MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 8/15/18

National League
Brewers (68-54) @ Cubs (68-50)
Guerra is 0-2, 6.43 in his last five starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-10, 3-5 away
5-inning record: 8-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Hendricks is 2-0, 3.86 in his last three starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-13, 7-6 home
5-inning record: 8-10-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 13-24

Brewers lost five of their last eight games; four of their last six road games went over. Chicago won six of its last ten games; under is 5-1-1 in their last seven games.

Marlins (48-74) @ Braves (67-51)
Urena is 1-3, 6.64 in his last four starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 6-17, 2-6 away
5-inning record: 8-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Gausman is 1-1, 2.77 in two starts for Atlanta (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 1-1, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Marlins lost seven of their last eight games; under is 5-3-1 in their last nine games. Atlanta won seven of its last nine games; five of their last seven home games went over.

Nationals (60-60) @ Cardinals (65-55)
Hellickson is 1-1, 5.14 in his last four starts; under is 5-0-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-7, 6-6 away.
5-inning record: 9-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Gomber is 1-0, 3.52 in his three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 3-0 0-0 home
5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Nationals lost six of their last seven road games; they’re 12-19 vs lefty starters- under is 4-3 in their last seven road games. St Louis won its last seven games; over is 10-4 in their last 14 home games.

Giants (61-60) @ Dodgers (64-57)
Holland is 1-1, 3.72 in his last five starts (under 3-1-1). Team in his starts: 12-10, 6-7 away.
5-inning record: 8-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Ryu is making his first start since May 2; he is 3-0, 2.10 in six starts (over 3-3). Team in his starts: 4-2, 2-0 home
5-inning record: 5-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-6

Giants won four of their last five games; they’re 24-24 vs lefty starters- under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Dodgers lost their last five games; they’re 24-20 vs lefty starters. Under is 8-1 in their last nine games.

American League
Rays (60-59) @ New York (75-44)
Faria is making his first start since May 22; he is 0-2, 9.00 in his last three starts. Team in his starts: 5-5, 3-2 away
5-inning record: 4-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10

Cessa is 1-2, 3.14 in his three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2, 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Rays lost five of their last seven road games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 games. New York won seven of its last nine games; over is 6-3-2 in their last 11 home games.

White Sox (43-76) @ Tigers (50-70)
Rodon is 2-0, 1.23 in his last five starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-6, 2-4 away
5-inning record: 3-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-11

Zimmerman is 1-4, 5.67 in his last five starts; under is 8-3 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 9-7, 3-4 home.
5-inning record: 9-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-15

White Sox lost six of their last eight games; under is 6-4-1 in their last 11 games. Detroit lost eight of its last 11 games; they’re 16-15 vs lefty starters- under is 4-2-1 in their last seven home games.

Blue Jays (54-65) @ Royals (36-83)
Estrada is 1-2, 5.51 in his last three starts; under is 9-5 in his last 14 Team in his starts: 9-11, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 7-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Smith is 0-3, 13.50 in his last three starts (over 3-2-1). Team in his starts: 1-5, 1-1 home.
5-inning record: 1-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-6

Toronto lost six of its last nine games; over is 9-3 in their last 12 road games. Royals lost ten of their last 12 games; over is 10-5-1 in their last 16 games.

Mariners (69-52) @ A’s (72-48)
Leake is 0-1, 3.48 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 16-8, 8-3 away
5-inning record: 9-7-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-24

Anderson is 1-1, 3.00 in his last four starts (under 8-2). Team in his starts: 6-4, 1-1 home.
5-inning record: 3-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10

Mariners won four of their last six games; they’re 19-20 vs lefty starters- over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. A’s won 11 of their last 13 games; under is 12-4 in their last 16 games.

Interleague
Red Sox (86-35) @ Phillies (65-53)
Eovaldi is 2-0, 4.08 in his three Boston starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 3-0, 1-0 away
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Velasquez is 2-1, 1.91 in his last five starts; his last seven starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 9-13, 6-6 home.
5-inning record: 10-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Red Sox won 11 of their last 12 games; Boston’s last four games stayed under. Phillies lost five of their last seven games; under is 12-3 in their last 15 games.

Mets (50-67) @ Orioles (36-84)
Wheeler is 5-0, 2.08 in his last five starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-12, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 10-9-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Bundy is 1-1, 8.39 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-14, 4-8 home.
5-inning record: 8-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-22

Mets won four of their last six games; under is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Baltimore lost five of its last six games; Orioles’ last four games stayed under.

Indians (68-51) @ Reds (52-68)
Bieber is 1-0, 2.89 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 7-4, 3-2 away
5-inning record: 6-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-11

Stephenson allowed three runs in four IP (76 PT) in his first ’18 start, an 8-0 loss. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Cleveland won nine of its last 11 games; under is 5-3 in their last eight road games. Reds lost their last three games, which all went over the total.

Pirates (61-59) @ Twins (55-63)
Archer is 1-0, 6.75 in two starts for Pittsburgh (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 2-0, 1-0 away.
5-inning record: 2-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Berrios is 2-1, 3.57 in his last four starts; under is 9-6-1 in his last 16 starts. Team in his starts: 13-11, 10-3 home
5-inning record: 8-11-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-24

Pirates are 9-5 in their last 14 road games; under is 6-3 in their last nine games. Minnesota lost five of its last eight games; under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Angels (61-60) @ Padres (48-74)
Pena is 0-3, 7.27 in his last four starts (under 6-2-1). Team in his starts: 4-5, 1-2 away.
5-inning record: 3-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-9

Erlin is 1-2, 9.00 in his four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2, 0-1 home
5-inning record: 0-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Angels lost six of their last nine road games; they’re 14-21 vs lefty starters. Halos’ last three games all went over. San Diego is 6-13 in its last 19 games; over is 13-5-1 in those games.

Rockies (64-55) @ Astros (73-47)
Anderson is 0-1, 4.33 in his last six starts, last three of which went over. Team in his starts: 10-14, 7-5 away.
5-inning record: 11-6-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 12-24

Cole is 0-3, 4.19 in his last three starts; under is 7-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 17-7, 8-3 home
5-inning record: 12-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-24

Rockies won their last four games; over is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Houston lost its last nine home games; they’re 26-20 vs lefty starters- under is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Umpires
Mil-Chi: Under is 5-2 in last seven Hallion games.
Mia-Atl: Last four Fairchild games stayed under.
Wsh-StL: Over is 6-1-1 in last eight Reyburn games.
SF-LA: Underdogs are 8-7 in last 15 Schuerwater games.

Chi-Det: Six of last nine Visconti games went over.
Tor-KC: Under is 7-4-1 in last dozen Segal games.
TB-NY: Under is 8-2 in last ten Baker games.
Sea-A’s: Under is 11-4-1 in last 16 Wolcott games.

Pitt-Min: Under is 16-5 in last 21 Eddings games.
NY-Balt: Under is 5-2 in last seven Libka games.
Bos-Phil: Over is 9-2 in last eleven Danley games.
Cle-Cin: Under is 13-1 in last 14 Reynolds games.
Col-Hst: Under is 7-4-3 in last 14 Conroy games.
LAA-SD: Six of last seven DeJesus games stayed under.

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Chicago White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
White Sox vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The Chicago White Sox will attempt to build off a rare win over the Detroit Tigers when the American League Central rivals play the rubber game of a three-game series in the Motor City on Wednesday. Jose Abreu drove in two runs and four pitchers combined to scatter nine hits as the White Sox picked up a 6-3 victory Tuesday.

They snapped a five-game slide against the Tigers and won for just the second time in the past 12 meetings overall. Chicago is 21-38 on the road but can pick up its second consecutive series win away from home with a victory in the finale behind red-hot lefty Carlos Rodon. On the same token, Detroit can record a third straight series victory at home if they can triumph with veteran right-hander Jordan Zimmermann on the mound. Nicholas Castellanos had five hits and five RBIs in the Tigers' series-opening win and entered Tuesday hitting .419 against the White Sox this year, but the right fielder was 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in the setback, including one to end the game with two runners on base.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (3-3, 2.61 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Jordan Zimmermann (5-4, 3.98)

Rodon spun eight scoreless innings against Cleveland his last time out to improve to 2-0 with a 1.27 ERA over his last six starts. Opponents managed just 22 hits in 42 2/3 innings in that span and they're hitting .187 overall against the North Carolina State product. Rodon is 0-2 with a 7.31 ERA in three career starts against the Tigers.

Zimmermann struggled at the end of July but has bounced back to post a 1.42 ERA in two August starts. He let up two unearned runs in 6 1/3 frames against Minnesota on Friday and did not allow a home run for the first time since July 1. Abreu is 8-for-20 with a home run against the 32-year-old Zimmerrmann, who has a 5.70 ERA in 10 career starts versus Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox OF Ryan LaMarre hit his first career home run Tuesday in his 81st game in the majors.

2. Tigers DH Victor Martinez has two doubles and four RBIs during a four-game hitting streak.

3. Chicago OF/DH Daniel Palka owns 16 RBIs in his last 18 contests.

PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Tigers 3
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Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 15th August 2018 by Gracenote
Pirates vs. Twins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/15/2018

The Minnesota Twins won't likely be in the postseason, but that is not because of their performance at Target Field where they have won 15 of the last 19 and sit 10 games over .500 on the season at 34-24. The Twins look to improve on that impressive mark as they go for a two-game sweep of the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon after rallying from an early two-run deficit for a 5-2 victory in the series opener Tuesday.

Slugger Miguel Sano, who spent six weeks on a conditioning stint in the minor leagues earlier this summer, launched a two-run homer Tuesday and is 14-for-45 in his last 13 contests for Minnesota - which sits 12 1/2 games behind first-place Cleveland in the American League Central. Twins ace Jose Berrios gets the call in the series finale while the Pirates turn to newcomer Chris Archer, who is 6-1 in his career against Minnesota and 4-0 with a 1.48 ERA at Target Field. Pittsburgh has lost steam after an 11-game winning streak that straddled the All-Star break, going 8-10 in its last 18 contests to stand five games out of the second wild card in the National League. Josh Bell was 1-for-2 with a pair of walks Tuesday to extend his hitting streak to five games for the Pirates and the first baseman is batting .333 during interleague play in his career.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Chris Archer (4-5, 4.36 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (11-8, 3.66)

Archer defeated Colorado in his second start with the Pirates last Wednesday while allowing two runs on five hits and two walks over five innings. The 29-year-old North Carolina native yielded three earned runs across 4 1/3 innings of his Pittsburgh debut on Aug. 3 and has walked six in the last two starts with nine strikeouts. Eddie Rosario is 3-for-9 with two doubles versus Archer, who owns a 2.45 ERA in two games against Minnesota this year when he was with Tampa Bay.

Berrios struggled with his control last time out, walking a career-high six batters while permitting four runs on as many hits over four innings in a no-decision against Cleveland. The 24-year-old Puerto Rico native registered his fourth quality start in six outings to win his previous start against Kansas City, giving up two runs across seven innings. Corey Dickerson is 3-for-5 with two doubles and a homer versus Berrios, who is 4-6 with a 3.65 ERA in 10 career interleague starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates are 70-46 in interleague play since 2013 despite the loss and 28-11 in their last 39 games against the AL Central.

2. Minnesota INF Logan Forsythe is 15-for-41 since being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, but had his 10-game hitting streak snapped Tuesday.

3. Pittsburgh INF-OF Adam Frazier sat out the series opener, but is 14-for-32 in the nine games he has played this month.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Twins 3
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

After a dreadful start to the season series, the Milwaukee Brewers seem to have solved the Chicago Cubs, and it's helping them stay close in the National League Central race. The Brewers will try to beat the Cubs for the fourth straight time - after dropping eight of the first nine meetings - when the division rivals wrap up a quick two-game set Wednesday in Chicago.

Milwaukee's Ryan Braun launched two homers in Tuesday's 7-0 win, continuing his hot streak - 11-for-25 over his past seven contests - and his strong numbers at Wrigley Field, where he is batting .338 with 17 homers in 78 career games. Lorenzo Cain also stayed hot, leading off the encounter with a homer and improving to 14-for-34 with six multi-hit games in his past seven contests. It was the Brewers' third shutout of the Cubs this season and pulled Milwaukee within two games in the division. The Cubs haven't been able to create much separation, alternating wins and losses over their past six games.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (6-7, 3.40 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (8-9, 4.02)

Guerra is winless in five starts since July 8, but he has pitched well his last two times out. The 33-year-old Venezuelan limited San Diego to two runs over six frames in a no-decision Thursday, but he did allow a home run for a fifth consecutive start. Guerra is 1-1 with a 1.74 ERA in eight career games (five starts) against the Cubs, and he has allowed two runs over 12 innings in two meetings this season.

Hendricks has endured an uneven season, but the Cubs have won five of his last six starts. The 28-year-old didn't get a decision last time out, but he picked up his team-leading 11th quality start after holding Washington to two runs over six innings. Hendricks is 7-4 with a 2.80 ERA in 17 career starts against the Brewers, including 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in two meetings in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs RHP Yu Darvish (triceps) threw about 55 pitches during a three-inning simulated game Tuesday and could be set for a rehab assignment next.

2. Brewers RHP Taylor Williams was activated from the disabled list Tuesday, but RHP Joakim Soria (groin) and RHP Matt Albers (hamstring) remain on the DL.

3. Cubs 2B/OF Ben Zobrist has 11 extra-base hits in his last 13 games.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Brewers 4
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Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 15th August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/15/2018

The Oakland Athletics hope Jed Lowrie continues to swing a hot bat on Wednesday afternoon, when they attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the American League West rival Seattle Mariners. Lowrie extended his hitting streak to six games on Tuesday, going 2-for-4 with a two-run homer as Oakland edged Seattle 3-2 for its fourth consecutive triumph.

Lowrie's blast was his career-high 19th of the season and 100th in the major leagues, giving him 76 RBIs on the season - also a personal best. The 34-year-old second baseman has gone 10-for-25 with two blasts and eight RBIs during his hitting streak, helping the Athletics - who occupy the second wild-card spot - climb within one game of AL West-leading Houston. While five of Oakland's last six games have been decided by one run, with the club winning four of them, each of Seattle's last four contests have been one-run decisions - a stretch during which it has gone 2-2. The Mariners fell 3 1/2 games behind Oakland for the wild card and remained 4 1/2 in back of the Astros for the division lead despite welcoming back Robinson Cano, who went 1-for-4 while playing first base in his first contest after serving an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs..

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Mike Leake (8-7, 4.11 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Brett Anderson (2-3, 4.53)

Leake's winless streak reached eight starts on Friday, when he settled for a no-decision at Houston after allowing only two runs in six innings. The 30-year-old Californian has not been victorious since scattering three hits over eight scoreless frames at Boston on June 23. Leake is 1-1 with a 3.13 ERA in five career starts against Oakland, including a pair of no-decisions this season in which he gave up five runs over 12 2/3 innings.

Anderson did not factor in the decision on the road against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday after allowing two runs and four hits over five innings. The 30-year-old Texan will be making just his third start at home this year after being tagged for nine runs in three frames in a loss to Houston on May 7 and settling for a no-decision on Aug. 3 despite permitting two hits over seven scoreless innings versus Detroit. Anderson owns an 8-4 record and 1.96 ERA against the Mariners in 17 appearances (16 starts), including a no-decision at Seattle in his season debut on May 2.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners 2B Dee Gordon returned to the lineup Tuesday and went 1-for-3 after being kept out of the starting lineup for two games due to a bruised shoulder

2. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman extended his hitting streak to 12 games on Tuesday with an eighth-inning double but saw his string of four straight contests with an RBI come to an end.

3. Seattle LHP James Paxton allowed a run and two hits while facing only three batters on Tuesday before exiting with a bruised left forearm, which he suffered when hit by a comebacker off the bat of Lowrie.

PREDICTION: Mariners 8, Athletics 4
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New York Mets vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

Zack Wheeler endured a span of more than two months without a victory, but he has followed a 13-start winless drought with a superb stretch. Wheeler will look to win his sixth consecutive start and help the New York Mets avoid a season sweep at the hands of the host Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night in the finale of a two-game interleague series.

Wheeler blanked the Orioles on three hits over seven innings on June 6 but had to settle for a no-decision in a 1-0 setback to Dylan Bundy, who will look to beat New York for the second time this season. The Mets have scored only four runs in losing all three matchups to Baltimore, which owns the worst record in the majors. Adam Jones and Chris Davis clubbed back-to-back homers and Tim Beckham added a two-run shot as the Orioles snapped a five-game slide with Tuesday's 6-3 victory. Jones and Davis hit back-to-back homers for the 43rd time, the most in the majors among active players.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Zack Wheeler (7-6, 3.82 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (7-10, 4.70)

Wheeler made it five straight wins and four consecutive quality starts by striking out eight and limiting Miami to two runs and four hits over seven innings. He has allowed four runs and only 16 hits in 27 innings over his last four turns, striking out 27 and walking only four. Mark Trumbo is 1-for-6 against Wheeler, who owns a 4-1 record with a 3.66 ERA in 10 starts away from home.

Bundy followed his start versus the Mets with eight scoreless frames against Boston, but he has permitted at least four runs in five of his eight subsequent starts. He was rocked for eight runs over five innings by the Red Sox last time out, including a pair of homers that boosted his total to a major league-worst 29. Jose Bautista and Todd Frazier are each 0-for-8 versus Bundy.

WALK-OFFS

1. Davis had struck out in 12 consecutive games before ending the streak in the series opener..

2. Mets RH Paul Sewald has allowed 11 of his last 15 inherited runners to score.

3. Jones will be placed on the bereavement list after Wednesday's game.

PREDICTION: Orioles 3, Mets 2
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The New York Yankees have won seven of their last nine to regain their footing after stumbling in a high-profile series against their biggest rival earlier this month. The Yankees (75-44) vie for a series victory as well as their 15th win in 18 home games versus the Tampa Bay Rays (60-59) on Wednesday when the American League East rivals reconvene in the Bronx.

Miguel Andujar had a pair of doubles in Tuesday's 4-1 triumph, improving to 9-for-24 with three homers, eight RBIs and seven runs scored during the first six contests of the Yankees' season-high 11-game homestand. Austin Romine belted a two-run shot in the fifth inning to give him seven hits, five RBIs and four runs scored in his last four contests. Tampa Bay's Willy Adames belted a solo homer to extend his hitting streak to seven games, during which he has gone deep twice to go along with four RBIs and seven runs scored. The Rays have mustered just two runs on nine hits in back-to-back losses after outscoring the opposition 23-13 while winning four of their previous five.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jake Faria (4-3, 4.97 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Cessa (1-2, 4.50)

Faria scattered three hits over three scoreless innings in a no-decision at Toronto on Friday to lower his gaudy road ERA to 7.24 in six appearances. The 25-year-old has permitted just one run on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings since returning from an oblique injury that sidelined him for over two months. Faria will get his first look at the Yankees this season after getting shelled for six runs on seven hits -- including three homers -- in two encounters in 2017.

Cessa is slated to be recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to assume CC Sabathia's spot in the rotation after the injured left-hander was sent to the 10-day disabled list with right knee inflammation. The 26-year-old Cessa sports a 1-2 mark with a 3.14 ERA in three starts this season for the Yankees, as opposed to a 6.52 ERA as a reliever. Cessa kept the Rays in check in his last start in the majors, allowing two runs over 5 1/3 innings on July 25.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York sports an impressive 47-4 mark this season when receiving a quality start from its pitcher.

2. Rays CF Kevin Kiermaier is 2-for-27 in his last seven outings overall and 5-for-36 against the Yankees this season.

3. New York 2B Gleyber Torres is 2-for-29 in his last seven games, including 0-for-12 with five strikeouts in his last three games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Rays 2
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Boston Red Sox vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Red Sox vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

The Boston Red Sox lead the majors in runs scored among a bevy of other offensive categories, but the team hasn't crossed the plate much this season against the Philadelphia Phillies. Runs could be at a premium once again on Wednesday as the sizzling Red Sox (86-35) vie for a sweep of their abbreviated two-game series versus the Phillies (65-53) at Citizens Bank Park.

Brock Holt belted a pinch-hit, go-ahead homer in the eighth inning and Sandy Leon also went deep for Boston, which recorded its second 2-1 win over Philadelphia this season in Tuesday's opener. Holt has two homers, six RBIs and five runs scored during his six-game hitting streak for the Red Sox, who posted their fifth straight win and 11th in 12 outings while improving to 2-1 versus the Phillies this season despite scoring just five runs. Philadelphia's slumping slugger Rhys Hoskins launched a solo homer to improve to 4-for-11 with four extra-base hits (three doubles, homer) against Boston this season. Odubel Herrera had the lone other hit for the Phillies, who have mustered just nine runs en route to losing four of their last five to drop two games behind National League East-leading Atlanta.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ESPN, NESN (Boston), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Nathan Eovaldi (5-4, 3.74 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (8-9, 3.98)

Eovaldi answered two scoreless starts by allowing eight runs for the second time in five outings on Friday in a no-decision against Baltimore. The 28-year-old, who permitted a season-high 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings versus the Orioles, was blitzed for eight runs at Minnesota on July 13 while pitching with Tampa Bay. Asdrubal Cabrera is 2-for-14 with five strikeouts against Eovaldi, who sports a 3-4 mark with a 3.51 ERA in nine career starts versus Philadelphia.

Velasquez suffered his first loss since June 25 last Wednesday after yielding four runs in as many innings of a 6-0 setback at Arizona. The run total was the largest for the 26-year-old since June 19, when he permitted four on two homers in 6 1/3 frames of a no-decision against St. Louis. Velasquez won his lone career start versus Boston while pitching for Houston during his rookie season in 2015, allowing three runs and striking out seven in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana is mired in a 3-for-27 stretch over his last eight contests.

2. Boston RF Mookie Betts is 16-for-36 with two homers, six RBIs and 12 runs scored during a nine-game hitting streak.

3. Five of the last seven games between the Red Sox and Phillies have been decided by one run.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Red Sox 2
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Cleveland Indians vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

Jose Ramirez was hitless in five at-bats in his first game against Cincinnati this season but he has punished the Reds in four games since. Ramirez has homered in three straight games overall and four in a row against the Reds as he looks to help the Cleveland Indians complete a three-game sweep of the interleague set on Wednesday night in Cincinnati.

Ramirez had his second straight three-hit game to boost his numbers against the Reds to 10-for-18 with five homers and 11 RBIs in the last four matchups. Yonder Alonso drove in three runs and Melky Cabrera added three hits as Cleveland won its four in a row to improve to 9-2 in its last 11 games. Cincinnati won the first two meetings against the Indians in 2018 but has been outscored 37-8 in the last three games in the Ohio Cup. Preston Tucker was 2-for-2 with an RBI in Tuesday's 8-1 loss for the Reds, who have also lost three in a row overall in lopsided fashion.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Shane Bieber (6-2, 4.24 ERA) vs. Reds RH Robert Stephenson (0-1, 6.75)

Bieber has bounced back well from a rocky month in July, when he was 2-2 with a 7.33 ERA and allowed at least four runs in all five starts. He struck out seven in 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball to beat the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 5 and tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings of three-hit ball at the Chicago White Sox last time out. Bieber is 2-0 with a 3.82 ERA in five road starts.

Stephenson labored with his control in his season debut, lasting only four innings and giving up three runs, three hits and five walks in a loss to the New York Mets. He was on a tear prior to his promotion from Triple-A Louisville, where he posted a 6-0 record and a 1.23 ERA in his last seven starts. Stephenson is 6-4 with a 3.74 ERA in 17 career appearances (11 starts) at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Ramirez has multiple hits in three straight games, going 8-for-14 with three homers and six RBIs.

2. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett is 1-for-16 over the past four games.

3. Cleveland placed RH Trevor Bauer on the 10-day disabled list with a small stress fracture in his right fibula.

PREDICTION: Indians 7, Reds 4
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Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 14th August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/14/2018

Ronald Acuna is grabbing headlines with his prolific home run tear, and Freddie Freeman continues tormenting the Miami Marlins as the Atlanta Braves enter the finale of a four-game home series Wednesday. Freeman belted his eighth homer of the season off Miami pitching in Tuesday's 10-6 victory, raising his average against the Marlins to .439 with 14 runs scored in 14 contests as Atlanta moved two games ahead of Philadelphia in the National League East.

Still, Acuna remains the focal point given his incredible work at the top of the order, as the 20-year-old rookie outfielder blasted a leadoff homer Tuesday for the third consecutive game and the fourth time in the past five contests - the seventh time in the past eight outings Acuna has homered. He then smashed a three-run homer in the seventh to give him eight homers, 15 RBIs, 13 runs scored and a .471 average during his current eight-game hitting streak. The Marlins are in a massive tailspin, losing for the 13th time in their past 15 games, and despite pounding out 11 hits fell to 3-11 against the Braves this season. Catcher J.T. Realmuto continues to be one of the bright spots in Miami's bleak season, going 2-for-4 with four RBIs Tuesday to raise his average on the season to .296.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (3-12, 4.74 ERA) vs. Braves RH Kevin Gausman (6-9, 4.27)

Urena looked like an emerging star in posting a 3.82 ERA with 14 wins a season ago, but he came into Tuesday tied for the most losses in the NL and near the top in earned runs allowed (68). The 26-year-old is 1-3 in his past four starts with a 6.64 ERA and five homers allowed in 20 1/3 innings, a stretch that began on July 23 when he gave up five runs over four innings in a loss to Atlanta. For the season, Urena is 0-3 against the Braves with a 6.75 ERA and 15 hits allowed in 16 innings.

Gausman has pitched well in his first two starts since being traded by Baltimore on July 31, giving up four runs over 13 innings. The 27-year-old was outstanding in his first home start Friday against Milwaukee, allowing one run on six hits with no walks and eight strikeouts across eight innings to win his first for the Braves. Gausman, who surrendered three runs over five innings during his Atlanta debut Aug. 4 at the New York Mets, has walked only 34 hitters in 137 innings in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis finished 1-for-5 and is hitting .422 during his 11-game hitting streak.

2. Miami RF Brian Anderson singled in the ninth inning Tuesday, snapping a 2-for-20 skid.

3. The Braves have averaged 5.5 runs and 9.8 hits per game while winning 13 of their past 17 games.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Marlins 3
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Colorado Rockies vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 15th August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/15/2018

Nolan Arenado has registered his fourth consecutive 30-homer campaign and looks to help the Colorado Rockies complete a two-game interleague sweep when they visit the struggling Houston Astros on Wednesday. Arenado served as the designated hitter on Tuesday due to a shoulder injury and belted a two-run shot to help the Rockies post a 5-1 triumph for their fourth consecutive win.

Arenado hasn't played third base since departing Friday's contest with soreness in his throwing shoulder and likely will be the DH again on Wednesday with an off-day to follow. Colorado, which has given up just 10 runs during its winning streak, trails first-place Arizona by one game in the National League West and Philadelphia by 1 1/2 for the second wild-card spot. The Astros have suffered a season high-tying five straight losses for the second time since the All-Star break as their lead in the American League West has been reduced to just one game over Oakland. Houston recorded just three hits in its latest setback as it continues to miss three-time batting champion Jose Altuve, who has been sidelined since injuring his right knee against the Rockies on July 25.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (6-4, 3.94 ERA) vs. Astros RH Gerrit Cole (10-5, 2.75)

Anderson is winless over his last six turns but has suffered just one setback during the stretch. The 28-year-old settled for a no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers in his last outing after giving up one run and four hits over six innings. Anderson did not factor in the decision in his lone career start against Houston on July 24, when he gave up two runs - one earned - and three hits over 7 1/3 frames.

Cole has lost three straight starts, posting a 4.26 ERA during the slide. The 27-year-old has registered a career-best 207 strikeouts and is limiting opponents to a .187 batting average - well below his previous career low of .239 set in 2015. Cole did not receive a decision when he faced Anderson on July 24, when he gave up two runs and five hits over 6 1/3 innings, and is 3-1 with a 2.56 ERA in five career outings versus the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have lost nine straight home games since defeating Detroit on July 14.

2. Colorado placed RHP Scott Oberg on the paternity list and recalled INF Garrett Hampson from Triple-A Albuquerque.

3. Houston All-Star OF George Springer (thumb) is expected to be activated from the 10-day disabled list on Friday, while C Brian McCann (knee) will begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Fresno on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Astros 3
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Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 15th August 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/15/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals look to stretch the longest active winning streak in the major leagues to a season-best eight games when they host the slumping Washington Nationals on Wednesday for the third contest of their four-game series. The Cardinals notched a 6-4 victory on Tuesday to improve to 18-9 since interim manager Mike Shildt took over for the fired Mike Matheny.

Kolten Wong went 3-for-3 with a homer and pitcher John Gant added a two-run blast for his first career hit as St. Louis moved within four games of the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs and one of Philadelphia for the NL's second wild card. The Cardinals have scored six or more runs in six straight games and outscored their opponents 46-18 during the seven-game winning streak. The disappointing Nationals have dropped three straight and six of eight contests to fall eight games behind NL East-leading Atlanta. Bryce Harper homered for the second consecutive contest on Tuesday to reach 30 for the second time in his career while Daniel Murphy and Matt Wieters each went 2-for-4 with an RBI.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Jeremy Hellickson (5-2, 3.54 ERA) vs. Cardinals LH Austin Gomber (2-0, 3.45)

Hellickson settled for an odd no-decision against the Cubs in his last turn as he worked 5 2/3 hitless innings but allowed two runs on four walks. The 31-year-old has gone 3-1 over his last six outings, giving up fewer than three runs on four occasions during that stretch. Hellickson is 2-2 with a 4.13 ERA in five career starts against St. Louis.

Gomber recorded his first win in three major-league starts in his last turn as he blanked Kansas City on four hits over five innings. The 24-year-old lasted just four frames in his previous outing as he gave up four runs and seven hits over four frames against Pittsburgh. Gomber will be starting at home for the first time as he has gone 1-0 with a 2.92 ERA in 12 relief appearances at Busch Stadium.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Matt Carpenter was hitless in four at-bats on Tuesday but drew a walk to extend his streak of reaching base to 32 games.

2. Washington placed RHP Ryan Madson (back) on the 10-day disabled list, optioned LHP Sammy Solis to Triple-A Syracuse, recalled RHP Trevor Gott and LHP Tim Collins from the same affiliate and transferred RHP Erick Fedde to the 60-day DL.

3. St. Louis activated Tyler O'Neill (groin) from the 10-day DL and optioned fellow OF Adolis Garcia to Triple-A Memphis.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 7, Nationals 0
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 15th August 2018 by Gracenote
Blue Jays vs. Royals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/15/2018

Rookie catcher Danny Jansen is fitting right in with the Toronto Blue Jays, who continue a four-game series at the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. Recalled prior to the series to make his debut in the majors, Jansen had a pair of hits in Monday's loss to the Royals and then homered for the first time to help the Blue Jays to a 6-5 win Tuesday night.

Kevin Pillar slugged a two-run shot in the eighth to put Toronto ahead as it improved to 4-1 in the season series. The Blue Jays' bullpen worked five innings of one-run ball - capped by Ken Giles' second save with the team - as the club improved to 7-53 in games where it trailed after the seventh inning. Adalberto Mondesi had four of Kansas City's 12 hits and stole three bases, giving him 15 thefts in just 38 games on the season. He and his teammates will get a crack at veteran Marco Estrada, who starts for Toronto on Wednesday opposite the struggling Burch Smith.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, TVA, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (5-9, 4.84 ERA) vs. Royals RH Burch Smith (1-4, 6.97)

Estrada has been inconsistent since coming off the disabled list late last month and followed up a gem two turns ago at Seattle with a rough showing at home versus Tampa Bay on Friday. The Rays got to him for five runs on five hits - two home runs - and two walks over 5 1/3 innings. The 35-year-old suffered the loss in his previous two career starts at Kauffman Stadium despite allowing five runs in 13 2/3 total innings.

Smith fell to 1-4 with a 9.67 ERA in six starts after he was rocked for five runs over 1 2/3 innings against St. Louis on Friday. He has an ERA of 13.50 in three starts since his last win July 24, and the University of Oklahoma product surrendered five home runs across 10 2/3 innings during that stretch. He worked 2 2/3 scoreless frames out of the bullpen at Toronto on April 17.

WALK--OFFS

1. Blue Jays 1B Justin Smoak had two hits Tuesday after going 0-for-12 over his previous four games.

2. Toronto acquired RHP Bryan Baker from Colorado to complete a July 26 trade.

3. Royals C Salvador Perez doubled in a run in Tuesday's loss after failing to produce an RBI in his previous nine contests.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 7, Royals 4
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Los Angeles Angels vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 08-15-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 15th August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/15/2018

Justin Upton has slugged five homers during his seven-game hitting streak and looks to continue his power display on Wednesday, when the Los Angeles Angels attempt to complete a three-game sweep of the host San Diego Padres. Upton went deep for the second straight night in Tuesday's 7-3 victory against one of his former teams and is 5-for-10 with five RBIs in the series.

Upton has gone 13-for-29 during his hitting streak and suddenly hot Los Angeles is looking for its seventh win in nine games. The Angels remain unsure when All-Star Mike Trout (wrist/family matter) will rejoin the team, but they are producing offensively with 47 runs over their last eight contests. San Diego's Freddy Galvis has homered in three straight games for the first time in his career and has launched five blasts over his last nine contests. Galvis has driven in a team-leading 50 runs - one more than Eric Hosmer, who registered at least 93 RBIs in each of the previous three seasons while with Kansas City.

TV: 9:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Felix Pena (1-3, 4.95 ERA) vs. Padres LH Robbie Erlin (2-3, 3.36)

Pena came away without a decision against Oakland in his last turn as he gave up three runs and five hits over 5 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old served up two homers in the contest after giving up just five in 10 appearances (eight starts) prior to the outing. Pena has started on the road three times this season, going 1-1 with a 1.84 ERA.

Erlin wasn't involved in the decision against Milwaukee in his last turn as he gave up four runs - two earned - and seven hits over five innings. The 27-year-old fared better in his previous turn, when he allowed just one run and two hits in five frames while beating the Chicago Cubs. Erlin's control has been superb as he has registered 57 strikeouts against just eight walks in 69 2/3 innings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Angels SS Andrelton Simmons is hitless in eight at-bats in the series and is 0-for-14 over his last four games.

2. San Diego OF Hunter Renfroe recorded two hits on Tuesday for his sixth two-hit performance in the last nine contests.

3. Los Angeles recalled 3B Taylor Ward, who went 2-for-3 in his major-league debut, from Triple-A Salt Lake, acquired RHP Odrisamer Despaigne from Miami for cash, optioned INF Jose Fernandez to Salt Lake, transferred OF Chris Young (hip) to the 60-day disabled list and designated RHP Dayan Diaz for assignment.

PREDICTION: Angels 5, Padres 3
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