MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 5/16/18

Wednesday’s games
National League
Dodgers (16-25) @ Marlins (15-26)
Buehler is 2-1, 1.64 in four starts this year (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-1.
5-inning record: 4-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Smith is 2-2, 1.50 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-5
5-inning record: 3-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Dodgers lost eight of their last nine games; under is 4-0-1 in their last five games. Miami lost six of its last eight games; four of their last six games went over.

Cubs (22-17) @ Braves (25-16)
Chatwood is 1-3, 7.20 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 3-4
5-inning record: 3-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-7

McCarthy is 0-2, 15.12 in his last two starts (over 7-1). Team in his starts: 5-3
5-inning record: 5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Cubs won six of their last eight games; over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Atlanta won six of its last eight games; over is 4-2 in their last six games.

Brewers (25-18) @ Diamondbacks (25-17)
Woodruff is 0-0, 8.10 in two starts (6.2 IP) this year (over 1-0-1). Team in his starts: 2-0
5-inning record: 1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Koch is 2-1, 2.87 in five starts this year (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 1-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Brewers won seven of their last nine road games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Arizona lost six of its last seven games; under is 9-2-1 in their last 12 home games.

Reds (14-29) @ Giants (22-21)
Harvey threw four shutout innings in his first start for the Reds (over 2-2-1). Team in his starts: 1-0
5-inning record: 1-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

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

Reds won six of their last eight games, but lost last two; under is 5-1-2 in their last eight games. San Francisco lost six of its last nine games, but won last two; over is 8-3-2 in their last 13 games.

American League
Rays (18-22) @ Royals (13-29)
Faria is 2-1, 3.72 in his last three starts (under 4-3-1). Team in his starts: 4-4
5-inning record: 3-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Hammel is 0-3, 9.97 in his last four starts (under 5-2-1). Team in his starts: 2-6
5-inning record: 2-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Rays lost six of their last eight games; four of their last six games went over. Kansas City lost six of its last seven games; under is 11-6-1 in their last 18 home games.

Indians (20-21) @ Tigers (19-22)
Bauer is 0-1, 5.19 in his last three starts (over 4-4). Team in his starts: 3-5
5-inning record: 3-2-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-8

Carpenter allowed three runs in three IP (69 PT) in his only ’18 start, an 8-6 loss to Pittsburgh. Team in his starts: 0-1
5-inning record: 0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Indians lost five of their last six road games; over is 3-1 in their last four games. Detroit won six of its last seven home games; six of their last eight games went over total.

A’s (21-21) @ Red Sox (28-14)
Cahill is 1-1, 2.63 in four starts this year (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 1-1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Sale is 2-0, 2.79 in his last four starts (over 4-4-1). Team in his starts: 5-4
5-inning record: 5-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-9

A’s are 3-2 in their last five games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Boston is 3-5 in its last eight games; over is 9-5-2 in their last 16 home games.

Astros (27-17) @ Angels (25-17)
Verlander is 2-2, 1.36 in his last five starts (under 7-2). Team in his starts: 5-4. Astros scored 0-1-0 runs in his last three starts.
5-inning record: 5-1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-9

Richards is 3-1, 4.38 in his last five starts (over 5-3). Team in his starts: 6-2
5-inning record: 5-1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

Astros won six of their last eight games; under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Angels won six of their last nine home games; three of their last four games stayed under.

Rangers (16-27) @ Mariners (24-17)
Minor is 2-1, 5.68 in his last three starts (over 5-2). Team in his starts: 4-3
5-inning record: 2-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-7

Leake is 2-3, 7.16 in his last five starts (over 6-1-1). Team in his starts: 5-3
5-inning record: 3-2-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

Texas lost seven of its last ten games; four of Rangers’ last five games stayed under. Mariners won three of their last four games; over is 4-1 in their last five home games.

Interleague
Phillies (23-16) @ Orioles (13-28)
Pivetta is 1-2, 8.18 in his last three starts (under 5-2-1). Team in his starts: 6-2
5-inning record: 3-2-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-8

Cashner is 0-3, 7.09 in his last five starts (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 1-7
5-inning record: 1-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Phillies won five of their last six games; they’re 1-6 in road series openers. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Baltimore won five of its last six games; they’re 4-3 in home series openers. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Bronx (28-12) @ Nationals (24-18)
Sabathia is 2-0, 2.35 in his last four starts (over 3-3-1). Team in his starts: 4-3
5-inning record: 4-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-7

Scherzer is 6-0, 1.70 in his last seven starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-1
5-inning record: 7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

New York won 19 of its last 22 games; under is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Nationals won 13 of their last 16 games; five of their last six games stayed under.

Last night’s suspended game resumes at 5:05ET, followed by this game.

White Sox (10-28) @ Pirates (24-17)
Santiago is 0-1, 11.25 in two starts this year (over 2-0). Team in his starts: 0-2
5-inning record: 0-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Taillon has blister/nail issues; he is 0-1, 2.57 in his last three starts, but lasted only 3-5 innings in his last two. Team in his starts: 4-4
5-inning record: 3-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-8

White Sox lost eight of their last nine games; over is 7-3 in their last ten games. Pittsburgh won six of its last seven games; four of their last six games went over.

Blue Jays (21-21) @ Mets (20-18)
Happ is 0-2, 10.00 in his last two starts (over 3-3-2). Team in his starts: 5-3
5-inning record: 5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Wheeler is is 0-2, 8.25 in two home starts; over is 3-1 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 3-3
5-inning record: 1-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6

Toronto lost eight of its last 11 games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Mets lost eight of their last ten home games; six of their last eight games stayed under.

Cardinals (22-17) @ Twins (18-20)
Mikolas is 4-0, 1.56 in his last five starts (over 4-3). Team in his starts: 5-2
5-inning record: 6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-7

Former Cardinal Lynn is 1-2, 8.38 in his last four starts (over 6-1). Team in his starts: 2-5
5-inning record: 1-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-7

St Louis lost five of its last seven games; under is 6-1-1 in their last eight games. Minnesota won eight of its last 11 games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.

Umpires
Mil-Az: Under is 6-0 in Rehak games; underdogs won the last five.
Cin-SF: Under is 6-1 in Eddings games; road team is 7-0 in those games.
LA-Mia: Under is 5-2-1 in Gibson games; underdogs are 6-2.
Chi-Atl: Five of last six Torres games went over.

Clev-Det: Over is 6-2-1 in last nine Hickox games.
TB-KC: Four of last five Muchlinski games went over.
Tex-Sea: Five of last six Nelson games stayed under.
A’s-Bos: Over is 6-2 in Tumpane games this season.
Hst-LAA: Over is 8-5 in last thirteen Conroy games.

Chi-Pitt: Six of last seven Dreckman games stayed under.
Tor-NY: Three of last four Lentz games stayed under.
StL-Minn: Five of last six Hernandez games stayed under.
NY-Wsh: Over is 11-8 in last nineteen Kulpa games.

Preview: Phillies at Orioles
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The Philadelphia Phillies have shown they can step to the plate at Citizens Bank Park, with their recent 5-1 homestand improving their mark to 16-6 in the City of Brotherly Love. The Phillies have dropped six of their last nine outside the city limits, however, and they had an extra day to lament those troubles with Tuesday's rainout heading into Wednesday's clash versus the Baltimore Orioles.

After initially providing pennies on the dollar, Carlos Santana has started paying significant dividends on the three-year, $60 million contract he signed in the offseason. The 32-year-old Dominican went deep in Philadelphia's 4-2 triumph over the New York Mets on Sunday, marking his fifth homer in nine outings while improving to 12-for-37 with 16 RBIs and eight runs scored in that stretch. Baltimore has discovered its offense while taking three of four from Tampa Bay, as the club belted four of its dozen homers in the series in Sunday's emphatic 17-1 romp over the Rays. The start of Wednesday's game was moved up 30 minutes with inclement weather expected while the postponed series opener was rescheduled to July 12.

TV: 12:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (2-2, 4.15 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (1-4, 4.84)

Pivetta answered a brutal outing with one of his best of the season last Wednesday, scattering four hits and striking out seven over five scoreless innings in an 11-3 romp over San Francisco. The 25-year-old British Columbia native, who emerged victorious for the first time since April 5, had been blitzed for six runs - including two homers - in one inning in his previous start. Pivetta and the rest of the Phillies starters have stepped up their game this month, with the group posting a 1.99 ERA with 67 strikeouts in 11 games while holding opponents to a .209 batting average.

Cashner received his second straight no-decision and saw his winless stretch extend to six outings (0-3) last Wednesday despite allowing three runs on six hits in six innings versus Kansas City. The 31-year-old was taken deep for the fifth straight outing against the Royals, raising his home run total to 10 in 44 2/3 innings after surrendering just 15 in 166 2/3 frames in 2017. Cesar Hernandez (5-for-11, four walks) and Odubel Herrera (6-for-14, two homers) have taken Cashner to task, but the right-hander sports a 4-1 career mark versus the Phillies.

WALK-OFFS

1. Herrera has reached base in 41 consecutive games, which is tied with Pete Rose (1982) and Don Hurst (1929) for the fifth-longest streak in Phillies' franchise history.

2. Orioles SS Manny Machado is 9-for-24 with four homers, 11 RBIs and eight runs scored in his last six games.

3. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco has answered a seven-game hitting streak with a 1-for-11 rut with three strikeouts in his last three contests.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Orioles 2

Preview: White Sox at Pirates
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates own the best interleague record in the majors and have beefed up that mark at the expense of the Chicago White Sox. The Pirates have won seven in a row against Chicago and look to complete a two-game sweep of the visiting White Sox for the second time in as many weeks when the teams square off Wednesday afternoon at PNC Park.

Pittsburgh improved to 11-2 against American League foes with a 7-0 drubbing of Chicago on Tuesday night but saw two starters exit the game with injuries. Starling Marte left after the first inning due to discomfort in his right side and catcher Francisco Cervelli did not return after he was hit by a pitch for the Pirates, who also lead the majors with seven shutouts. The return of Yoan Moncada from the disabled list did nothing to change the sagging fortunes of Chicago, which tumbled to a major league-worst 10-28 mark. It was the fifth shutout loss of the season and the 12th defeat in the last 14 games for the White Sox, who have been burned for 23 runs in the three losses to Pittsburgh.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Héctor Santiago (0-1, 5.60 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (2-3, 4.08)

Santiago has been used primarily out of the bullpen, with nine of his 11 appearances in relief this season. The 30-year-old will look to purge the memory of his last start, when he was hammered for eight runs on six hits and six walks in a 8-4 loss to the Minnesota Twins on May 5. Corey Dickerson is 2-for-6 against Santiago, who tossed one hitless inning in relief against the Pirates on May 8.

Taillon had to exit his last start due to a laceration on his middle finger after limiting San Francisco to one hit and striking out five over three scoreless innings. He worked five innings of one-run ball in a no-decision at Milwaukee in his previous turn and appears to be back on track after giving up 15 runs during a three-start slide. Taillon will be making his first career start versus Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Marte extended his hitting streak to nine games before leaving Tuesday's contest.

2. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu is 10-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Pirates 1B Josh Bell has eight RBIs in his last seven games after knocking in three runs in the series opener.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, White Sox 3

Preview: Indians at Tigers
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The Detroit Tigers have been producing big numbers without some of their best hitters in the lineup lately and hope to stay hot while completing a three-game sweep of the visiting Cleveland Indians on Wednesday afternoon. Two-time MVP Miguel Cabrera (hamstring) remains on the disabled list for the Tigers, who have won three in a row after rallying from an early four-run deficit for the 9-8 win Tuesday.

Jeimer Candelario (wrist) and Leonys Martin (hamstring) are also on the DL, while right fielder Nicholas Castellanos homered Tuesday after missing two games with a finger injury for Detroit, which has scored 46 runs over the last eight contests. The Tigers are expected to send rookie Ryan Carpenter to the mound in the series finale against Trevor Bauer, who beat Detroit earlier in the season with seven innings of two-run ball on April 12. The Indians lost for the seventh time in 10 games Tuesday after taking a 5-1 lead early on with the help of a grand slam by Brandon Guyer, but their struggling bullpen gave up five runs over 2 2/3 innings. Cleveland’s All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor saw his career-best 15-game hitting streak come to an end in the loss, going 0-for-1 with four walks, but Jose Ramirez had three hits and knocked in his 13th run in 11 games.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (2-3, 3.00 ERA) vs. LH Ryan Carpenter (0-0, 7.36)

Bauer makes his fourth try at a 50th career victory after allowing a season-high five runs (four earned) and 11 hits over 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision against Kansas City on Friday. The 27-year-old UCLA product registered six straight quality starts before his last outing, giving up two earned runs or fewer five times during that stretch. Jose Iglesias is 5-for-11 with a double versus Bauer, who is 5-5 with a 7.26 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts) against Detroit.

Carpenter is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Toledo to make his second major-league start and first since April 1. The 27-year-old Gonzaga product gave up three runs on five hits (two homers) and three walks over three innings in his big-league debut April 1 versus Pittsburgh before getting two outs in relief against Seattle on May 12 without allowing a hit. Carpenter is 1-3 with a 5.01 ERA in seven starts for Toledo with 42 strikeouts in 41 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians placed CF Bradley Zimmer (chest) on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday and recalled RHP Neil Ramirez.

2. Detroit 2B Dixon Machado is 8-for-22 during a six-game hitting streak to raise his average from .200 to .225.

3. Cleveland 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion’s status is uncertain for the series finale after sitting out Tuesday’s game with neck and back stiffness.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Tigers 3

Preview: Cardinals at Twins
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The Minnesota Twins will try to complete a season sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals when they host the finale of a two-game interleague set Wednesday. The Twins have held the Cardinals to a total of two runs while winning the first three meetings.

Minnesota has won eight of its last 11 after a 4-1 victory Tuesday, pulling within a half-game of American League Central leader Cleveland. The Twins snapped out of a brief offensive funk in the series opener after scoring only one run in each of their previous two games - both losses. The Cardinals have totaled five runs during a three-game skid and managed only two hits in Tuesday’s series opener. They’ll try to get the offense going against former St. Louis right-hander Lance Lynn, who has struggled through the worst start of his career in his first season with the Twins.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (5-0, 2.51 ERA) vs. Twins RH Lance Lynn (1-3, 7.34)

After spending the past three seasons in Japan, Mikolas is proving he can be an effective big-league starter. The 29-year-old allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings of a win at San Diego last time out for his fifth consecutive quality start. Mikolas has compiled 35 strikeouts and only three walks in 46 2/3 innings.

Lynn has shown better control over his last two starts, walking only two batters after issuing 23 free passes over his first five outings. The 31-year-old has only one quality start among his seven outings, though, and gave up four runs over 4 2/3 frames in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Angels last time out. Lynn has allowed six runs in 10 innings across two home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals INF Matt Carpenter was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts Tuesday and is batting .140 - the lowest mark among qualified hitters in the majors.

2. Twins 1B Joe Mauer is 7-for-24 during a six-game hitting streak.

3. Minnesota OF Eddie Rosario is batting .337 with 10 doubles, seven homers, and 18 RBIs in his last 21 games against National League opponents.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Twins 2

Preview: Blue Jays at Mets
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The New York Mets were down in the doldrums after losing nine of their previous 11 outings before enjoying a laugher in the opener of their abbreviated two-game interleague series versus the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. The Mets (20-18) aim to get the last laugh at the expense of the Blue Jays (21-21) on Wednesday afternoon when the clubs reconvene at Citi Field.

Juan Lagares collected a career high-tying four hits and three RBIs while recent acquisition Devin Mesoraco homered and scored four times in Tuesday's 12-2 romp for New York, which erupted for a total of 16 hits and plated eight runs over the fourth and fifth innings. The Mets converted with runners on base to the tune of going 8-for-14 with runners in scoring position after entering the contest 7-for-61 in the month of May. Like New York, Toronto has answered a strong start with a less-than-desirable stretch -- the Blue Jays have dropped eight of the last 11 overall and are 0-12 in Queens (0-9 Shea Stadium, 0-3 Citi Field). Former Met Curtis Granderson had a productive return to Citi Field with a single, stolen base and a run scored in the third inning, but he'll join the rest of his new team in getting a first look at Wednesday starter Zack Wheeler.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (4-3, 4.80 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2-2, 5.03)

Happ surrendered a grand slam to Kyle Seager in the first inning and his Thursday evening didn't get much better from there as he allowed seven runs on 10 hits in a 9-3 setback to Seattle. The 35-year-old was taken deep twice in the encounter to raise his home run total to nine in eight outings this season after permitting 18 in 25 starts in 2017. Former Blue Jay Jose Reyes is 2-for-21 and Jay Bruce is 3-for-15 in his career versus Happ, who owns a 3-2 career mark with a 4.41 ERA in 10 starts (eight appearances) against the Mets.

Wheeler answered a disastrous start with a strong one last Wednesday, but he still was unable to walk away a victory despite allowing one run on four hits in six innings against Cincinnati. The 27-year-old drove up his pitch count by issuing three free passes for the second straight outing. Wheeler returns home looking for a better effort after getting shellacked for eight runs on 10 hits - including two homers - in an 8-7 setback versus Colorado on May 4.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York OF Yoenis Cespedes (team-leading eight homers, 28 RBIs) is being mulled for a trip to the disabled list after undergoing an MRI that revealed a minor strain of his right hip, general manager Sandy Alderson said.

2. Toronto 3B Josh Donaldson is 8-for-25 with four doubles in his last six games.

3. The Mets' Triple-A affiliate (Las Vegas) scratched IF Phillip Evans from its lineup on Tuesday, a move that might suggest that Cespedes could be sidelined for Wednesday's tilt and beyond.

PREDICTION: Mets 4, Blue Jays 2

Preview: Rays at Royals
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The Tampa Bay Rays look to finish off a three-game sweep when they visit the Kansas City Royals for the finale on Wednesday afternoon after a pair of clutch one-run victories. C.J. Cron belted a two-run homer in the first inning to extend his hitting streak to eight games and his on-base run to a career-best 21 contests for the Rays, while Joey Wendle drove in the go-ahead run in the ninth for a 6-5 triumph Tuesday.

Tampa Bay could be without two key performers when it goes for a fourth win in five outings Wednesday as Matt Duffy (hamstring), who is 11-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak, and Carlos Gomez (groin) both left Tuesday’s contest and will be evaluated before the finale. Jake Faria gets the start on the mound for the Rays on Wednesday against struggling Jason Hammel, who is still looking to add to his 92 career wins in 2018. The Royals have dropped four straight after posting 11 hits and rallying to tie the game on a two-run single in the seventh inning by Whit Merrifield, who has hit safely in nine consecutive games (16-for-35). Kansas City outfielder Jorge Soler (ribs) and infielder Cheslor Cuthbert (back spasms) both missed Tuesday’s setback, but could return for the last game of the series.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jake Faria (3-2, 5.09 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jason Hammel (0-4, 6.13)

Faria’s five-game unbeaten streak came to an end Friday when he allowed seven runs on eight hits (two homers) across six innings in a loss at Baltimore. The 24-year-old Californian permitted one run or fewer in five of his first seven starts before getting pounded by the Orioles to put a halt to a 3-0 run over four outings. Faria, who faces Kansas City for the first time, has been more successful at home (5-2, 2.64 ERA) than on the road (3-4, 5.18) in his career.

Hammel makes his ninth start and is still searching for his first win after yielding 20 runs on 24 hits (five homers) over 15 innings in his last three appearances. The 35-year-old South Carolina native, who started his career with the Rays, had four quality starts in his first seven games of the season but took the loss in two of them. Wilson Ramos is 4-for-12 with a pair of homers versus Hammel, who is 2-3 with a 4.89 ERA in seven career games against Tampa Bay.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City OF Jon Jay is 13-for-37 during an eight-game hitting streak, raising his average from .268 to .288.

2. Tampa Bay SS Adeiny Hechavarria has gone 85 games without an error and is 4-for-12 with the bat over the last three contests.

3. The Royals are last in the majors with a 5.48 ERA, including 5.64 from the bullpen - the second-highest mark in the majors.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Royals 4

Preview: Brewers at Diamondbacks
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The injury bug continues to plague the Arizona Diamondbacks, who will be without star center fielder A.J. Pollock for the next four to eight weeks due to an avulsion fracture in his left thumb. Jarrod Dyson and Chris Owings are expected to receive a bump in playing time in center for the Diamondbacks, who face the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday in the rubber match of their three-game series.

Arizona ace Zack Greinke threw six innings of one-run ball in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory, but the win was overshadowed by the injury to Pollock, who was hitting .293 and led the team in doubles (10), homers (11) and RBIs (33). “Losing A.J., the way he was playing, is a pretty big blow, but no one is going to feel sorry for us,” general manager Mike Hazen told reporters. “We’ve got to pick up and move on. We feel bad for A.J. He was in the midst of having a great season and he'll be back to continue that season at some point.” The Brewers fell to 4-2 on their 10-game road trip Tuesday despite another strong outing from Jhoulys Chacin. Second baseman Hernan Perez (wrist) did not start and reliever Jeremy Jeffress (stiff neck) was unavailable but both hope to play their regular roles in Wednesday’s series finale.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Brandon Woodruff (1-0, 8.03 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Matt Koch (2-1, 2.43)

Woodruff was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs in to start Friday at Colorado but allowed seven runs on nine hits over three innings. The 25-year-old was 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in four starts at Colorado Springs but has struggled at the major-league level, allowing 19 hits in six games (two starts) across 12 1/3 innings. Woodruff has never faced the Diamondbacks.

Koch continued to impress with a strong outing against Washington on Friday, when he gave up three runs in eight innings and worked out of a two-on, no-out jam in the sixth. “He found himself squarely in the middle of a mess, and it’s one thing that continues to stand out for me, he doesn’t come unglued,” manager Torey Lovullo told reporters. The 27-year-old has provided a welcome boost to Arizona’s injury-riddled rotation, pitching at least five innings in all five of his starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers OF Ryan Braun has missed the last two games due to back tightness and is listed as day-to-day.

2. Arizona recalled 1B Christian Walker from Triple-A Reno to take Pollock's spot on the roster.

3. Milwaukee C Stephen Vogt will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder this week.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 6, Brewers 3

Preview: Rangers at Mariners
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

Adversity is starting to hit the Seattle Mariners in a big way, but some of the younger blood on the roster is rising to the challenge. After outlasting the Texas Rangers in a seesaw affair Tuesday, the Mariners attempt to move to 3-0 without Robinson Cano and complete a two-game home sweep of their American League West rival on Wednesday.

Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that Seattle's eight-time All-Star second baseman, who was placed on the disabled list a day earlier with a broken bone in his right hand, was suspended 80 games for violating its joint drug prevention and treatment program. Despite also losing slugger Nelson Cruz to a bruised foot in the third inning later in the evening, the Mariners rode three-hit efforts from Jean Segura, who added a career-high four steals, and Mitch Haniger before getting a walk-off single from Guillermo Heredia in the 11th to pull out a 9-8 victory. Texas dropped its third straight in a game that featured four lead changes and four ties despite a 3-for-4, three-RBI performance from Robinson Chirinos, who entered the contest batting .175. The loss ended the Rangers' three-game winning streak at Safeco Field and dropped them 10 1/2 games out of first place in the West.

TV: 3:40 p.m. ET, Facebook

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (1-1, 3.32 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Christian Bergman (2017: 4-5, 5.00)

Colon did not factor into the decision for the fourth time in his six turns this season Wednesday against Detroit, yielding three runs (two earned) on six hits and a walk in five frames. The 44-year-old has cooled off since his first four appearances (two starts) when he posted a 1.45 ERA, going 1-1 with a 4.74 ERA in four turns. Segura is 3-for-14 versus Colon, who settled for a no-decision against the Mariners last month after giving up four runs over 5 2/3 innings.

Bergman is expected to make his 24th big-league start and first since defeating Texas last June, when he permitted two runs on four hits and two walks across 5 2/3 innings. The UC Irvine product has spent all of the 2018 season at Triple-A Tacoma, going 3-3 with a 3.40 ERA in eight turns while allowing opponents to bat .299 against him. Bergman earned the victory in his last start with the Rainiers on Friday, yielding two runs (one earned) over six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mariners posted their 10th comeback victory of the season Tuesday, tied with Houston for the fourth-most in the AL.

2. Texas placed 3B Adrian Beltre on the 10-day DL on with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and recalled 2B Hanser Alberto from Triple-A Round Rock.

3. Cruz made his 358th start at designated hitter for Seattle on Tuesday, breaking a tie with Ken Phelps for most in club history.

PREDICTION: Mariners 5, Rangers 4

Preview: Reds at Giants
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

Matt Harvey looks to build on his impressive debut with the Cincinnati Reds when he takes the mound Wednesday against the host San Francisco Giants in the finale of a three-game series. Harvey was acquired from the New York Mets last week and could become a valuable trade chip for the Reds, who have dropped two in a row following a six-game winning streak.

San Francisco first baseman Brandon Belt homered and shortstop Brandon Crawford went 4-for-4 in Tuesday’s 5-3 victory as the Giants (22-21) won their third straight and moved one game over .500. Hunter Strickland worked a perfect ninth inning for his ninth save and has made a strong case to continue as the team’s closer even after Mark Melancon (forearm) returns at the end of the month. Cincinnati is 11-14 under interim manager Jim Riggleman following a 3-15 start with second baseman Scooter Gennett and third baseman Eugenio Suarez leading the resurgence. The 26-year-old Suarez went 2-for-3 with a two-run homer while batting third in Tuesday’s loss and has a team-high 30 RBIs in just 27 games.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (0-2, 6.10 ERA) vs. Giants LH Andrew Suarez (1-2, 4.57)

Harvey gave up one hit, struck out two and walked none over four innings in a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. “It’s a good first start,” he told reporters. “It’s only four innings. There’s a lot of work and a lot of season left. But to go out there and get outs and help the team win is very important.” Buster Posey is 5-for-8 with a home run against Harvey, who is 0-2 with a 5.68 ERA in three career starts versus San Francisco.

Suarez is hoping to bounce back from a rough outing Friday against Pittsburgh, giving up five runs on seven hits over four frames. The 25-year-old was sharp in his previous two starts, however, allowing a total of three runs (two earned) with 11 strikeouts across 12 1/3 innings. Suarez was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento earlier this month to replace Johnny Cueto (elbow) in the rotation and owns a 23-to-4 strikeout-to-walk ratio over his four starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants OF Mac Williamson (concussion) could begin a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto was held out of Tuesday’s starting lineup after leaving Monday’s contest due to lower back tightness but is expected to start Wednesday’s series finale.

3. San Francisco recalled INF Miguel Gomez from Double-A Richmond and optioned OF Austin Slater to Sacramento.

PREDICTION: Reds 6, Giants 4

Preview: Yankees at Nationals
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The highest-scoring team in the majors faces the game's top pitcher when the visiting New York Yankees square off with Max Scherzer and the Washington Nationals in the finale of a two-game interleague set Wednesday. Scherzer, who leads the majors in wins and strikeouts as he aims for a third Cy Young Award, will start the nightcap of what morphed into a virtual doubleheader after Tuesday's series opener was suspended.

The teams were tied 3-3 after 5 1/2 innings when the rain began and they waited out a delay of more than an hour before the game was halted and pushed to Wednesday at 5:05 p.m. ET. Anthony Rendon slugged a first-inning home run and the Nationals scored twice in the second to take a 3-0 lead against New York right-hander Masahiro Tanaka. Tyler Austin led the Yankees back with a two-run shot in the fourth and a sacrifice fly in the fifth. More rain is expected in Washington on Wednesday and again on Thursday, when both teams have a day off for a potential make-up game.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, YES (New York), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (2-0, 2.23 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (7-1, 1.69)

Sabathia allowed a total of one earned run over four starts before giving up four in four innings against Boston his last time out. The 37-year-old will be making just his third start of the year on the road, where he is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA. Howie Kendrick is 10-for-24 against Sabathia, who is 26-12 in 60 career interleague starts and will be making his first appearance at Nationals Park.

Scherzer has won six straight decisions after defeating Arizona with seven innings of one-run ball Friday on the road. He struck out 11 batters in the outing to record his sixth double-digit effort in that category this season. The 33-year-old is 4-3 with a 4.04 ERA in seven career starts versus the Yankees, whose current roster is a combined 11-for-70 with 25 strikeouts against him.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rendon's home run - once official - will be his third in the last five games.

2. Yankees LF Giancarlo Stanton singled before scoring on Austin's sacrifice fly for what would become his 1,000th career hit.

3. New York recalled OF Clint Frazier from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and designated RHP David Hale for assignment.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Yankees 3

Preview: Athletics at Red Sox
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The Oakland Athletics have had their way with the Boston Red Sox this year and can finish the season series with five straight wins when the teams wrap up a three-game set at Fenway Park on Wednesday. After claiming the final two games of a series between the teams at Oakland last month, the Athletics have taken the first two contests in Boston this week.

Tuesday's 5-3 triumph also came with a heavy dose of emotion as Oakland outfielder Stephen Piscotty homered in his first at-bat since returning from the bereavement list following the death of his mother. Andrew Benintendi went deep among three hits but also had a baserunning gaffe in the first inning for the Red Sox, who were 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base while falling to 11-12 since their 17-2 start. Boston dropped a game behind the New York Yankees in the American League East while Oakland returned to .500 to give the AL West four teams at the even mark or better. The Athletics will try for the sweep with Trevor Cahill on the mound against Red Sox ace Chris Sale, whose lone loss this year came at Oakland.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Trevor Cahill (1-1, 2.25 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (3-1, 2.17)

Cahill went on the disabled list with an elbow impingement last week, just days after he struck out 12 in six scoreless innings against Baltimore on May 5. It was his second scoreless start in four tries on the year and left the 30-year-old with 31 strikeouts in 24 innings. Cahill has a 6.35 ERA in five career starts against the Red Sox and has been pounded for 20 runs in 21 1/3 innings at Fenway Park.

The league-leader in strikeouts a season ago has recorded 27 over his last two starts, including 15 in nine frames at Toronto on Friday. He also reached double-digits in seven strong innings at Oakland on April 21 but would up on the wrong end of a 3-0 final. Jed Lowrie is 9-for-23 against Sale while slugger Khris Davis is 2-for-14 with six strikeouts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman is 4-for-7 with two RBIs and two runs scored in the series.

2. Red Sox RHP Carson Smith was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a subluxation of his right shoulder, the result of throwing his glove in anger in the dugout after giving up a home run in the series opener.

3. Oakland has won back-to-back season series against Boston for the first time since 1987-88.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Athletics 3

Preview: Dodgers at Marlins
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

Off to their worst start in 60 years, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been unable to snap out of their funk despite playing a last-place team for the third time in their last four series. The favorable schedule has been anything but for Los Angeles, which will try to halt a five-game slide when they resume their three-game series at the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night.

The Dodgers fell to 1-7 this month against three clubs occupying the respective basements of the three divisions in the National League following Tuesday's 4-2 loss to Miami. Despite the season debut of 2017 All-Star Justin Turner and the return of Logan Forsythe, who both came off the disabled list Tuesday, Los Angeles continued to struggle offensively and has managed 11 runs during its five-game skid. Catcher J.T. Realmuto had an RBI double among three hits for the Marlins and has hit safely in all 20 career games against the Dodgers. Martin Prado, elevated to the leadoff spot for the first time, responded with two hits to help Miami win for only the second time in the last six games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (2-1, 1.64 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Caleb Smith (2-4, 3.63)

Buehler struggled in relief over the final month of 2017 in his first taste of the majors, but he has thrived in a starting role this season. He has surrendered two runs or fewer in each of his four starts, even though he was a hard-luck loser last time out, tossing six innings of two-run ball versus Cincinnati. Buehler has struck out eight in each of his last two turns and has yet to allow a home run.

Smith has yielded a total of four runs over his last four starts but is only 2-2 in that span, taking the loss after giving up two runs over 5 1/3 innings versus Atlanta last time out. He won his previous two starts, permitting just five hits over 12 2/3 scoreless innings. Smith is holding opposing batters to a .204 average, although left-handed hitters own a .292 mark while righties are a meager .162.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers RF Yasiel Puig is 9-for-45 lifetime in Miami -- and five of the hits have been homers.

2. Marlins RF Brian Anderson has hit safely in four straight and seven of eight games.

3. Los Angeles is 21-for-129 with runners in scoring position over the past 16 games.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 4, Marlins 3

Preview: Cubs at Braves
Gracenote
May 16, 2018

The series between the Atlanta Braves and the visiting Chicago Cubs has already seen a little bit of everything - and it’s only one game old. After a wild series opener, the Braves hope to bounce back from a frustrating loss when they host the Cubs for the second of three games Wednesday.

Chicago scored two runs in the ninth to claim a 3-2 victory Tuesday in a game marred by replay controversy. Two bang-bang plays went against the Braves in the fifth inning, costing Atlanta two runs. It was the second consecutive one-run game between the National League contenders, as Atlanta won 6-5 in a make-up game at Chicago on Monday. The season series is tied at two games apiece.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-3, 3.35 ERA) vs. Braves RH Brandon McCarthy (4-2, 5.58)

Chatwood has issued at least five walks in five of his seven starts, which has prevented him from pitching deeper into games. The 28-year-old has been effective, though, allowing two or fewer runs in five of his seven outings and winning his last three decisions. Chatwood is 2-2 with a 5.60 ERA in seven games (five starts) against Atlanta.

McCarthy has been hit hard in his first two starts this month, allowing 14 runs and 23 hits over 8 1/3 innings. The 34-year-old surrendered two home runs Friday at Miami and was charged with six runs and 11 hits over five frames in his second straight loss. McCarthy has an excellent track record against the Cubs, going 2-1 with a 1.11 ERA in five games (four starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is 7-for-13 with two doubles versus Chatwood.

2. Cubs C Willson Contreras is 11-for-22 with nine extra-base hits and 11 RBIs over his past six games.

3. Atlanta SS Dansby Swanson (wrist) took batting practice on the field Tuesday and is on track to play a rehab game Thursday, and could possibly be activated Friday against Miami.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Braves 4