over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. New York is 7-2 in its last nine games; they’re 9-5 at home. Over is 11-3 in their home games.

Rays (11-8) @ Orioles (6-17)
Faria is 1-0, 1.59 in his last two starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-2

Former Ray Cobb is 0-2, 19.29 in his first two starts (over 2-0). Team in his starts: 0-2
5-inning record: 2-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-4

Tampa Bay won its last four games; they’re 2-6 on road. Over is 7-1 in their last eight games. Orioles lost 11 of their last 13 games; under is 9-1 in their home games.

Red Sox (17-5) @ Blue Jays (14-8)
Rodriguez is 2-0, 2.25 in his last two starts (over 2-0-1). Team in his starts: 3-0
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Sanchez is 1-1, 2.57 in his last two starts (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 0-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Red Sox lost their last three games; under is 3-0 in their last three games. Toronto won eight of its last nine home games; over is 5-3 in their last eight.

A’s (12-11) @ Rangers (8-16)
Graveman is 0-4, 10.39 in his last four starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 1-4
5-inning record: 0-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Fister is 1-2, 5.93 in his first three starts, last of which was April 9. Under is 2-1 in his starts. Team in his starts: 1-2
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Oakland won eight of its last nine games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 games. Rangers lost 11 of their last 13 home games (over 9-4).

Angels (16-8) @ Astros (16-9)
Tropeano is 1-1, 3.75 in two starts this month (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 1-1
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Verlander is 3-0, 1.41 in five starts this season (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 4-1
5-inning record: 3-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Angels won their last 11 road games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six road games. Houston won six of its last eight games; over is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Interleague
Cubs (11-9) @ Indians (12-9)
Lester is 2-0, 2.65 in his last three starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 4-0
5-inning record: 3-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Bauer is 1-2, 2.67 in four starts this season (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 1-1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Cubs won five of their last six road games; four of their last five games went over. Cleveland won three of its last four games; under is 12-4 in their last 16 games.

Tigers (9-11) @ Pirates (12-10)
Zimmerman is 1-0, 7.71 in four starts this season (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Boyd is 0-1, 1.40 in three starts this season (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Kuhl is 2-1, 4.98 in four starts this season (over 4-0). Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Taillon is 2-1, 2.86 in four starts this season (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 2-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Tigers won five of their last seven games; under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Pittsburgh lost six of its last seven games (under 5-1-1).

Brewers (15-9) @ Royals (5-16)
Chacin is 1-0, 2.45 in his last three starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Hammel is 0-0, 1.77 in his last three starts (under 3-0-1). Team in his starts: 0-4
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Milwaukee won its last seven games (under 5-2). Royals lost 11 of their last 13 games; over is 5-3 in their last eight.

Umpires
Atl-Cin: Over is 5-1-1 in last seven Culbreth games.
Az-Phil: Five of last six Hickox games went over.
NY-StL: Over is 14-7 in last 21 Gorman games.
SD-Colo: Home side won 11 of last 15 Wendelstedt games.
Mia-LA: Under is 7-3 in last ten West games.
Wsh-SF: Under is 11-6 in last 17 Tichenor games.

Min-NY: Under is 7-3-2 in last dozen Wolf games.
A’s-Tex: Home side won six of last seven Baker games.
LA-Hst: Over is 10-3 in last thirteen Cederstrom games.
Sea-Chi: Over is 6-0 in Marquez games this season.
Bos-Tor: Favorites won seven of last nine Barry games.

Chi-Clev: Under is 18-8 in last 26 Barksdale games.
Mil-KC: Over is 16-7-1 in last 24 Reynolds games.

Preview: Mariners at White Sox
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

Off to a dreadful start, the Chicago White Sox have a chance to capture their first series since winning the opening two games of the season when they host the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday afternoon in the rubber match of a three-game set. Chicago has lost 15 of 18 after dropping a 1-0 decision to Seattle on Tuesday night, its fourth shutout loss in 20 games.

The White Sox pounded the Mariners 10-4 in the series opener, their lone win during a 1-8 stretch in which it has been limited to two runs or fewer on seven occasions. Shortstop Tim Anderson has back-to-back two-hit games and is riding a six-game hitting streak for Chicago, off to its worst start since dropping 20 of its first 25 in 1950. Mariners right fielder Mitch Haniger had his home run streak halted at four games but he delivered the lone run Tuesday to give him nine RBIs over the past five. Ace Felix Hernandez takes the mound in the series finale for Seattle, which heads to Cleveland to wrap up a 10-game road trip following Wednesday's game.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Félix Hernández (2-2, 5.06 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (1-2, 6.17)

With the exception of his second start, when he was rocked for eight runs, Hernandez has been fairly solid even though he has made it through six innings once. He allowed two runs for the second straight start but has nothing to show for it after taking a no-decision at Texas last time out. Hernandez has split 12 lifetime decisions against the White Sox but has allowed two homers in three at-bats to Welington Castillo.

Shields made his last start after pitching in relief two days earlier and was promptly battered for seven runs on eight hits and four walks over 5 1/3 innings in a loss to Houston on Friday. He has struggled with his control over his last three appearances, walking 11 batters and striking out 10 in 12 1/3 innings. Robinson Cano has been a nemesis for Shields, going 38-for-92 (.413) with six home runs and 20 RBIs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners RHP Edwin Diaz has converted all nine save opportunities.

2. Chicago was last shut out at least four times in the first 20 games since 1993, when they won 94 games.

3. Haniger has hit safely in seven straight games, including four homers and four doubles.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, White Sox 2
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Umpire Trends - Alfonso Marquez

Over is 7-0 in Marquezs last 7 games behind home plate.
Over is 5-0 in Marquezs last 5 games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
Home team is 5-1 in Marquezs last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
Under is 4-1 in Marquezs last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Home team is 7-2 in Marquezs last 9 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Home team is 16-5 in Marquezs last 21 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Over is 12-4-1 in Marquezs last 17 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Road team is 6-2 in Marquezs last 8 games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
White Sox are 5-2 in their last 7 games with Marquez behind home plate.
Over is 7-3 in Marquezs last 10 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
Mariners are 3-7 in their last 10 games with Marquez behind home plate.
White Sox are 0-7 in their last 7 Wednesday games with Marquez behind home plate.
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Preview: Angels at Astros
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

Justin Verlander attempts to become the second pitcher in Houston Astros history to win his first nine regular-season decisions with the club when he faces the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday afternoon in the finale of their three-game series. Verlander looks to tie Roger Clemens, who began his first campaign with Houston in 2004 with a 9-0 record.

Verlander has posted a 1.08 ERA in 10 regular-season outings since joining the Astros in August and also owns a streak of 10 consecutive regular-season victories, including his final two decisions while with Detroit. The veteran is off to a strong start this season as he leads the American League with a 1.10 ERA. Los Angeles won the first two games of the series and Andrelton Simmons contributed two homers and a career-high five RBIs in Tuesday's 8-7 triumph. Angels star Mike Trout bashed his major league-leading 10th home run of the season but is just 2-for-20 - both hits are homers - against Verlander.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS West (Los Angeles), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Nick Tropeano (1-1, 3.75 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (3-0, 1.10)

Tropeano was roughed up by Boston in his last turn as he allowed five runs and seven hits - two homers - over 5 1/3 innings. The 27-year-old was a fifth-round draft pick of the Astros in 2011 and initially reached the majors with the club in 2014 before being traded to the Angels. Tropeano has a 3.86 ERA in two career no-decisions against his former club and has struggled with Jose Altuve (4-for-6) and Josh Reddick (4-for-7).

Verlander yielded two hits in six innings to beat the Chicago White Sox in his last turn for his third scoreless appearance of the season. The 35-year-old has allowed just 17 hits and three walks in 32 2/3 frames for an impressive 0.77 WHIP and opposing batters are hitting just .152 against him. Verlander is 8-8 with a 3.36 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 19 career starts against the Angels and has shut down Kole Calhoun (2-for-23, 11 strikeouts) and Luis Valbuena (3-for-30, one homer, 14 strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Angels have won 11 straight road games, tying the franchise mark set in 1988.

2. Altuve was hitless in five at-bats on Tuesday after going 12-for-29 during his seven-game hitting streak.

3. Calhoun struck out three times in four hitless at-bats on Tuesday and is 1-for-24 in his last seven contests.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Angels 3
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Umpire Trends - Gary Cederstrom

Over is 6-1 in Cederstroms last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Over is 6-1 in Cederstroms last 7 games behind home plate.
Home team is 5-1 in Cederstroms last 6 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Under is 4-1 in Cederstroms last 5 games behind home plate vs. Houston.
Angels are 4-1 in their last 5 Wednesday games with Cederstrom behind home plate.
Over is 3-1-1 in Cederstroms last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
Home team is 48-17 in Cederstroms last 65 games behind home plate.
Over is 19-7-1 in Cederstroms last 27 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
Home team is 19-7 in Cederstroms last 26 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
Home team is 5-2 in Cederstroms last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
Road team is 11-5 in Cederstroms last 16 games behind home plate vs. Houston.

Preview: Padres at Rockies
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

After receiving the strong pitching performance they sorely needed, the Colorado Rockies attempt to take a two-game lead in the season series when they host the San Diego Padres on Wednesday afternoon for the rubber match of their three-game set. Colorado bounced back from a 13-5 drubbing in the opener with an 8-0 triumph on Tuesday to even this series and give it a 5-4 edge in the season matchup.

Kyle Freeland combined with two relievers on the shutout, scattering three hits over seven innings, after the Rockies allowed double digits in runs in three of their previous five contests and nine in another. Trevor Story homered in his second straight contest, belting a grand slam in the second inning as Colorado improved to 2-3 on its six-game homestand - half of Story's six blasts this season have come against the Padres. Eric Lauer did not fare well for San Diego in his major-league debut, surrendering seven runs on six hits and four walks over three innings, but recorded one of the team's four hits. Franchy Cordero went from hero to zero as he struck out in all four of his at-bats on Tuesday after belting a two-run homer that put the Padres ahead for good in the series opener.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (2-1, 2.81 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (1-4, 7.09)

Ross looks to produce his third consecutive stellar performance after allowing two runs - one earned - and eight hits while registering 15 strikeouts over 13 2/3 innings in his previous two starts. The 31-year-old Californian settled for a no-decision at Arizona in Friday despite striking out 10 while keeping the Diamondbacks hitless for 7 2/3 frames before yielding a run-scoring double and exiting. Ross owns a disappointing 1-5 record and 3.54 ERA in 12 career appearances against Colorado, with all five losses coming at Coors Field.

Gray has been battered in each of his last three starts, going 0-3 while surrendering 19 runs and 26 hits over 15 2/3 innings. The 26-year-old native of Oklahoma's latest poor effort came on Friday, when he yielded seven runs - six earned - on eight hits and three walks in five frames against the Chicago Cubs. Gray is 5-3 with a 2.88 ERA and the only complete game of his career - a shutout - in 12 starts versus San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 3B Christian Villanueva (hamstring) was kept out of the starting lineup for a second straight game on Tuesday and also could miss the series finale.

2. Colorado purchased the contract of Brooks Pounders from Triple-A Albuquerque, optioned Scott Oberg to the Isotopes and designated fellow RHP Zach Jemiola for assignment.

3. San Diego placed 1B Eric Hosmer on the family medical leave list, purchased the contract of Eric Lauer from Triple-A El Paso and designated fellow LHP Buddy Baumann for assignment.

PREDICTION: Padres 6, Rockies 5
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Umpire Trends - Hunter Wendelstedt

Over is 6-0-1 in Wendelstedts last 7 games behind home plate vs. Colorado.
Road team is 4-1 in Wendelstedts last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Over is 4-1 in Wendelstedts last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Home team is 12-3 in Wendelstedts last 15 games behind home plate.
Home team is 4-1 in Wendelstedts last 5 games behind home plate vs. Colorado.
Home team is 6-2 in Wendelstedts last 8 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
Under is 5-2 in Wendelstedts last 7 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
Padres are 0-4 in their last 4 games with Wendelstedt behind home plate.
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Preview: Nationals at Giants
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

Max Scherzer attempts to become the first five-game winner in the majors when the Washington Nationals conclude their three-game series against the host San Francisco Giants on Wednesday afternoon. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has allowed just 18 hits while striking out 47 in 33 innings this season.

Scherzer outdueled another three-time Cy Young recipient in Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw in his last outing on Friday. The Nationals have since dropped four straight contests, scoring a total of eight runs during the skid. Mac Williamson was a hero for the Giants for the second straight contest on Tuesday as he belted the tiebreaking 423-foot homer in the sixth inning of a 4-3 victory. Williamson has gone deep three times in five games since being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento, and each blast has been over 400 feet.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (4-1, 1.36 ERA) vs. Giants Jeff Samardzija (1-0, 0.00)

Scherzer has won three straight starts and given up just seven hits while recording 30 strikeouts in 22 innings during the stretch. The 33-year-old allowed one run and four hits in six frames against the Dodgers and struck out nine against one walk. Scherzer is just 3-4 with a 4.17 ERA in eight career starts against the Giants but has enjoyed success versus Buster Posey (1-for-9), Evan Longoria (2-for-16, one homer) and Andrew McCutchen (4-for-23, one homer, 12 strikeouts).

Samardzija made his season debut on Friday and gave up two hits over five scoreless innings of a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels. The 33-year-old injured a pectoral muscle during spring training on March 21 and didn't have pinpoint control against the Angels as he issued four walks while also striking out four. Samardzija is 2-7 with a 4.07 ERA in 16 career appearances (nine starts) against the Nationals and has enjoyed success versus both Bryce Harper (3-for-16) and Ryan Zimmerman (4-for-24, eight strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Harper is hitless in five at-bats in the series and is just 2-for-20 with no homers over his last seven games.

2. San Francisco 1B Brandon Belt hit a two-run homer on Tuesday and has gone deep in five of the past six games.

3. Washington placed RHP Shawn Kelley (ulnar nerve irritation) on the 10-day disabled list, optioned INF Matt Reynolds to Syracuse and recalled OF Rafael Bautista and INF Adrian Sanchez from the same Triple-A club.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Giants 1
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Umpire Trends - Todd Tichenor

Over is 4-1 in Tichenors last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Under is 4-1 in Tichenors last 5 games behind home plate.
Under is 4-1 in Tichenors last 5 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
Home team is 4-1 in Tichenors last 5 games behind home plate vs. San Francisco.
Road team is 5-2 in Tichenors last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Road team is 5-2 in Tichenors last 7 games behind home plate vs. Washington.
Giants are 3-8 in their last 11 games with Tichenor behind home plate.

Preview: Tigers at Pirates (Game 2)
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates totaled five runs while getting swept in a four-game series at Philadelphia over the weekend and are losers of six of their last seven. The Pirates got an unexpected extra day off due to the weather on Tuesday and will try to turn things around when they host the Detroit Tigers in a straight doubleheader on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh scored two or fewer runs in each of its last six losses and wasted a strong pitching effort in a 3-2 loss in 11 innings on Sunday. "It falls in our lap," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told reporters. "We had opportunities. We had them throughout the game. We had a rough week. We need to take a day off and figure it out and show up ready to play at home." The Tigers are winners of five of their last seven but suffered a bit of a letdown when they missed out on a chance to win a four-game series by falling to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. The Tigers were swept in a three-game series at home against Pittsburgh to begin the season.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (0-1, 1.40 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Chad Kuhl (2-1, 4.57)

Boyd dominated in each of his first three starts, allowing a total of three runs and nine hits over 19 1/3 innings. The Oregon State product yielded two hits and struck out a season-high six against Baltimore last Wednesday but did not factor in the decision of a game Detroit went on to win 6-5. Boyd is making his second career start against the Pirates and was ripped for six runs - five earned - and nine hits across four innings the first time.

Kuhl posted his first quality start while holding Colorado to one run and four hits over six innings on Wednesday. The Delaware native failed to complete six innings in any of his first three turns and has allowed 28 hits in 21 2/3 total innings. Kuhl faced off against Detroit on April 1 and picked up a win while scattering four runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Tigers designated RHP Drew VerHagen for assignment on Monday.

2. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco is 4-for-34 over the last nine games.

3. Pittsburgh RHP Kyle Crick has yet to allow a run in five appearances, covering 4 2/3 innings.

PREDICTION: Tigers 7, Pirates 2
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Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

Preview: Twins at Yankees
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

Minnesota Twins right-hander Lance Lynn won at least 11 games in each of his first five full seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, but he is still seeking his first victory in the American League. Lynn faces a daunting task trying to end that drought when he attempts to prevent a three-game sweep in Wednesday night's series finale versus the red-hot New York Yankees.

Gary Sanchez belted a pair of homers and Didi Gregorius and Aaron Judge added two-run shots for New York, which has outscored Minnesota 22-4 in the first two games and piled up 36 runs during its four-game winning streak. Gregorius (3-for-4) extended his hitting streak to eight games and became the first shortstop in baseball history with at least eight homers and 27 RBIs in his team's first 22 games. Minnesota fell to 0-5 on its seven-game road trip after Tuesday's 8-3 setback and its pitching staff has been bludgeoned for 48 runs during the slide. Eduardo Escobar was 3-for-3 with two doubles in the latest loss for the Twins, who fell to 14-48 at Yankee Stadium (postseason included) since the start of the 2002 season.

TV: 6:35 p.m. ET, FS North-Plus (Minnesota), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Lance Lynn (0-1, 6.00 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Sonny Gray (1-1, 8.27)

Lynn surrendered five runs for the second time in three starts last time out against light-hitting Tampa Bay and continues to labor with his control, yielding as least four walks in each outing and 15 overall in as many innings. The 30-year-old was solid in his one home start, blanking World Series champion Houston over five innings. Giancarlo Stanton is 5-for-17 and Neil Walker 15-for-40 with three home runs against Lynn.

Gray followed up his lone win versus Baltimore on April 7 with back-to-back abbreviated outings, lasting three innings and giving up six runs at Boston on April 12 and escaping with a no-decision allowing yielding five runs in 3 1/3 innings against Toronto on Friday. He is 2-3 with a 5.14 ERA in five career starts against the Twins, all while he was with Oakland. Brian Dozier is 4-for-11 with a pair of home runs off Gray.

WALK-OFFS

1. Sanchez is only player in baseball history with nine multiple-homer games in his first 200 career contests.

2. Twins CF Byron Buxton was eligible to return from the disabled list Wednesday but will stay in Florida after fouling a ball off his foot.

3. New York starters own a 1.05 ERA over the past four games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 7, Twins 3
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Umpire Trends - Jim Wolf

Over is 3-0-1 in Wolfs last 4 games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.
Road team is 4-0 in Wolfs last 4 games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.
Over is 5-1-1 in Wolfs last 7 games behind home plate vs. New York.
Yankees are 17-5 in their last 22 games with Wolf behind home plate.
Twins are 3-9 in their last 12 games with Wolf behind home plate.
Twins are 1-4 in their last 5 Wednesday games with Wolf behind home plate.

Preview: Braves at Reds
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

The Cincinnati Reds began the week with just three victories through 21 games, but enter Wednesday’s home contest on a two-game winning streak after getting a long-awaited power surge from two of their top sluggers. Joey Votto and Scooter Gennett, who combined for 63 homers a season ago but were both stuck on zero entering Tuesday, accounted for three blasts to power the Reds to a 9-7 victory over the Braves in 12 innings.

The homers were a long time coming for Votto (36 homers in 2017 but homerless in his first 79 at-bats this season) and Gennett (27 homers last season but without one in 91 at-bats in 2018). After Votto and Gennett went back-to-back in the fifth inning, Gennett slugged a two-run homer in the bottom of the 12th to give the Reds the walk-off victory. The Braves, who came to town leading the National League in runs scored and batting average, were no-hit for six innings Tuesday by Tyler Mahle - who struck out 11 in his ninth major-league start - but battled back for seven runs on 11 hits in the final six innings. Freddie Freeman broke up the no-hitter with a long homer leading off the seventh for his first longball since April 3, then blasted a long homer deep into the right-field seats in the ninth for his 12th career multi-homer game to jump-start a four-run, game-tying rally.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Matt Wisler (1-0, 1.29 ERA) vs. Reds LH Brandon Finnegan (0-2, 11.05)

Called up for an emergency start last Thursday after Anibal Sanchez injured his hamstring, Wisler put together arguably the best outing of his inconsistent career. The 25-year-old, who made 45 starts in 2015-16 before starting just once last season, held the New York Mets to one run on two hits with no walks and eight strikeouts over seven innings. Wisler posted a 2.25 ERA in two starts with Triple-A Gwinnett before being promoted.

Finnegan has made two starts since spending time on the disabled list with a left biceps strain that he suffered during spring training, but walked eight hitters while allowing nine earned runs on 11 hits in a combined 7 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old, who only made four starts last season due to injuries, lasted just three innings against St. Louis on Friday in his last start, allowing four walks and four runs. Finnegan is 2-0 lifetime against Atlanta with a 2.45 ERA, both outings coming during a 2016 season in which he went 10-11 in 31 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati scratched C Devin Mesoraco (stiff neck) from the starting lineup as C Tucker Barnhart started in his place.

2. Atlanta CF Ender Inciarte pushed his hitting streak to eight games with a two-run, game-tying single in the ninth.

3. Cincinnati RF Jesse Winker extended his hitting streak to six games with a seventh-inning double.

PREDICTION: Reds 6, Braves 4
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Umpire Trends - Fieldin Culbreth

Reds are 4-0 in their last 4 Wednesday games with Culbreth behind home plate.
Over is 4-1 in Culbreths last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Home team is 14-4 in Culbreths last 18 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Over is 6-2 in Culbreths last 8 games behind home plate.
Under is 3-1-1 in Culbreths last 5 games behind home plate vs. Atlanta.
Home team is 47-20 in Culbreths last 67 games behind home plate.
Home team is 9-4 in Culbreths last 13 games behind home plate vs. Atlanta.
Reds are 1-6 in their last 7 games with Culbreth behind home plate.
Braves are 0-4 in their last 4 games with Culbreth behind home plate.
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Preview: Rays at Orioles
Gracenote
Apr 24, 2018

The Tampa Bay Rays began turning their season around on the last homestand and hope to translate that strong play on the road when they visit the slumping Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday to open a rain-shortened eight-game trip. Tampa Bay, which started the campaign 1-8, is riding a season-high four-game winning streak and scored 26 times while sweeping three contests from Minnesota last weekend before Tuesday’s contest in Baltimore was rained out.

“I think it (speaks) to the energy and the youth that these guys have created here,” Rays manager Kevin Cash told the Tampa Bay Times of his 8-13 squad. “We got off to a rough start and nobody hung their heads. We were frustrated. It seems like we’re kind of righting the ship a little bit.” Jake Faria, who is also starting to change his fortunes, will try to keep it going when he takes the mound for Tampa Bay against former Rays right-hander Alex Cobb. The Orioles (6-17) lost for the ninth time in 10 games Monday night after going 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position in a 2-1 setback at home against Cleveland. Manny Machado had a single to go along with two walks in the loss for Baltimore, extending his hitting streak to 11 games, but he is batting .231 lifetime versus Tampa Bay.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jake Faria (1-1, 5.82 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alex Cobb (0-2, 15.43)

Faria has put together two strong starts and won his first game of season Wednesday when he limited Texas to one run on five hits over six innings, throwing 80 pitches. The 24-year-old Californian has struck out 13 in his last two outings after recording just two in his first two starts, but he has walked 11 in 17 innings overall. Adam Jones is 4-for-10 with a homer against Faria, who is 1-0 with a 4.09 ERA in four games (three starts) versus the Orioles with 22 strikeouts in 22 innings.

Cobb did not sign his four-year, $57 million contract until March 21 and has yet to find his groove, allowing 15 runs (12 earned) and 20 hits over seven innings in his first two starts with the team. The 30-year-old Bostonian, who went 48-35 in six seasons with the Rays, has struck out four and walked two in his two outings. “This is tough, because I feel like I’m still a little behind where everyone else is,” Cobb told reporters. “I came here and now I’m putting them behind the 8-ball.”

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore LF Trey Mancini (knee) has not started the team's last three games, but is expected to return for Wednesday’s contest.

2. Tampa Bay SS Adeiny Hechavarria is 10-for-22 during a six-game hitting streak and has not committed an error in his last 70 contests.

3. The Rays won 11 of 19 meetings last year after losing the previous three season series against the Orioles.

PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Rays 3
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Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.

Preview: Diamondbacks at Phillies
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

Jake Arrieta has gained steam following a shaky debut and proclaimed that he's "caught up" nearly 6 1/2 weeks after signing a three-year, $75 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Arrieta will test his mettle against another former Cy Young Award winner in Zack Greinke on Wednesday as the Phillies (14-8) bid to snap an eight-game home losing streak versus the Arizona Diamondbacks (16-6).

Daniel Descalso belted a two-run homer and light-hitting Alex Avila and Jarrod Dyson launched back-to-back shots in Tuesday's 8-4 triumph for National League West-leading Arizona, which has won three in a row overall and outscored Philadelphia by a 45-18 margin at Citizens Bank Park in the last eight encounters. A.J. Pollock is 7-for-20 with two homers, five RBIs and as many runs scored during his five-game hitting streak heading into a tilt with Arrieta, against whom he is 1-for-9 with two strikeouts. While the Diamondbacks began their six-game road trip with promise, the Phillies struck out 16 times en route to their second loss in 11 outings in the City of Brotherly Love and fell to 4-1 on their 10-game homestand. Cesar Hernandez highlighted his fourth multi-hit performance in seven contests with an RBI single in the sixth inning of the series opener, but is just 2-for-8 with three strikeouts against Greinke.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (2-1, 4.13 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (2-0, 2.04)

Greinke secured his second straight win in stellar fashion, overcoming a solo homer by Brandon Belt while scattering two other hits over seven strong innings in a 3-1 triumph versus San Francisco. The 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner has been taken deep five times in 24 frames this season heading into the matchup at the hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park. Odubel Herrera is batting .300 with a homer against Greinke, but the 34-year-old owns a sparkling 8-1 mark with a 2.48 ERA in 11 career meetings versus the Phillies.

Arrieta allowed just one infield hit and fanned 10 to record his 14th career double-digit strikeout performance in Thursday's 7-0 romp over Pittsburgh. "You're going to get excited about having Jake go out there every fifth day if he's sort of the mid-range version of himself, which is still a very good starting pitcher," Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said of the 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner. Jake Lamb is 7-for-15 with a pair of doubles against Arrieta, but the 32-year-old owns a 3-3 mark with a 2.76 ERA and 1.07 WHIP versus the Diamondbacks while limiting the club to a .225 batting average.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona has won 11 of its last 15 games versus Philadelphia since the start of the 2016 season.

2. Phillies rookie 2B Scott Kingery struck out all four times in the series opener to drop to 2-for-24 in his last seven contests.

3. The Diamondbacks boast a 7-3 road record for the second time in three years.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 3, Phillies 2
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Umpire Trends - Ed Hickox

Home team is 5-0 in Hickoxs last 5 games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
Over is 5-1 in Hickoxs last 6 games behind home plate.
Home team is 8-2 in Hickoxs last 10 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Under is 4-1 in Hickoxs last 5 games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
Over is 7-2 in Hickoxs last 9 games behind home plate vs. Philadelphia.
Over is 12-5 in Hickoxs last 17 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Diamondbacks are 4-10 in their last 14 games with Hickox behind home plate.
Phillies are 7-19 in their last 26 games with Hickox behind home plate.

Preview: Red Sox at Blue Jays
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

The Boston Red Sox are suffering through a three-game losing streak and offense has been the biggest issue. The Red Sox will try to figure out a way to generate offense when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays for the second of a three-game series on Wednesday.

The Red Sox averaged 7.5 runs during an eight-game winning streak but totaled four runs in the last three games and had the potential go-ahead run thrown out at the plate in the ninth inning during Tuesday's 4-3, 10-inning setback. Most of the lineup is struggling but the problem is particularly glaring when it comes to J.D. Martinez, who is 0-for-11 with eight strikeouts over the last three games. The Blue Jays are in a bit of an offensive funk as well but leaned on Curtis Granderson Tuesday and watched the 37-year-old record three hits and three RBIs, including a walk-off solo home run in the 10th. The Red Sox will try to keep the hits to a minimum by sending Eduardo Rodriguez to the hill while Toronto opposes with righty Aaron Sanchez.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, NESN Plus (Boston), Sportsnet One, TVA (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Eduardo Rodriguez (2-0, 3.45 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (1-2, 3.86)

Rodriguez got a late start on the regular season due to a stint on the disabled list to open the campaign but is fitting right in with a strong Boston staff since returning. The Venezuela native won each of his last two starts by allowing a combined three runs and eight hits over 12 frames and owns 20 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings pitched this season. Rodriguez made three appearances against Toronto last season and struck out 18 in 12 1/3 innings but also allowed five runs and 12 hits.

Sanchez enjoyed his third straight quality start on Thursday, when he held the New York Yankees to three runs and seven hits but came out on the losing end. The 25-year-old allowed three runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in that turn and ended up with a 4-3 Blue Jays loss. Sanchez is 4-2 with a 3.75 ERA in 15 games - seven starts - in his career against the Red Sox.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts (ankle) homered in a rehab start on Tuesday and could be back in the majors by Friday.

2. Toronto RHP Roberto Osuna allowed his first runs of the season on Tuesday.

3. Boston LF Andrew Benintendi is 0-of-11 with four strikeouts in the last three games.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 4
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Umpire Trends - Scott Barry

Home team is 5-1 in Barrys last 6 games behind home plate vs. Toronto.
Under is 6-2 in Barrys last 8 games behind home plate vs. Boston.
Road team is 5-2 in Barrys last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Blue Jays are 1-4 in their last 5 games with Barry behind home plate.

Preview: Cubs at Indians
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

If the Chicago Cubs already weren’t feeling good about returning to Progressive Field, they certainly are now. After a dominant performance in the series opener, the Cubs will try to keep the good vibes flowing when they wrap up a two-game interleague set with the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.

Kyle Schwarber went deep twice for the Cubs in Tuesday's 10-3 win and is now 15-for-30 with three homers, a double and a triple in seven games at Cleveland, including the postseason. The Cubs hope to complement Schwarber’s hot bat with the return of star third baseman Kris Bryant, who left Sunday’s game in Colorado after being hit in the helmet with a pitch and sat out the series opener. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Indians, who continued their slow start at the plate. Cleveland ranks 13th in the American League in scoring as stars Francisco Lindor (.218) and Edwin Encarnacion (.154) have struggled out of the gate.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (2-0, 3.10 ERA) vs. Indians RH Trevor Bauer (1-2, 2.67)

Lester has alternated shaky starts with dominant efforts over his first four outings. The 34-year-old struck out seven and limited St. Louis to one unearned run and two hits over six frames on Thursday. Lester is 4-0 with a 3.72 ERA in eight starts in Cleveland, where he pitched three innings of relief in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

Bauer has endured more than his share of tough luck, as he has posted quality starts in three of his four outings and has yet to allow more than three runs but only has one victory. The 27-year-old has racked up 27 strikeouts in 27 innings and generated 14 swinging strikes in a loss at Baltimore on Friday. Bauer faced the Cubs in 2015 and allowed four hits over seven scoreless frames, but he went 0-2 against them in the World Series.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs have scored a National League-high 48 runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings.

2. The Indians are 9-0 when they don’t allow a home run and 3-9 when they give up at least one blast.

3. Cubs 2B Javier Baez (15-for-35, three homers, 13 RBIs) and CF Albert Almora Jr. (13-for-32, homer, 5 RBIs) are riding seven-game hitting streaks.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Indians 4
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Umpire Trends - Lance Barksdale

Home team is 4-0 in Barksdales last 4 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Under is 4-0 in Barksdales last 4 games behind home plate vs. Cleveland.
Over is 4-0 in Barksdales last 4 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Cleveland.
Road team is 5-0 in Barksdales last 5 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Under is 1-0-3 in Barksdales last 4 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Home team is 4-0 in Barksdales last 4 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Home team is 4-1 in Barksdales last 5 interleague games behind home plate.
Under is 5-2-1 in Barksdales last 8 interleague games behind home plate.
Road team is 7-3 in Barksdales last 10 games behind home plate.
Under is 37-16-6 in Barksdales last 59 games behind home plate.
Home team is 17-8 in Barksdales last 25 games behind home plate vs. Cleveland.
Indians are 1-5 in their last 6 games with Barksdale behind home plate.

Preview: Marlins at Dodgers
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers look to score more than two runs for the first time in the series when they host the Miami Marlins on Wednesday for the rubber match of their three-game set. Two runs were enough for a victory in the opener but too few on Tuesday as Miami rallied in the late innings to halt its five-game slide with a 3-2 triumph.

Los Angeles managed only five hits in the setback, which was just its second in nine contests, and has totaled 11 in the first two games of the series. After the Dodgers took a 2-1 lead when pinch hitter Chase Utley drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh inning, Starlin Castro delivered an RBI double in the eighth and Cameron Maybin did the same in the ninth to help give Miami just its fourth win in 19 contests. Maybin added a single for his third multi-hit performance of the season and first since going 3-for-5 on April 3 against Boston. J.T. Realmuto belted a solo homer on Tuesday and has hit safely in four straight games and five of his six contests since returning from a back injury that forced him to start the season on the disabled list.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Trevor Richards (0-2, 6.16 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (1-3, 2.45)

Richards struggled mightily at Milwaukee on Friday, surrendering six runs on five hits and six walks over 3 2/3 innings of a loss. The 24-year-old native of Illinois, who is seeking his first win as he makes his fifth career start, issued a total of five free passes in his first three turns. Richards has worked more than 4 1/3 frames just once - a seven-inning outing on April 14 in which he kept Pittsburgh scoreless while giving up only two hits.

Kershaw is coming off his roughest outing of the season, a loss to Washington on Friday in which he allowed four runs and nine hits over seven innings. The 30-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner gave up a total of five runs over 26 frames in his first four turns but recorded just one victory. Kershaw has made 10 career starts against Miami, going 5-4 with one shutout and a 2.57 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers RHP Walker Buehler was optioned to Single-A Rancho Cucamonga but likely will be recalled to start against San Francisco on Saturday.

2. Miami RHP Dan Straily (forearm) threw 88 pitches in a rehab start for Double-A Jacksonville on Tuesday and hopes to make his season debut during the team's upcoming homestand.

3. Los Angeles purchased the contract of RHP Daniel Hudson, who struck out two in one perfect inning on Saturday, from Triple-A Oklahoma City.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Marlins 2
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Umpire Trends - Joe West

Home team is 4-0 in Wests last 4 games behind home plate.
Over is 6-1 in Wests last 7 games behind home plate vs. Los Angeles.
Over is 6-1 in Wests last 7 games behind home plate vs. Miami.
Marlins are 5-1 in their last 6 Wednesday games with West behind home plate.
Under is 5-1-1 in Wests last 7 Wednesday games behind home plate vs. Miami.
Under is 7-2 in Wests last 9 games behind home plate.
Over is 7-3-1 in Wests last 11 Wednesday games behind home plate.
Marlins are 8-18 in their last 26 games with West behind home plate.

Preview: Tigers at Pirates (Game 1)
Gracenote
Apr 25, 2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates totaled five runs while getting swept in a four-game series at Philadelphia over the weekend and are losers of six of their last seven. The Pirates got an unexpected extra day off due to the weather on Tuesday and will try to turn things around when they host the Detroit Tigers in a straight doubleheader on Wednesday.

Pittsburgh scored two or fewer runs in each of its last six losses and wasted a strong pitching effort in a 3-2 loss in 11 innings on Sunday. "It falls in our lap," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle told reporters. "We had opportunities. We had them throughout the game. We had a rough week. We need to take a day off and figure it out and show up ready to play at home." The Tigers are winners of five of their last seven but suffered a bit of a letdown when they missed out on a chance to win a four-game series by falling to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday. The Tigers were swept in a three-game series at home against Pittsburgh to begin the season.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (1-0, 7.71 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-1, 2.86)

Zimmermann picked up his first win of the season against Baltimore on Thursday, when he allowed four runs and seven hits over 5 1/3 innings but received 13 runs of support from his offense. The Wisconsin native surrendered at least four runs in each of his three starts - not counting an outing at Cleveland on April 11 when he left in the first inning after getting hit by a comebacker. Zimmermann struck out eight but was charged with four runs over six innings in a no decision against the Pirates on March 30.

Taillon's great start to the season came to an end on Thursday, when he was ripped for five runs on four hits and two walks over 1 2/3 innings at Philadelphia. The Florida native surrendered a total of five hits over 15 scoreless innings in his previous two appearances. Taillon is making his first career appearance against Detroit and is 4-1 with a 2.25 ERA in seven career interleague starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Tigers designated RHP Drew VerHagen for assignment on Monday.

2. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco is 4-for-34 over the last nine games.

3. Pittsburgh RHP Kyle Crick has yet to allow a run in five appearances, covering 4 2/3 innings.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Tigers 3
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Umpire Trends - Name unavailable
No trends available.