MLB Betting News and Trends For Tuesday 8/7/18

National League
Braves (60-48) @ Nationals (57-54)
Newcomb is 2-0, 1.23 in his last two starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 11-10, 7-5 away
5-inning record: 12-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Fried is 1-2, 3.20 in his four starts (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 2-2, 1-1 away
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Rodriguez is 0-1, 9.64 in three starts (over 2-0-1). Team in his starts: 2-1, 2-0 home
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Scherzer is 5-0, 3.18 in his last five starts (over 5-0). Nationals scored 48 runs in those five games. Team in his starts: 17-6, 7-3 home
5-inning record: 14-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-23

Braves won six of their last seven games; they’re 12-8 in road series openers. 18-16 vs lefty starters- under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Washington won five of its last six games; they’re 10-8 in home series openers. Four of their last five games stayed under.

Cardinals (58-55) @ Marlins (47-67)
Mikolas is 3-0, 3.44 in his last six starts (over 4-2). Team in his starts: 15-7, 8-3 away
5-inning record: 12-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-22

Lopez is 1-1, 3.06 in his last three starts (over 3-3). Team in his starts: 2-4, 1-2 home
5-inning record: 3-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6

Cardinals won four of their last six games; over is 6-4 in their last ten road games. Miami lost six of its last seven games; over is 5-3 in their last eight home games.

Reds (49-64) @ Mets (46-64)
Romano is 2-2, 4.97 in his last five starts; over is 11-2 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 11-10, 3-4 away.
5-inning record: 5-11-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Vargas is 0-4, 7.89 in his last five starts; under is 5-2-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 2-9, 1-3 home.
5-inning record: 2-9 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-11

Reds lost seven of their last eight road games; they’re 13-15 vs lefty starters- under is 6-3 in their last nine games. Mets lost five of their last seven games; four of their last six games stayed under.

Padres (44-70) @ Brewers (65-50)
Richard is 0-4, 7.30 in his last seven starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 10-13, 6-7 away.
5-inning record: 6-15-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Anderson is 2-1, 2.28 in his last eight starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-10, 7-4 home.
5-inning record: 11-7-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Padres lost nine of their last 11 games; they’re 7-12 in road series openers. Over is 6-4 in their last ten road games. Milwaukee is 9-5 in its last 14 games, 7-1 in last eight home series openers; they’re 14-14 vs lefty starters..

Pirates (57-56) @ Rockies (60-52)
Taillon is 3-1, 2.52 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 12-10, 6-5 away.
5-inning record: 12-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Bettis is making his first start since July 1st; he is 0-0, 7.54 in his last three starts. Over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 9-8, 3-4 home.
5-inning record: 13-1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-17

Pirates lost four of their last five games; four of their last six games went over. Colorado is 3-5 in its last eight games; Rockies’ last eight home games stayed under.

Phillies (63-49) @ Diamondbacks (63-51)
Pivetta is 0-2, 6.75 in his last three starts; over is 7-1-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 12-10, 5-5 away

5-inning record: 8-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-22

Greinke is 3-1, 1.26 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 14-9, 7-5 home.
5-inning record: 15-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Phillies won five of their last five games; under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Arizona won seven of its last ten games; over is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

American League
Red Sox (79-34) @ Blue Jays (51-60)
Pomeranz is 0-3, 6.14 in his last three starts (under 6-4). Team in his starts: 4-6, 2-3 away
5-inning record: 2-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-10

Stroman is 2-2, 5.32 in his last four starts; under is 7-2-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 7-8, 3-3 home.
5-inning record: 5-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Red Sox won eight of its last nine games; they’re 10-8 in road series openers. Over is 8-5 in their last 13 road games. Toronto won three of its last four games; they’re 6-2 in last eight home series openers. Jays are 14-26 vs lefty starters. Over is 9-2 in their last 11 games.

Orioles (34-78) @ Rays (56-56)
Former Tampa Ray Cobb is 1-5, 4.89 in his last six starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 10-12, 5-6 away
5-inning record: 4-13-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-20

Glasnow allowed one run in three IP (48 PT) in his Tampa Bay debut (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 1-0, 1-0 home.
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Orioles are 2-14 in their last 16 road games, 5-13 in road series openers. Over is 7-1-1 in their last nine games. Tampa Bay lost its last three games; they’re 11-7 in home series openers. Under is 3-1 in their last four games.

Twins (52-59) @ Indians (62-49)
Mejia is 1-0, 3.14 in his three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2, 1-1 away
5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Carrasco is 4-0, 2.64 in his last five starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 14-9, 9-2 home.
5-inning record: 12-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Twins won three of their last four games; they’re 14-17 vs lefty starters. Minnesota’s last four games all went over. Cleveland won five of its last six games; five of their last seven games stayed under.

Mariners (65-48) @ Rangers (49-65)
Hernandez is 0-3, 8.15 in his last four starts; over is 10-6 in his last 16 starts. Team in his starts: 10-12, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 9-11-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-22

Colon is 0-5, 6.75 in his last five starts; under is 7-4-1 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 8-12, 4-4 home.
5-inning record: 6-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

Mariners lost five of their last seven games; four of their last six games went over. Texas won seven of its last ten games; over is 9-3 in their last 12 home games.

New York (69-42) @ White Sox (41-71)
Sabathia is 0-0, 5.40 in his last three starts; under is 7-2-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 11-9, 3-5 away
5-inning record: 11-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Lopez is 0-4, 7.22 in his last five starts; over is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 7-15, 4-6 home.
5-inning record: 9-12-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22

New York lost five of its last six games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven road games. White Sox won four of their last four games; they’re 8-18 vs lefty starters- over is 6-2 in their last eight home games.

Tigers (47-66) @ Angels (56-58)
Turner is making his first ’18 start; he is 14-30, 5.26 in 55 MLB starts, most of which was in 2013-14. He is 3-4, 4.50 in 22 AAA games this year (11 starts). Team in his starts: 0-0 away
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Heaney is 1-1, 3.60 in his last three starts; under is 12-3-1 in his last 16 starts. Team in his starts: 9-11, 7-3 home.
5-inning record: 5-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-20

Detroit lost 12 of its last 15 road games; they scored three runs in last four games. Tigers are 10-21 vs lefty starters- under is 6-1 in their last seven road games. Angels lost six of their last eight games; over is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Interleague
Astros (72-42) @ Giants (57-57)
Keuchel is 5-1, 2.27 in his last six starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 13-10, 8-4 away
5-inning record: 10-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Bumgarner is 3-2, 2.23 in six home starts (under 7-4). Team in his starts: 5-6, 4-2 home
5-inning record: 6-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-11

Astros won five of their last six games; they’re 25-18 vs lefty starters- Under is 15-3 in their last 18 road games. Giants won five of their last eight games; they’re 22-23 vs lefty starters- over is 5-3-1 in their last nine games.

Cubs (65-47) @ Royals (34-78)
Montgomery is 0-2, 4.79 in his last five starts (under 7-5). Team in his starts: 5-7, 2-4 away
5-inning record: 5-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Keller is 2-0, 4.26 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 4-7, 3-2 home
5-inning record: 4-3-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-11

Cubs won three of their last four games; over is 6-4 in their last ten road games. Kansas City lost its last five games; they’re 13-23 vs lefty starters. Under is 5-1 in their last six home games.

Dodgers (62-51) @ A’s (67-46)
Hill is 2-0, 1.42 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 7-7, 2-4 away
5-inning record: 4-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Manaea is 2-1, 3.04 in his last four starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 14-9, 8-4 home (won last 5)
5-inning record: 10-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Dodgers are 6-7 in their last 13 games, 11-6 in road series openers; they’re 22-17 vs lefty starters. LA’s last three road games stayed under total. A’s won its last eight home games; 9-8 in home series openers, 21-18 vs lefty starters. Under is 4-1 in their last five games.

Umpires
Stl-Mia: Four of last six Whitson games went over.
Cin-NY: Over is 5-1-1 in last seven May games.
Pitt-Colo: Under is 7-4 in last 11 Scheurwater games.
Phil-Az: Four of last six Livensparger games stayed under.

Minn-Clev: Over is 7-3 in last ten TGibson games.
Sea-Tex: Under is 16-4 in last 20 Hamari games.
NY-Chi: Under is 9-4 in last 13 Fairchild games.
Det-LAA: Four of last five Woodring games went over.

Chi-KC: Under is 14-5 in last 20 Eddings games.
Hst-SF: Over is 8-2 in last ten Barber games.

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Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The Washington Nationals have a chance to pull closer to at least one team they are chasing in the National League East starting Tuesday, when they kick off a four-game home series with a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. The Braves also can make a big statement this week, entering the series 1 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the East standings and 4 1/2 games ahead of the Nationals, and a big showing by either team could help shape the division race.

The Nationals are hanging onto hope they can reenter the division race after winning eight of their past 11 games, taking three of four from Cincinnati last weekend - including a doubleheader spit Saturday. "I'm proud of the boys," Washington manager Dave Martinez told reporters after Sunday's 2-1 victory, in which Bryce Harper finished 2-for-4 to bump his average to .367 since the All-Star break. "They're fighting, they're hitting, they're pitching. They're doing everything right, so let's keep it going." The Braves also look to keep rolling after winning six of their past seven contests following a four-game losing streak, battling back twice to upend the Mets 5-4 in 10 innings Sunday on Nick Markakis' go-ahead homer. "He's a machine, that's all I can say," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker told the media after Sunday's game, in which Markakis finished 4-for-5 to raise his average to .319.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Max Fried (1-4, 3.38 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jefry Rodriguez (0-1, 6.86)

Fried is one of a few other starting options the Braves are using to navigate a stretch of 22 games in 20 days, even though he pitched an inning in relief Saturday at New York (two hits, two strikeouts in a scoreless frame). The 24-year-old has pitched far better as a starter, posting a 2.75 ERA in four starts and striking out 11 Cardinals in his lone victory. Fried lost his last start July 28 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up just one run and two hits with seven strikeouts in five innings of a 5-1 defeat.

The Nationals have scrambled to fill out the back end of their rotation due to injuries and poor performance, and turn to Rodriguez for his fourth start in his sixth major-league appearance. His debut came in relief against the Braves on June 3 and Rodriguez responded with four hits allowed over 4 2/3 shutout innings. It has not gone as well as a starter for Rodriguez, who owns a 9.64 ERA with 10 walks and four homers allowed over 14 innings in that role.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 2B Ozzie Albies is 5-for-26 in his past six games with no walks.

2. Washington SS Trea Turner did not start Sunday after going 0-for-9 in Saturday's doubleheader.

3. Atlanta leads the season series 7-5 and have outscored Washington 52-44.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Nationals 3
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Houston Astros vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Astros vs. Giants Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Houston Astros placed yet another All-Star on the disabled list Monday but still managed to win for the fifth time in six games. The injury-plagued Astros conclude their brief two-game interleague series against the host San Francisco Giants on Tuesday without three top hitters - including George Springer, who will miss the next two weeks with a sprained left thumb.

Marwin Gonzalez belted a three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning in Monday's 3-1 victory as the Astros improved to a major league-best 40-18 on the road. Tony Kemp replaced Springer in the leadoff spot and doubled in three at-bats while Charlie Morton tossed seven strong innings and Roberto Osuna notched the win with a scoreless frame in his team debut. San Francisco closer Will Smith entered Monday's contest with a 1.23 ERA over his last 14 appearances but allowed his first home run of the season - Gonzalez's 371-foot blast. Brandon Crawford belted a solo homer for the Giants, who are six games out of the second National League wild-card spot after falling back to .500 at 57-57.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (9-9, 3.61 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (4-4, 2.97)

Keuchel improved to 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA in his last six starts with a strong outing on Wednesday, when he allowed three runs over seven frames in an 8-3 win over Seattle. The 30-year-old native of Oklahoma has posted a 4.16 ERA in 11 starts at Minute Maid Park compared to a 3.12 mark in 12 outings on the road. Evan Longoria is 5-for-21 with six strikeouts against Keuchel, who is facing the Giants for the first time since his rookie season in 2012.

Bumgarner allowed one run and seven hits over five innings and stranded nine baserunners in Thursday's 8-1 win over Arizona. The four-time All-Star has lasted longer than six innings only three times in 11 starts, registering 56 strikeouts against 27 walks over 66 2/3 frames. Bumgarner owns a 4-1 record and 2.45 ERA in five career starts versus the Astros, including a 4-0 mark and 1.20 ERA in his last four outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros SS Carlos Correa (back) will continue his rehab assignment with Double-A Corpus Christi on Tuesday and could be activated as soon as Thursday.

2. San Francisco 2B Joe Panik is mired in a 3-for-32 slump.

3. The Astros recalled OF Derek Fisher from Triple-A Fresno to replace Springer.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Giants 3
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Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The Washington Nationals have a chance to pull closer to at least one team they are chasing in the National League East starting Tuesday, when they kick off a four-game home series with a doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves. The Braves also can make a big statement this week, entering the series 1 1/2 games behind Philadelphia in the East standings and 4 1/2 games ahead of the Nationals, and a big showing by either team could help shape the division race.

The Nationals are hanging onto hope they can reenter the division race after winning eight of their past 11 games, taking three of four from Cincinnati last weekend - including a doubleheader split Saturday. "I'm proud of the boys," Washington manager Dave Martinez told reporters after Sunday's 2-1 victory, in which Bryce Harper finished 2-for-4 to bump his average to .367 since the All-Star break. "They're fighting, they're hitting, they're pitching. They're doing everything right, so let's keep it going." The Braves also look to keep rolling after winning six of their past seven contests following a four-game losing streak, battling back twice to upend the Mets 5-4 in 10 innings Sunday on Nick Markakis' go-ahead homer. "He's a machine, that's all I can say," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker told the media after Sunday's game, in which Markakis finished 4-for-5 to raise his average to .319.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Southeast (Atlanta), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves LH Sean Newcomb (10-5, 3.23 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (15-5, 2.33)

Newcomb goes on eight days rest after throwing 134 pitches while chasing a no-hitter on July 29 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a bid that ended with two strikes and two outs in the ninth. The 25-year-old started July by allowing five runs in each of his first two starts, but has posted a 2.21 ERA in his three starts since with five runs allowed in 20 1/3 innings. Newcomb is 1-1 in two starts against Washington this year, surrendering seven earned runs and nine hits in 11 1/3 innings.

Scherzer is fashioning his typical Cy Young-worthy season, leading the National League in wins, innings pitched (154 2/3), strikeouts (210) and WHIP (0.91). The 34-year-old lost four times in five starts from June 10 to July 2 despite posting a 2.73 ERA in that span, but has won each of his past five starts while striking out 36 and giving up 27 hits in 34 innings. Scherzer is 2-1 in three starts against Atlanta this season with a 1.80 ERA, striking out 24 in 20 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves 2B Ozzie Albies is 5-for-26 in his past six games with no walks.

2. Washington SS Trea Turner did not start Sunday after going 0-for-9 in Saturday's doubleheader.

3. Atlanta leads the season series 7-5 and have outscored Washington 52-44.

PREDICTION: Nationals 4, Braves 1
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Boston Red Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The surging Boston Red Sox brought out the brooms against an age-old rival to lift their spirits, douse those of their foes and strengthen a hold atop the American League East. Winners of 23 of the last 28, the Red Sox (79-34) aim to continue their good fortune north of the border as they begin a nine-game road trip on Tuesday with the opener a three-game series against the Blue Jays (51-60).

"Everybody knew how big this series was. We came in and did what we wanted to do. ... Every win counts the same, but now again we have to re-shift our focus toward Toronto," Andrew Benintendi told reporters after recording his third career walk-off RBI with a single in the 10th inning of Sunday's 5-4 victory over the New York Yankees. The 24-year-old Benintendi is a robust 34-for-88 with 13 RBIs and 19 runs scored in his last 22 contests for Boston, which has outscored its foes by 72 runs during its last 28 games. The Red Sox have ravaged Toronto this season with wins in 10 of the 13 encounters, and the Blue Jays return home after Sunday's 6-3 setback in Seattle. Aledmys Diaz went 7-for-13 with three homers, five RBIs and six runs scored in that series, but is just 1-for-16 against the Red Sox this season.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (1-5, 6.56 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (4-8, 5.63)

Pomeranz lost his third straight start and fell to 0-4 in his past seven last Tuesday after allowing two runs on four hits with four walks in five innings of a 3-1 setback versus Philadelphia. The 29-year-old owns a 2-1 mark with a 3.74 ERA at Rogers Centre after permitting three runs on five hits and five walks in four frames of a no-decision on May 13. Justin Smoak is 5-for-12 versus Pomeranz, however the hurler has flustered Yangervis Solarte (0-for-9).

Stroman answered two strong starts with a disastrous one on Wednesday, as he yielded a season-high seven earned runs on 11 hits over five innings of an 8-3 setback at Oakland. The 27-year-old's loss was his first since getting gashed for four runs in five innings of a 5-2 defeat at Boston on July 15. Xander Bogaerts belted a first-inning homer in that contest and is 11-for-29 in his career versus Stroman.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston OF J.D. Martinez has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 contests.

2. Blue Jays OF Curtis Granderson, who has hit safely in four straight games overall, is just 4-for-23 with eight strikeouts versus the Red Sox this season.

3. Boston OF Mookie Betts' last five homers and nine of his past 12 have given his team a lead.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 7, Blue Jays 2
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Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The combination of Jeff McNeil and Wilmer Flores near the top of the new-look New York Mets' batting order doesn't appear to be all that intimidating, but their recent production may cause opponents to spend a little more time preparing for the duo. The Mets set their sights on a third win in four tries Tuesday when they continue a three-game set at home against the Cincinnati Reds.

McNeil and Flores batted second and third, respectively, in Monday's series opener and finished with three hits apiece as New York pounded out 16 hits in a 6-4 victory. Flores sparked the Mets' two multiple-run innings on his 27th birthday with a pair of RBI singles en route to his second straight three-hit game, while McNeil homered and is 8-for-12 over his last three contests - lifting his average to .364 just 12 games into his big-league career. After beating National League East-leading Philadelphia in three straight to wrap up a 10-game homestand, the Reds fell to 1-6 during their nine-game road trip and lost to New York for the 24th time in the last 32 meetings. All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez delivered a two-run single in the opener and has thrived in four games against the Mets this season, going 7-for-16 with seven RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Sal Romano (6-9, 5.12 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-7, 8.23)

After coming out of the bullpen in two of his last three outings, Romano returned to the rotation to take a loss Wednesday at Detroit after giving up four runs over 5 1/3 innings. The Connecticut native has struggled to miss bats on the road in 2018, going 1-5 with a 5.62 ERA while striking out only 22 over 49 2/3 frames. Romano enjoyed one of his best starts of the season in a no-decision against the Mets on April 9, allowing one run and fanning seven over six innings.

Vargas matched his season high in strikeouts (seven) and innings (five) but still took the loss to Atlanta on Thursday, permitting four runs in his second start back after spending over a month on the disabled list. The 35-year-old has been mostly ineffective in his 11 turns this season despite his limited work, yielding at least three runs eight times. Suarez is 3-for-6 with four RBIs against Vargas, who was tagged for four runs across four innings in a loss at Cincinnati on May 8.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mets are 11-25 in their last 36 home games overall, but they have won 10 of their last 11 games at Citi Field versus the Reds.

2. Cincinnati Reds 1B Joey Votto went 2-for-4 with a walk in the opener but will not play Tuesday after aggravating a knee injury in the loss.

3. New York LHP Jerry Blevins pitched a perfect ninth inning Monday for his first save of the season and sixth of his 544-game career.

PREDICTION: Reds 7, Mets 5
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Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Indians Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Cleveland Indians have pushed their lead in the American League Central back into double digits and can take another step toward a third consecutive division crown when they continue a four-game series with the visiting Minnesota Twins on Tuesday. A dominant six innings from Trevor Bauer and an 11-hit effort led the Indians to a 10-0 victory in Monday's series opener, giving Cleveland a 10-game lead over the second-place Twins.

Cleveland's starters have combined to allow two runs and strike out 25 in 20 2/3 innings during the club's three-game winning streak - a trend Carlos Carrasco hopes to continue when he gets the nod Tuesday. Minnesota counters with left-hander Adalberto Mejia as it attempts to snap a four-game road losing streak. Mejia will contend with a lineup that produced four home runs in Monday's win, including a three-run shot for Edwin Encarnacion, who has 48 RBIs in 55 home games. Francisco Lindor went 2-for-4 with a run scored for Cleveland as he took over the top spot in the majors with his 44th multi-hit effort.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins LH Adalberto Mejia (1-0, 2.60 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (13-5, 3.66)

Mejia will be pitching for the third time in 10 days, the last of which resulted in five scoreless innings against Cleveland on Wednesday. He has allowed one run in 13 1/3 frames through his last three appearances (two starts) since returning from Triple-A Rochester late last month. Rajai Davis is 3-for-5 with a double and Jose Ramirez is 3-for-7 with a pair of doubles against the 25-year-old, who is 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA in two career starts at Progressive Field.

Carrasco is 5-0 with a 1.99 ERA since the beginning of July, including a dominant outing at Minnesota opposite Mejia last week. The native Venezuelan limited the Twins to four hits in 7 1/3 scoreless innings while striking out 10 - a stark contrast to a pair of matchups in June in which Carrasco was lit up by Minnesota for 10 runs in five combined innings. He will be wary of Joe Mauer (14-for-35, six extra-base hits against Carrasco) and Miguel Sano (7-for-23, two doubles).

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland placed OF Robbie Grossman (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled OF Johnny Field from Triple-A Rochester.

2. Twins LF Eddie Rosario was 0-for-3 on Monday and is 4-for-36 over a nine-game stretch.

3. Indians LF Michael Brantley is batting .338 at home.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Twins 3
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St. Louis Cardinals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cardinals vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

Marcell Ozuna's return to Florida was a successful one individually, but not enough of his St. Louis Cardinals teammates came along for the ride. The two-time All-Star hopes to keep the Cardinals' streak of series wins alive for at least one more day when St. Louis visits his former team - the Miami Marlins - for the second of a three-game series.

Ozuna, who spent the first five years of his career with the Marlins, went 3-for-4 in his first game back in Miami, but St. Louis could muster only seven singles and finished 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position en route to a 2-1 defeat Monday. The setback was an unfortunate one for the Cardinals, who have taken two out of three from three straight playoff contenders and were hoping to keep it rolling in the first of six games against last-place teams Miami and Kansas City. The Marlins got just enough offense in the series opener to earn a victory after a winless six-game road trip, but almost gave up a two-run lead in the ninth inning as Kyle Barraclough continued to struggle as the closer. Brian Anderson plated one of Miami's two runs Monday and is 6-for-15 with a pair of walks over the last four contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (11-3, 2.75 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Pablo Lopez (2-2, 4.67)

Mikolas produced his team-leading 15th quality start in Thursday's no-decision versus Colorado, allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out six across seven innings. The Nova Southeastern product has yet to allow more than four runs in any of his 22 starts this season, permitting two or fewer earned runs 16 times. One of those outings came on June 7, when Mikolas yielded one unearned run on three hits across seven innings to defeat Miami.

Lopez held the opposition to one run over six innings for the second time in three starts but settled for a no-decision Thursday in Philadelphia. The 22-year-old Venezuelan has been inconsistent thus far, mixing in three strong efforts in which he has allowed a total of four runs with three starts of giving up at least four each time. Lopez will try to improve on his 1-2 record and 5.60 ERA in three home outings when he faces St. Louis for the first time.

WALK-OFFS

1. After carrying a 1.28 ERA into the All-Star break, Barraclough has posted a 22.85 ERA and three blown saves in four opportunities over six second-half appearances.

2. Cardinals 1B Matt Carpenter failed to homer for the first time in four games, but he was able to extend his on-base streak to 25 games - one shy of his career-high and the longest active streak in the majors.

3. Miami 2B Starlin Castro is three hits shy of becoming only the sixth player to debut in the last 20 years to reach the 130-hit mark in each of his first nine seasons.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Marlins 2
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 6th August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/06/2018

The streaky Tampa Bay Rays are having a hard time getting up for teams that reside below them in the standings. After being swept by the disappointing Chicago White Sox, the Rays (56-56) aim to regain their footing on Tuesday when they open a three-game series versus the visiting Baltimore Orioles (34-78).

"Losses are losses. Wins are wins. You just want to play better baseball and they did things to take advantage of opportunities and found ways to win all three games," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash told reporters after Sunday's 8-7 setback to the White Sox. Joey Wendle homered among his three hits in that contest to improve to 13-for-31 with seven runs scored in his last nine games while batting 19-for-51 in the season series against Baltimore. The cellar-dwelling Orioles defeated the Rays in three straight contests and split with the high-powered New York Yankees before dropping three of four at Texas. Mark Trumbo, who homered twice and drove in five in Sunday's 9-6 win, carries an eight-game hitting streak into the series opener.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Alex Cobb (3-14, 5.83 ERA) vs. Rays RH Tyler Glasnow (1-2, 4.27)

Cobb posted his first win in nearly two months on Wednesday after limiting the Yankees to one run on seven hits over six innings of a 7-5 victory. The 30-year-old hasn't been as fortunate against his former team, as he fell to 0-3 with a bloated 6.06 ERA in three starts this season after permitting four runs on eight hits in six innings of a 4-3 setback on July 26. Wendle is 4-for-8 with two RBIs versus Cobb while Mallex Smith is 3-for-5.

Glasnow took a positive first step forward with his new team after being acquired from Pittsburgh for Chris Archer. The 24-year-old made his first start of the season after 34 relief appearances and allowed one run on two hits over three innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. "I'm comfortable as a starter. I've done it my entire career so I'm glad I'm getting put back as a starter," Glasnow told reporters.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay traded SS Adeiny Hechavarria to Pittsburgh on Monday for minor-league RHP Matt Seelinger, who will join Class A Bowling Green.

2. Orioles OF Adam Jones is batting a robust 20-for-49 with two homers and nine RBIs versus the Rays this season.

3. The Rays are 5-7 this season when facing a former starting pitcher of their team.

PREDICTION: Orioles 4, Rays 3
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Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Seattle Mariners are trying to recover from a season-high five-game slide and seek their third straight triumph when they visit the Texas Rangers on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Seattle squandered a three-run lead in the series opener before Ryon Healy's tiebreaking single in the 12th inning provided for a 4-3 victory.

Healy has registered back-to-back two-hit performances after going 2-for-28 over his previous nine contests. Nelson Cruz also has notched consecutive two-hit performances for the Mariners and has collected seven homers and 14 RBIs over his last 11 games. Texas' Elvis Andrus has gone 26-for-74 during his career-best 17-game hitting streak that also is the longest active stretch in the major leagues. All-Star Shin-Soo Choo struck out four times in six at-bats in the opener and is a woeful 9-for-62 with 26 strikeouts in his last 15 contests.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (8-9, 5.49 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (5-10, 5.18)

Hernandez has dropped three straight decisions and pitched five or fewer innings in each of his last five turns. The 32-year-old's rotation spot no longer is solid as the Mariners have discussed pulling their former ace from his starting role. Hernandez has posted a 6.10 ERA in two no-decisions against Texas this season and is 19-24 with a 4.07 ERA in 56 career starts versus the club.

Colon has lost five straight starts as he remains tied with Nicaragua's Dennis Martinez (245) for most career victories by a pitcher from Latin America. The 45-year-old Dominican has been roughed up for 16 runs and 24 hits over 16 2/3 innings in his last three turns. Colon is 21-12 with a 3.77 ERA in 39 career starts against Seattle, including a 1-0 mark and 2.70 ERA in two outings this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 2B Robinson Cano began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Tacoma on Monday as his 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs nears completion - he is eligible to be reinstated by Seattle on Aug. 14.

2. Texas OF Nomar Mazara (right thumb) is slated to begin a rehab assignment later this week.

3. Seattle's Mike Zunino went 3-for-5 with his 89th career homer on Monday to surpass Dan Wilson (1994-2005) for most blasts by a catcher in franchise history.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Rangers 5
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New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The New York Yankees got exactly what they needed from newcomer Lance Lynn in the series opener and hope for a similar effort from CC Sabathia on Tuesday when they visit the Chicago White Sox for the middle contest of their three-game set. New York snapped its season-high five-game losing streak on Monday behind Lynn, who yielded two hits and registered nine strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings in his first start with the team.

Gleyber Torres and Neil Walker each recorded a homer and two RBIs in a 7-0 victory for the Yankees, who were outscored 28-13 while being swept of a four-game series in Boston over the weekend. Chicago had its four-game winning streak come to an end in Monday's opener as it managed only three hits. Daniel Palka notched one of them - a single that ended a seven-game stretch during which he went 3-for-15, with all three hits being homers. Yoan Moncada enters Tuesday having gone 1-for-20 with 12 strikeouts over his last five contests.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, YES (New York), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (6-4, 3.59 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-9, 4.47)

Sabathia lasted only three innings at Boston on Thursday, allowing two runs on three hits and four walks while throwing 77 pitches in a no-decision. The 38-year-old Californian, who will be pitching on the road for the fourth time in five turns, has gone 0-1 with a 6.38 over his last four overall outings. Sabathia, whose road ERA (4.75) this season is more than two runs higher than his mark at home (2.69), is 19-6 with one complete game and a 3.78 ERA in 35 career starts against Chicago.

Lopez's winless streak reached five starts on Thursday, but his four-turn skid came to an end as he came away with a no-decision against Kansas City after allowing two runs and five hits over seven innings. The 24-year-old Dominican, who hasn't won since July 1 at Texas, surrendered 21 runs on 27 hits and 13 walks over 21 2/3 frames during his losing streak. Lopez will be facing New York for the first time in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees OF Brett Gardner has hit safely in eight of his last nine contests.

2. Chicago placed OF Leury Garcia (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list, optioned C Dustin Garneau to Triple-A Charlotte, recalled OF Ryan LaMarre from the Knights and activated C Kevan Smith from the paternity list.

3. New York LHP J.A. Happ (hand, foot and mouth disease) is expected to be activated from the DL and start against Texas on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, White Sox 2
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San Diego Padres vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

The San Diego Padres are sitting in last place in the National League West but are spending the week trying to impact the race in the NL Central. The Padres, who just finished up a four-game series at the Chicago Cubs, will continue their road trip by visiting the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of a three-game set on Tuesday.

San Diego dropped nine of its last 11 games, but both of those wins came over the Cubs, who lead the Brewers by one game in the NL Central entering the week. Milwaukee had a chance to move into a virtual tie for first place on Sunday but missed a chance at a sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a 5-4 loss in 11 innings. "I feel good about how we've started the second half," Brewers manager Craig Counsell told reporters after the setback. "We've played 17 (games) in a row against teams with winning records and we've come out of it in a good place. It'll be nice for the guys to get a day of rest then come back and start another big series Tuesday." Milwaukee will begin that series on Tuesday with opening day starter Chase Anderson on the mound while the Padres counter with veteran lefty Clayton Richard.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-10, 4.99 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Chase Anderson (7-7, 3.65)

Richard is 0-4 in his last seven starts and failed to complete six innings in four of his last five turns. The 34-year-old issued three walks in five innings against San Francisco last Tuesday and was charged with two runs on five hits without factoring in the decision. Richard went up against Anderson in the season opener and scattered one run and six hits across seven innings but did not earn a decision.

Anderson was even more sharp in that season opener, yielding one hit over six scoreless frames, but was also left out of the decision in a game Milwaukee went on to win 2-1. The 30-year-old is thriving of late and allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last eight starts. Anderson, who did not complete seven innings in any of those last eight turns, permitted two runs and three hits over six frames at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Brewers claimed RHP Jordan Lyles off waivers from the Padres on Sunday.

2. San Diego also lost former All-Star RHP Tyson Ross to the St. Louis Cardinals on a waiver claim Sunday.

3. Brewers LF Christian Yelich is 9-for-16 with two homers and six runs scored over the last four contests.

PREDICTION: Brewers 7, Padres 3
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Chicago Cubs vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Chicago Cubs' inconsistent offense has been a source of frustration, but the National League Central leaders have been able to rely on Javier Baez. The 2016 NL Championship Series MVP will try to stay hot, and the Cubs hope to get the rest of their bats going in the second of a three-game road series against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.

With a homer and an RBI double, Baez drove in two more runs in Monday's 3-1 Chicago victory to boost his NL-best total to 88 RBIs. That was all the offense the Cubs needed as Cole Hamels and three relievers shut down Kansas City, as Chicago improved to 56-2 when leading after eight innings and extended its division lead to 1 1/2 games over Milwaukee. The Royals have lost five straight and are tied with Baltimore for the worst record in the majors at 34-78. The Cubs are 9-4 in interleague play, while the Royals are 3-7 against NL opponents.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (3-4, 3.90 ERA) vs. Royals RH Brad Keller (4-4, 3.39)

The Cubs have lost the last five games Montgomery has started, but they've scored more than three runs in only one of them. The 29-year-old kept his team in it Thursday, limiting San Diego to one run over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision. Montgomery is 2-0 with a 0.55 ERA in three games (two starts) against the Royals, who drafted him in the first round in 2008.

Keller has been solid since moving into the rotation, going 3-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 11 starts. The 23-year-old set a career high with nine strikeouts Thursday, allowing two runs and five hits over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision at the Chicago White Sox. Keller is 2-0 with a 3.11 ERA in 15 games (five starts) at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo, who did not play Monday, is four hits away from 1,000 in his career.

2. Royals INF Hunter Dozier is 8-for-24 during a seven-game hitting streak.

3. Chicago INF/OF Ben Zobrist is 15-for-32 with five doubles, a triple, and two homers in his last eight games.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Royals 3
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 08-07-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 7th August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/07/2018

The Colorado Rockies appear to be emerging from a brief funk and strive for their third straight victory when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. The Rockies put together a run of 20 victories in 26 games before beginning August with four straight setbacks prior to the back-to-back wins.

Colorado recorded a 2-0 victory in the series opener as Kyle Freeland and two relievers combined on a three-hitter. The Rockies managed only five hits as their runs scored on Gerardo Parra's fielder's choice and Chris Iannetta's sacrifice fly. Pittsburgh's Starling Marte was hitless in four at-bats after going 29-for-58 with two homers and 11 RBIs in his first 14 career contests at Coors Field. Two right-handers who have battled testicular cancer in the recent past square off Tuesday as Jameson Taillon takes the mound for the Pirates opposite Chad Bettis of the Rockies.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (8-8, 3.74 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Chad Bettis (5-1, 5.10)

Taillon has won three of his last four starts, allowing fewer than three runs in each of the first three outings. The 26-year-old has yielded three earned runs or fewer in 12 straight outings and 19 of 22 this season. Taillon won his lone career start against the Rockies as he gave up five hits over five scoreless innings on June 12, 2017.

Bettis is making his first start since July 1 due to a blister on his right middle finger. The 29-year-old has gone without a decision in nine of his last 11 outings, recording victories in the other two turns. Bettis defeated Pittsburgh on April 17, when he gave up five hits over 7 1/3 scoreless innings, and is 1-2 with a 4.75 ERA in seven career appearances (five starts) versus the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates acquired SS Adeiny Hechavarria and cash from Tampa Bay for RHP Matt Seelinger.

2. Colorado OF David Dahl recorded two hits in the series opener in his first start since fracturing his right foot in late May.

3. Pittsburgh's streak of homering in nine straight games at Coors Field ended Monday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Pirates 3
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