MLB Betting News and Trends For Friday 7/20/18

National League
Cardinals (48-47) @ Cubs (56-38)
Flaherty is 0-2, 4.44 in his last five starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 5-9, 1-6 away
5-inning record: 6-8. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-14

Lester is 8-0, 2.96 in his last nine starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 16-3, 8-1 home
5-inning record: 11-4-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-19

St Louis lost four of its last five games; they’re 11-13 vs lefty starters. Six of their last seven games went over. Cubs won seven of their last nine games; last five Chicago games went over.

Braves (52-42) @ Nationals (48-48)
Sanchez is 1-0, 2.41 in his last three starts (under 8-2-1). Team in his starts: 7-4, 4-2 away
5-inning record: 5-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-11

Strasburg is making his first start since June 8; he is 1-3, 4.43 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-7, 2-5 home.
5-inning record: 7-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-13

Braves lost nine of their last 12 games; they’re 9-8 in road series openers. Four of their last five games stayed under. Washington lost six of its last nine games; they’re 8-7 in home series openers. Under is 4-2-1 in their last seven games.

Padres (40-59) @ Phillies (53-42)
Richard is 0-2, 5.63 in his last four starts; under is 8-4-1 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 10-10, 6-5 away
5-inning record: 6-12-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Arrieta is 2-0, 2.37 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 9-9, 5-4 home.
5-inning record: 9-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-18

San Diego lost eight of its last ten games; they’re 2-21 in last 23 series openers. Under is 5-1-2 in their last eight road games. Phillies are 4-5 in last nine games, 10-5 in home series openers, 12-10 vs lefty starters. Under is 7-2-1 in their last ten games.

Pirates (48-49) @ Reds (43-53)
Taillon is 2-1, 3.86 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-9, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 10-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Mahle is 1-1, 6.52 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 11-8, 5-3 home
5-inning record: 5-12-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-19

Pirates won their last six games; they’re 6-8 in road series openers. Under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Cincinnati won four of its last six games; they’re 7-8 in home series openers. Reds’ last eight games went over the total.

Dodgers (53-43) @ Brewers (55-43)
Hill is 1-2, 4.18 in his last four starts (over 7-4). Team in his starts: 4-7, 2-3 away.
5-inning record: 3-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10

Miley is 1-1, 2.38 in three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Dodgers won four of their last five games; they’re 6-1 in last seven road series openers, 19-15 vs lefty starters. Under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Milwaukee lost its last six games; they’re 9-3 in last 12 home series openers, 21-14 vs lefty starters. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Rockies (51-45) @ Diamondbacks (53-44)
Marquez is 3-0, 1.80 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-9, 5-3 away.
5-inning record: 9-8-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 12-18

Ray is 0-2, 7.36 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his home starts. Team in his starts: 6-4, 2-2 home.
5-inning record: 6-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10

Rockies won their last five games, are 11-4 in road series openers, 20-19 vs lefty starters. Under is 11-4 in their last 15 games. Arizona is 3-8 in its last 11 home games, 8-7 in home series openers. Six of their last seven games stayed under.

American League
Orioles (28-69) @ Blue Jays (43-52)
Bundy is 0-2, 13.50 in his last two starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-11, 3-5 away
5-inning record: 6-8-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-18

Gaviglio is 0-1, 6.48 in his last six starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 5-6, 3-2 home
5-inning record: 4-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-11

Blue Jays lost six of their last eight games; they’re 9-7 in road series openers. Over is 6-4 in their last ten road games. Baltimore split its last eight games; they’re 0-9 in last nine home series openers. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games.

Red Sox (68-30) @ Tigers (41-57)
Price is 1-1, 9.20 in his last three starts (over 3-0). Team in his starts: 13-6, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 8-6-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Boyd is 0-4, 10.17 in his last five starts; under is 9-5 in his last 14. Team in his starts: 8-10, 6-2 home.
5-inning record: 4-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-18

Red Sox won 11 of their last 12 games, are 8-8 in road series openers, 14-11 vs lefty starters. Over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Detroit lost six of its last seven games; they’re 0-5 in last five home series openers, 14-11 vs lefty starters. Under is 4-1-1 in their last six home games.

Indians (52-43) @ Rangers (41-56)
Bauer is 3-1, 1.48 in his last six starts; under is 8-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-9, 4-6 away,
5-inning record: 10-5-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-20

Perez is 1-2, 3.71 in his last three starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five starts. Team in his starts: 2-4, 1-1 home.
5-inning record: 2-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

Indians lost six of their last nine games, are 7-8 in road series openers, 16-10 vs lefty starters. Over is 10-4 in their last 14 games. Texas is 3-10 in its last 13 games, 5-10 in home series openers. Under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.

Twins (44-50) @ Royals (27-68)
Gibson is 2-0, 2.40 in his last two starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 9-10, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 9-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Duffy is 2-1, 2.03 in his last five starts; over is 11-6 in his last 17. Team in his starts: 7-13, 1-6 home
5-inning record: 8-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-20

Twins won four of their last five games, are 4-11 in road series openers, 11-15 vs lefty starters. Over is 7-2 in their last nine games. Kansas City is 2-13 in its last 15 games, 4-12 in home series openers. Over is 9-3 in their last dozen games.

White Sox (33-62) @ Mariners (58-39)
Shields is 1-1, 6.16 in his last three starts; under is 11-4-1 in his last 16. Team in his starts: 7-13, 1-6 away
5-inning record: 7-12-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

LeBlanc is 2-1, 6.18 in his last five starts (under 9-4-1). Team in his starts: 10-4, 8-0 home
5-inning record: 9-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

White Sox lost seven of their last ten games; they’re 3-13 in road series openers, 7-14 vs lefty starters. Over is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Seattle lost seven of its last nine games; they’re 10-4 in home series openers. Under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Astros (64-35) @ Angels (49-48)
Keuchel is 3-0, 1.35 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 11-9, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 8-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-20

Skaggs is 4-1, 1.66 in his last six starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 10-7, 4-3 home.
5-inning record: 9-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Astros are 3-4 in their last seven games, 12-2 in road series openers, 21-15 vs lefty starters. Houston’s last six road games stayed under. Angels are 8-8 in their last 16 games, 8-2 in last ten home series openers, 9-18 vs lefty starters. Under is 6-3 in their last nine home games.

Interleague
Mets (39-55) @ Bronx (62-33)
Syndergaard is 3-0, 2.74 in his last four starts (under 8-3-1). Team in his starts: 8-4, 2-2 away
5-inning record: 7-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

German is 0-1, 8.31 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 7-5, 5-1 home
5-inning record: 4-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-12

Mets are 7-7 in their last 14 games, 1-5 in last six road series openers. Under is 7-4 in their last 11 games. Bronx split their last eight games; they’re 10-5 in home series openers. Under is 7-4-2 in their last 13 home games.

Marlins (41-57) @ Rays (49-47)
Straily is 1-1, 3.55 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 7-7, 3-4 away
5-inning record: 5-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Eovaldi is 1-1, 5.74 in his last three starts (under 6-3). Team in his starts: 3-6, 1-1 home
5-inning record: 4-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-9

Marlins won five of their last seven games, are 5-10 in road series openers. Over is 9-2 in their last 11 road games. Tampa Bay is 14-1 in its last 15 home games, 9-5 in home series openers. Under is 7-1 in their last eight home games.

Giants (50-48) @ A’s (55-42)
Rodriguez is 2-0, 2.16 in his last four starts; his last three stayed under. Team in his starts: 6-1, 2-1 away
5-inning record: 3-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-7

Jackson is 1-1, 2.96 in four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 3-1, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 0-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

A’s are 14-4 in their last 18 games; over is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Oakland is 7-7 in home series openers. San Francisco is 5-8 in its last 13 games, 2-7 in last nine road series openers; Under is 13-6-1 in their last 20 games.

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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 20th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/20/2018

The Chicago Cubs picked up right where they left off before the All-Star break, and they'll try to keep the hot streak going Friday when they host the St. Louis Cardinals for the second of a five-game series. The Cubs used a five-run fifth inning to rally for their major league-leading 31st comeback victory Thursday while posting their fourth consecutive victory.

The Cubs have won 13 of their last 16 games to build a three-game lead over Milwaukee in the National League Central. The Cardinals have lost four of their last five to fall 8 1/2 games behind Chicago. The Cubs were able to hang on in the opener despite a weakened bullpen, as closer Brandon Morrow was placed on the disabled list prior to the game with right biceps inflammation. Chicago bolstered the pen by acquiring right-hander Jesse Chavez from Texas on Thursday in exchange for minor-league left-hander Tyler Thomas.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (3-4, 3.24 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jon Lester (12-2, 2.58)

Flaherty is winless in his last six starts despite a solid 3.68 ERA over that stretch. The 22-year-old allowed two hits over five scoreless innings in his last start, and he likely would have gone deeper if not for a rain delay. Flaherty faced the Cubs on June 17 and struck out seven while allowing two hits over five scoreless frames.

Lester hasn't lost since May 23, going 8-0 with a 2.80 ERA in nine starts over that stretch. The 34-year-old wasn't quite as dominant in his last three starts before the All-Star break, allowing 11 runs (nine earned) in 16 2/3 innings. Lester is 7-4 with a 2.26 ERA in 17 starts against the Cardinals, including two wins this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs RF Jason Heyward recorded his eighth three-hit game of the season Thursday after collecting three or more hits only four times last season.

2. Cardinals C Yadier Molina, who was 4-for-5 Thursday, is 13-for-38 with a homer versus Lester.

3. Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo is 8-for-16 with five doubles in his past four games.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Cardinals 2
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Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
If the Washington Nationals are going to climb back into the National League East race, Friday's series opener at home against the Atlanta Braves would be a good place to start. The two-time defending division champion are sitting at .500 and in third place, 5 � games behind first-place Philadelphia and five games behind the Braves, but the Nationals do get pitcher Stephen Strasburg and first baseman Ryan Zimmerman back from the disabled list to start the opener.

"It starts Friday," Washington manager Dave Martinez told reporters prior to the All-Star break, highlighting the urgency for a team that has lost nine of its past 15 games. "Friday, we're going to come out and start playing like our hair's on fire." The Braves also need a strong start after losing eight of their final 11 games before the break, but remain in contention for their first postseason berth since 2013. "We did a lot of good things," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker told the media before the All-Star break in summarizing his team's first 94 games. "Young guys have taken some huge steps forward." Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, a leading candidate for NL MVP honors, is hitting .343 with a 1.065 OPS in 10 games against Washington this season, helping Atlanta own a 6-4 edge in the season series.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), MASN2 (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Anibal Sanchez (4-2, 2.60 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (6-6, 3.46)

Sanchez has been outstanding for Atlanta, pitching to a 2.45 ERA while holding opposing hitters to a .190 batting average in his eight starts since June 1. The 34-year-old has pitched at least six innings in all three of his July starts, allowing one run on five hits in six innings of a no-decision Friday against Arizona six days after holding Milwaukee to one run on two hits in 6 2/3 innings. Sanchez gave up two unearned runs on two hits in seven innings against the Nationals on June 3, walking one and striking out five in a no-decision.

Strasburg takes the ball for the first time since June 8 after missing a month with right shoulder inflammation, and the Nationals hope his return will stabilize a rotation that outside of Max Scherzer has been shaky at best. Strasburg, who turns 30 on Friday, gave up one earned run in nine innings across two rehab starts with Single-A Potomac, striking out 12. He struck out 10 Braves in 6 2/3 innings but gave up four runs on seven hits in a 4-0 loss on June 1, then left his next start a week later after throwing just two innings against San Francisco.

WALK-OFFS

1. Zimmerman, sidelined since May 9 with a strained right oblique, went 4-for-9 with five runs scored in three minor-league rehab games.

2. Atlanta 2B Ozzie Albies is hitting .379 with nine doubles, four homers and 21 runs scored in his past 23 games.

3. The Nationals are 15-26 since May 31, and are under .500 at home (22-24) this season.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Braves 2
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San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies have surpassed expectations by entering the All-Star break with the top record in the National League East while the San Diego Padres reside at the other end of the spectrum with the worst mark in the Senior Circuit. The Phillies (53-42) look to add to their feel-good story on Friday when they begin a six-game homestand with the first of three contests against the Padres (40-59).

Philadelphia manager Gabe Kapler is keeping positive after seeing his team answer a sterling 10-3 stretch by dropping two straight to Miami, including a 10-5 setback on Sunday that saw his club squander a five-run lead. "We've had a really, really spectacular first half. I'm really proud of our guys, and that's what I'm going to be thinking about, and that's what I think our clubhouse will think about," Kapler told reporters. San Diego manager Andy Green is thinking a bit differently after seeing his team drop five in a row and 21 of 27 to make itself comfortable in the cellar of the NL West. "Frustrating. Not where I thought we'd be. Not where I want to be," Green told the media. "I take ownership of that. It's my team. It's our team. We expect to play better than we've played."

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-8, 4.43 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (7-6, 3.23)

Richard has answered a four-start winning streak with an 0-2 mark in his last four trips to the mound. The 34-year-old walked five batters for the second time in three outings and settled for a no-decision last Friday after allowing three runs in six innings versus the Chicago Cubs. The current crop of Phillies is 7-for-35 against Richard while Maikel Franco and Rhys Hoskins are a combined 0-for-10.

Arrieta answered an 0-4 mark in a six-start stretch by tossing seven innings in back-to-back wins, including a three-hit scoreless outing at Miami last Friday. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award has been tasked to put the team on his back by Kapler, and Arrieta has no qualms about it. "I'm comfortable in that position," the 32-year-old told reporters. "It's good for Vinnie (Vince Velasquez), (Nick) Pivetta, (Aaron) Nola, (Zach) Eflin to see that. We're trying to win this division. It's a next-man-up kind of thing."

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego acquired C-OF Francisco Mejia from Cleveland on Thursday for two-time All-Star LHP Brad Hand and RHP Adam Cimber.

2. Philadelphia 2B Cesar Hernandez is 8-for-19 with three RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.

3. Padres RF Hunter Renfroe has homered in back-to-back contests after going 3-for-25 with eight strikeouts in his previous eight outings.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Padres 2
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New York Mets vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

The New York Yankees emerge from the All-Star break with the second-best record in the majors, but they still have plenty of work to do. That work begins at home Friday night with the first of three against the New York Mets in the latest installment of the Subway Series.

At 62-33, the Yankees are on pace for their best season since the historic 1998 team won 114 contests, but they fell 4 1/2 games behind the scorching Boston Red Sox in the American League East after dropping the "first half" finale Sunday in Cleveland, and could see a remarkable regular season reduced to the sudden-death Wild Card Game in October. "I thought the first half went pretty well," outfielder Brett Gardner told reporters. "Ultimately, our goal is to win the division at the end of the year. Right now, we're not in the lead in the division, so we've got to play better baseball. I think there's definitely room for improvement across the board." The Mets are on the verge of a potential fire sale as they exit the break tied for last in the National League East, and Noah Syndergaard is one of a handful of names already being thrown around in trade rumors. He gets the start in the series opener in his second game since returning from a finger injury that cost the flamethrower more than a month of action.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SNY (Mets), WPIX (Yankees)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (5-1, 2.97 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Domingo German (2-5, 5.49)

Syndergaard allowed a run in five innings while being limited to 75 pitches in his return to the mound last Friday against Washington. It marked the 11th consecutive start in which he let up three runs or fewer. The 25-year-old was tagged for five runs in six frames in his one prior matchup with the Yankees.

German's days in the rotation are numbered as the Yankees seek upgrades on the mound, and he's coming off a rocky showing at Cleveland last Friday. The Dominican Republic native was reached for six runs on five hits and four walks over four innings as his ERA as a starter soared to 5.97. German struck out nine batters while posting a quality start at the Mets on June 9 and he has 16 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings during interleague play this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Gardner has four homers, one triple and three doubles over his last 13 games.

2. Mets INF Wilmer Flores is batting .314 in July.

3. The Yankees have won 14 of the last 19 matchups.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Mets 3
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Blue Jays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

The Baltimore Orioles begin life without All-Star shortstop Manny Machado when they visit the Toronto Blue Jays for the beginning of a three-game series Friday night. Machado was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday in exchange for five minor leaguers, ending an era that saw that the 26-year-old amass 162 homers and nearly 1,000 hits in six-plus seasons with the Orioles.

"Obviously, it's a bittersweet day for our organization," Dan Duquette, the Orioles' executive vice president of baseball operations, told reporters Wednesday. "We watched Manny grow up in our franchise the past eight years. We all know what an exceptional talent he is, from the great plays that he made to his elite hitting." Machado was one of the only bright spots for last-place Baltimore, which won its final two games before the All-Star break on the heels of a dismal 9-35 stretch. More Orioles will be shipped in the coming weeks and the same could be said for the Blue Jays, who exit the break nine games below .500 after losing three of four at Boston before the intermission. Dylan Bundy leads Baltimore with six victories and seeks No. 7 as he toes the rubber Friday night against fellow right-hander Sam Gaviglio.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (6-9, 4.35 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (2-3, 4.58)

Bundy was dominant at times in May and June but opened this month by going 0-2 with a 12.27 ERA in his first two starts. He has five strikeouts and five walks in that span, issuing a season high-tying four free passes in a loss to the New York Yankees on July 11. The former first-round pick fanned 10 Blue Jays over seven strong frames earlier in the year and boasts a 1.17 ERA in eight career matchups (four starts).

Gaviglio worked on two days' rest his last time out and managed to get through 3 1/3 innings of a no-decision at Fenway Park in Boston. Since seven strong innings against the Detroit Tigers on June 30, the 28-year-old has seen just 9 1/3 frames of action over the course of three appearances. Gaviglio, who will be facing Baltimore for the first time, has a 1.97 ERA in seven games (five starts) at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Blue Jays placed CF Kevin Pillar (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list and 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the seven-day concussion list earlier in the week.

2. Orioles 2B Jonathan Schoop is batting .368 in July.

3. Toronto outscored Baltimore 27-11 while sweeping four straight at home when the teams last met in June.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Orioles 3
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Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

The Boston Red Sox look to build off their historic first half of the season when they begin a six-game road trip following the All-Star break with the first of three against the struggling Detroit Tigers on Friday night. The Red Sox (68-30) averaged seven runs while going 12-1 in their last 13 contests and lead the second-place New York Yankees by 4 1/2 games in the American League East while moving to 38 over .500 for the first time since 1949.

"I think we did great. I think the record shows," Boston's Mookie Betts, who leads the majors with a .359 batting average (.436 in July), told reporters. "We were pretty much in every game, had a chance to win every game and we won a lot of them." David Price gets the start on Friday for the Red Sox against his former team while looking for an 11th victory and the Tigers counter with fellow left-hander Matthew Boyd, who has struggled since a solid beginning to his campaign. Detroit was in the hunt in the AL Central in mid-June, but has dropped 20 of its last 25 contests despite snapping a six-game losing streak Sunday with a 6-3 win at Houston. Right fielder Nicholas Castellanos has been the most dependable offensive player for the Tigers, leading the team in hits (115), doubles (29), homers (15), runs (54), RBIs (56) and batting average (.305).

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH David Price (10-6, 4.42 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (4-8, 4.76)

Price struck out eight and allowed three runs over 6 2/3 innings to beat Toronto in his last start before the break after being pounded for 12 runs across eight innings in the previous two. The 32-year-old Vanderbilt product still gave up two homers in his last outing on July 12 and served up 11 longballs in his past five starts after permitting seven in his first 14 of 2018. Victor Martinez is 8-for-17 with three homers versus Price, who is 5-1 with a 2.40 ERA against the Tigers in his career.

Boyd is winless in his last six outings, managing one quality start during that stretch while going 0-4 with a combined 8.68 ERA. The 32-year-old Oregon State product, who is 3-2 with a 3.57 ERA in eight starts at home, struck out eight and yielded five runs on four hits and a walk over six innings in a loss at Tampa Bay on July 10 in his last start. Mitch Moreland is 5-for-14 with a homer against Boyd, who beat Boston on June 7 with 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball to improve to 1-1 with a 7.30 ERA in three career games versus Boston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit CF Leonys Martin (hamstring), who is batting .257 with nine homers and 29 RBIs, could return to the lineup as early as Friday.

2. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts is 9-for-25 with two homers and 10 RBIs during his current six-game hitting streak.

3. Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi went 5-for-15 with two homers as his team took two of three against the Tigers from June 5-7.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Tigers 3
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates have won a season-high six in a row and eight of nine to propel themselves back in the mix in the National League Central. The Pirates (48-49) look to continue their ascent on Friday when they begin a six-game road trip through the Buckeye State with the opener of a three-game series versus the Cincinnati Reds (43-53).

"While we've closed ground in the division, we've closed ground in the wild card, we've had a great week against really good teams, we need to do more and we need to continue to play this way," Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington told reporters. Josh Bell belted a walk-off two-run double in the 10th inning in the Pirates' 7-6 win over Milwaukee on Sunday to give him seven hits and four RBIs over his last four games. While Pittsburgh resides in fourth place despite its hot play, Cincinnati remains in the cellar despite posting an NL-best 21-10 mark since June 10. Adam Duvall, who had a two-run single in Sunday's 6-4 setback to St. Louis, is a paltry 2-for-32 against the Pirates this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (6-7, 3.91 ERA) vs. Reds RH Tyler Mahle (7-7, 4.02)

Taillon improved to 4-3 with a 3.29 ERA in his last nine starts after striking out a career-high 10 batters in a 6-3 win versus Milwaukee on July 12. The 26-year-old split a pair of decisions against Cincinnati this season, with a one-hit shutout in a 5-0 victory on April 8 answered by a six-run effort over six innings in a 7-2 setback on May 22. Cincinnati native Scooter Gennett, who belted a grand slam in the latter contest, has tormented Taillon to the tune of going 10-for-25 with five extra-base hits (four doubles, homer) and seven RBIs.

Mahle tasted defeat for the first time in nearly two months on July 11 after getting shredded for a career-worst seven runs on six hits over a season-low 2 1/3 innings of a 19-4 loss at Cleveland. The 23-year-old likely doesn't have fond memories of his last start against Pittsburgh, as he permitted five runs on nine hits - including two homers - in 4 2/3 frames of a 5-0 setback on April 8. Gregory Polanco and Corey Dickerson each homered in that contest against Mahle, with the latter going 15-for-39 with nine extra-base hits (seven doubles, triple, homer) this season versus the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez is 12-for-36 with four homers and 14 RBIs against Pittsburgh this season.

2. Pirates CF Starling Marte has four homers, 10 RBIs and nine runs scored during his 12-game hitting streak.

3. Reds OF Scott Schebler was placed on the disabled list after sustaining a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder while colliding with the wall in Saturday's win over St. Louis.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Reds 2
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Miami Marlins vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays still maintain hope to climb into the American League wild-card race, while keeping an eye on the future, as they begin the second half Friday with the opener of a three-game interleague set with the visiting Miami Marlins. The Rays dropped three of four at Minnesota before the All-Star break, but have won 15 of their last 22 overall and trail Seattle by 8 1/2 games for the AL's second wild-card spot.

Tampa Bay will have to start their quest without All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos, who suffered a hamstring injury last weekend and was placed in the 10-day disabled list Wednesday, while they will field offers for several players before the trade deadline. Nathan Eovaldi, one of those players teams may be interested in, will make his 10th start of the season for the Rays in the opener of the Citrus Series and will be opposed by Miami veteran right-hander Dan Straily - another possible trade target. The Marlins won five of their last seven before the break, including series wins at home against National League playoff hopefuls Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Veteran second baseman Starlin Castro, who leads the team with a .291 batting average, was 8-for-14 with two walks as Miami took two of three from Tampa Bay from July 2-4.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (3-4, 4.29 ERA) vs. Rays RH Nathan Eovaldi (3-4, 4.59)

Straily has strung together four straight quality starts after being ejected in his June 19 outing at San Francisco, but managed just a 1-1 record in that stretch. The 29-year-old Marshall product allowed nine earned runs on 18 hits and nine walks over 25 1/3 innings in his past four starts, including a no-decision versus Milwaukee on July 11. C.J. Cron is 2-for-2 with a double and a homer against Straily, who lost his only career start versus the Rays last year.

Eovaldi was pounded for eight runs on nine hits over 2 2/3 innings at Minnesota on Friday in his last outing before the break after posting three straight quality starts. The 28-year-old Texan blanked the New York Mets on one hit with nine strikeouts in a victory on July 8. Castro (5-for-9) and Miguel Rojas (3-for-3) have had success against Eovaldi, who held the Marlins to two runs on eight hits over six innings in a no-decision July 2.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami rookie RF Brian Anderson is 14-for-40 with three homers and eight RBIs over his last nine contests.

2. Tampa Bay SS Adeiny Hechavarria is 8-for-23 with three RBIs during a current six-game hitting streak.

3. The Marlins own an NL-worst 18 road wins and the Rays have won 14 of their last 15 home games.

PREDICTION: Rays 6, Marlins 2
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Cleveland Indians vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

All-Star Shin-Soo Choo looks to extend his streak of reaching base to 52 consecutive games when the Texas Rangers host the Cleveland Indians on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. Choo recently surpassed Julio Franco's franchise-record single-season mark of 46 straight contests set in 1993 and is closing in on Will Clark's overall streak of 58 games bridging the 1995 and 1996 campaigns.

Choo has been a bright spot in a lackluster season - the Rangers are 15 games below .500 - as he is batting .293 with 18 home runs and 43 RBIs. "Every hitter has a different goal, but my goal is always to get on base, get a hit, walk or get hit by a pitch," Choo told reporters. "It doesn't matter. That mentality makes this on-base streak special. Experience is a big help. When you play this long, you see a lot of pitches, different styles and different type of pitchers." The Indians hold a 7 1/2-game lead over Minnesota in the American League Central and made a move to shore up a shaky bullpen by acquiring two-time All-Star Brad Hand and Adam Cimber from San Diego on Thursday for highly regarded catching prospect Francisco Mejia. Cleveland All-Stars Jose Ramirez (.302 average, 29 homers, 70 RBIs) and Francisco Lindor (.291-25-62) have combined for 112 extra-base hits - 57 by the former.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (8-6, 2.24 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (2-4, 7.67)

Bauer is 3-1 with a 1.27 ERA and 54 strikeouts over 42 2/3 innings in his last six starts. The 26-year-old ranks fourth in the major leagues with 175 strikeouts - 21 shy of the career high he set last year - and has fanned 10 or more batters on eight occasions. Bauer is 1-0 with a 3.48 ERA in five career starts against the Rangers, including a no-decision on April 30 in which he gave up two runs and four hits with 11 strikeouts in 6 2/3 frames.

Perez was sharp in a loss to Baltimore on Saturday, giving up just one run and five hits over seven innings. The outing was the first in 2 1/2 months for the 27-year-old as he was sidelined with a right elbow injury he initially suffered during an offseason incident with a bull. Perez is 0-2 with a 9.20 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Indians but has held Lindor (0-for-5) in check.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Indians scored 25 runs while taking two of three from the Rangers from April 30-May 2.

2. Texas has lost 10 of its 13 games this month.

3. Cleveland All-Star LF Michael Brantley is batting .316 with six two-hit performances in July.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Rangers 1
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Dodgers beat out a number of other National League contenders - including the Milwaukee Brewers - to acquire the services of Manny Machado during the All-Star break, adding even more thump to an offense that leads the NL in home runs. Two days after being acquired in a six-player deal, the four-time All-Star is expected to make his debut for the Dodgers on Friday as they visit the Brewers for the opener of their three-game series.

Los Angeles sent five prospects to Baltimore on Wednesday to fill the void both at shortstop and in the batting order that has existed since Corey Seager was forced to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery after playing only 26 games. The Dodgers, who have belted an NL-high 129 homers this season, figure to utilize the 26-year-old Machado as their regular cleanup hitter after he finished the first half ranked sixth in the American League in blasts (24) and tied for fourth in RBIs (65) while playing for the league-worst Orioles. The Brewers could use a bit of a spark after dropping a season-high six straight while going 1-7 on an eight-game road trip prior to the break. Milwaukee has won six of its last seven at Miller Park, however, and owns the second-best home record in the NL (30-18).

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Rich Hill (2-4, 4.55 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Wade Miley (1-1, 2.38)

Hill has been steady over his last three starts (3.38 ERA, 22 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings) but may be on the verge of losing his spot in the rotation as Los Angeles has dropped seven of his 11 turns. The 38-year-old pitched in relief for the first time since 2014 on Saturday, walking two and striking out two in one hitless frame versus the Los Angeles Angels. Jesus Aguilar (1-for-2) is the only Brewer to go deep against Hill, who is 2-1 with a 3.92 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) versus Milwaukee.

Miley will make his fourth start of the season after allowing three runs and eight hits over 11 1/2 innings in his first three turns, including a loss at Pittsburgh on July 12 in which he yielded two runs and four hits over five frames. It was the first outing since May 8 due to an oblique injury for the 31-year-old native of Louisiana, who issued five walks to raise his season total to nine - matching his number of strikeouts on the year. Miley owns a 3-5 record and 4.16 ERA in 12 career starts and one relief appearance against the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers SS-OF Chris Taylor is expected to move into a super-utility role but should make the majority of his starts at second base following the acquisition of Machado.

2. Aguilar, who leads the NL with 24 homers, went 6-for-27 during the Brewers' recent eight-game road trip.

3. Machado is 4-for-25 with no homers in six career games against Milwaukee.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Brewers 4
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Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

The Kansas City Royals are saddled with the worst record in the majors as they resume play after the All-Star break by hosting the Minnesota Twins on Friday. The 2015 World Series champions are an abysmal 27-68 as they enter the opener of a three-game set with the Twins.

Kansas City lost 13 of its final 15 games prior to the break and one of the two victories during the stretch occurred in a road contest against the Twins on July 10. All-Star catcher Salvador Perez is batting just .221 but he finished play prior to the break by going 8-for-26 with two homers, and seven RBIs during a six-game hitting streak. Minnesota was on a tear before the stoppage by winning nine of 11 games and scoring 10 or more runs on three occasions. Second baseman Brian Dozier has four homers and 13 RBIs over the past eight games and he is being mentioned in trade rumors with the Twins 7 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Indians in the American League Central.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (4-6, 3.42 ERA) vs. Royals LH Danny Duffy (5-8, 4.59)

Gibson has won back-to-back starts in which he allowed four runs and nine hits and struck out 18 over 15 innings. The 30-year-old is holding opposing batters to a .197 average in nine road outings while going 2-2 with a 2.84 ERA. Gibson blanked Kansas City on five hits over seven innings in a no-decision on May 29 and is 6-4 with a 3.22 ERA in 16 career turns against the Royals.

Duffy struck out 17 over 13 scoreless innings in his final two starts before the All-Star break, including a July 9 no-decision in which he gave up six hits over six scoreless innings against the Twins. The 29-year-old is 0-4 with a 6.75 ERA in seven home starts this season and is winless in his past eight turns at Kauffman Stadium dating back to last season. Duffy has a 0.75 ERA in two no-decisions against Minnesota this season and is 5-1 with a 2.27 ERA in 19 career appearances (15 starts) against the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. The teams have split six meetings this season with the Royals taking two of three in Kansas City from May 28-30.

2. Royals OF Paulo Orlando, who is batting just .172 in 87 at-bats this season, is a scorching 8-for-13 with two walks against Gibson.

3. Minnesota LF Eddie Rosario is 13-for-31 with one homer and seven RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Twins 8, Royals 5
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San Francisco Giants vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Athletics Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/19/2018

The Oakland Athletics finished the first half of their season as the hottest team in baseball due in part to their strong showing against National League competition. The red-hot Athletics attempt to pick up where they left off last weekend when they host the San Francisco Giants for the opener of their three-game interleague series.

Oakland entered the All-Star break having won 21 of its last 27 games, thrusting itself into the conversation for the final wild-card spot in the American League after beginning the season with a 34-36 record. The Athletics went 6-1 against the NL West during that run, taking all four of its meetings with San Diego before winning two of three in San Francisco to wrap up the first half of the campaign with a 9-3 mark in interleague play. The Giants haven't been more than five games above or below the break-even mark all year, but they begin the second half of the season four games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West after finishing 2017 an NL-worst 64-98. Journeyman infielder Chase d'Arnaud has been a spark atop the batting order for San Francisco lately, collecting two hits - including a pair of solo homers - in each of his last three starts.

TV: 9:35 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Dereck Rodriguez (4-1, 2.89 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (1-1, 2.59)

Rodriguez has settled in after a bit of an uneven beginning to his major-league career, as he has yielded a total of three runs over 23 innings in his last four appearances (three starts). The 26-year-old Texan held the Chicago Cubs hitless over the final three frames of a 13-inning victory on July 11 to extend his winning streak to three games. Rodriguez is allowing opponents to bat .304 while going 1-1 with a 3.79 ERA on the road entering his first career interleague outing.

Jackson has been everything Oakland could have asked for through four starts, helping the team win three of his turns while holding the opposition to fewer than three earned runs each time. The 34-year-old journeyman took a hard-luck loss last Friday at San Francisco, giving up two runs on four hits and three walks across six innings. Andrew McCutchen (16-for-41, three homers) has fared well against Jackson, who is 5-5 with a 4.56 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts) versus the Giants.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics OF Stephen Piscotty is riding a nine-game hitting streak and has homered five times over that span, but only one of his 12 blasts this year have come at home.

2. San Francisco has hit a major league-worst six home runs this month.

3. Oakland has won 14 of its last 20 home games in the all-time series.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Giants 3
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Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 07-20-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 19th July 2018 by Gracenote
Two teams looking to emerge from the pack in the tight National League West race meet Friday as the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Colorado Rockies for the opener of their three-game series. The Diamondbacks trail the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers by one half-game while Colorado sits two back.

Both teams entered the All-Star break on a tear, with Arizona winning 14 of its last 19 games and Colorado going 13-3 over its last 16 contests, including a three-game sweep of Seattle last weekend. Rockies shortstop Trevor Story was named NL Player of the Week after hitting .400 with three homers and three doubles, and he continued his stellar season with a solo blast in Tuesday's All-Star Game. The Diamondbacks have recovered from a dismal month of May (8-19) thanks in part to the resurgence of Paul Goldschmidt, who is hitting .369 with 14 home runs and 33 RBIs since June 1. "I don't feel like we've hit our stride yet," Arizona's A.J. Pollock told reporters. "We feel like the best of us has yet to come."

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (8-8, 4.81 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (3-2, 5.03)

Marquez won his third straight start last time out, allowing two runs and five hits over six innings in a 19-2 victory over Arizona on July 11. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has posted a 1.80 ERA and 22-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio during his winning streak. Marquez owns a 1-4 record and 4.29 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) against Arizona and has struggled to contain Goldschmidt (9-for-17, four home runs).

Ray was encouraged after allowing two runs while recording eight strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings in a 5-1 loss at Colorado on July 12. "That's about as good as I've been all year with all my pitches," he told reporters. "I was mixing, and me and (catcher John Ryan Murphy) got on the same page pretty quickly, and whatever he was throwing down, I was throwing it, and it was working." Charlie Blackmon is 15-for-33 with four homers against Ray, who is 3-4 with a 5.52 ERA in 11 career starts versus Colorado.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks have won 13 of their last 18 regular-season meetings with the Rockies.

2. Colorado starting pitchers have posted a 2.25 ERA over 92 innings in their last 15 contests.

3. The Rockies own a 28-22 road record as opposed to a 23-23 mark at home.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Rockies 3
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