MLB Betting News and Trends For Sunday 9/16/18

Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 15th September 2018 by Gracenote

Lance Lynn nearly pitched his way out of the New York Yankees' rotation but will be on the mound when his team plays the critical rubber match of a three-game series against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. Lynn bounced back from a rocky stretch to spin six solid innings in a win at Seattle on Sept. 8, giving him plenty of rest and some momentum for this one.

He will be trying to eat up some innings after the Yankees' bullpen was forced to get through 6 2/3 innings in Saturday's 8-7 loss after starter CC Sabathia made a quick exit. New York is in danger of losing a second straight series, although its lead over the Oakland Athletics remained at 1 1/2 games in the race for the first wild-card spot in the American League. Didi Gregorius smacked a pair of home runs and Miguel Andujar added a grand slam for the Yankees, who have 240 homers on the season - tied with the 1961 squad for fifth-most in franchise history. Randal Grichuk had a pair of home runs for Toronto, which gives the ball to rookie left-hander Thomas Pannone on Sunday.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, OMNI Television, TVA (Toronto), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays LH Thomas Pannone (2-1, 4.13 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Lance Lynn (9-10, 5.01)

Pannone allowed two runs over 6 1/3 innings to pick up the win against Cleveland last time out. His last road start was a clunker, as the Rhode Island native surrendered seven runs across 3 1/3 frames at Baltimore on Aug. 28. Pannone tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 19.

Prior to his solid outing at Seattle, Lynn had a four-start stretch in which he was 0-2 with a 9.16 ERA. The first of those four outings was against Toronto, which got to Lynn for five runs over four innings Aug. 17. The 31-year-old is 0-2 with a 6.88 ERA in four career matchups (three starts) against the Blue Jays.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays 1B Justin Smoak is batting .345 with 12 RBIs in 15 games against the Yankees this year.

2. Gregorius has four homers and eight RBIs over his last four contests.

3. New York needs one win to eclipse last year's total of 91.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Blue Jays 5

New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 15th September 2018 by Gracenote

The finale of a three-game series between the New York Mets and the host Boston Red Sox on Sunday features a pair of Cy Young Award candidates on the mound, although Jacob deGrom and Chris Sale are working toward very different goals. DeGrom is closing in on the National League ERA crown, a category he leads by a comfortable margin, for a Mets team that's playing out the string.

Sale is the unquestioned ace of Boston's staff but will be on a pitch count as he makes his second start since returning from a shoulder issue, hoping to slowly increase his work load in order to get ready for the playoffs. Both pitchers will be trying to lead their teams to a series win after they split the first two contests, with the American League East-leading Red Sox picking up a 5-3 win in Saturday's affair. Brock Holt's two-run double capped a four-run fifth and proved to be the difference on the scoreboard as Boston picked up win No. 102, third-most in franchise history. The Mets are looking to pick up their fifth straight series win.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (8-9, 1.71 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (12-4, 1.96)

DeGrom suffered another in a string of hard-luck losses after giving up two runs and three hits over seven innings against Miami on Tuesday. He had nine strikeouts in the outing to bump his season total to 239, tied with the career high established last year. The 30-year-old faced the Red Sox just once back in 2015, striking out 10 over six innings of two-run ball.

Sale tossed 26 pitches in one scoreless inning on Tuesday in his first outing in nearly a month, which gave him 29 straight scoreless frames over an injury-marred stretch that began before the All-Star break. He is still in third place in the AL in strikeouts (221) and averages an eye-popping 13.7 per nine innings at home. Todd Frazier has three home runs in 10 career at-bats against Sale, who allowed three runs across eight innings in his one prior start versus the Mets in 2013.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox 1B Steve Pearce is 7-for-15 with five RBIs over his last six games.

2. Mets OF Brandon Nimmo provided all of his team's offense with a three-run homer Saturday and he also boasts 10 walks over his last nine games.

3. Boston is 12-0-3 in its last 15 home series against NL opponents.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Mets 3

Chicago White Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

The Chicago White Sox are riding a three-game winning streak and are using a soft spot in the schedule to give their young team some momentum heading down the stretch. The White Sox will try to make it four in a row and finish off a three-game sweep when they visit the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

Chicago is using this season as a springboard as the young players take over the roster, and right-hander Reynaldo Lopez once again proved he can be an important part of the future with seven scoreless innings in Saturday's 2-0 victory. Former top prospect Yoan Moncada is picking up his level of play at the end of the season as well, as the 23-year-old is 4-for-8 with two doubles and two runs scored in the series. The Orioles (42-104) are just beginning what could be a lengthy rebuilding cycle and sit 64 games under .500 after dropping 12 of their last 14 contests. Baltimore will try to avoid the sweep behind David Hess while going up against another of Chicago's promising young pitchers - right-hander Lucas Giolito.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (10-10, 5.76 ERA) vs. Orioles RH David Hess (3-10, 5.17)

Giolito is enjoying a strong finish to the season after a rocky start and turned in his fifth quality start in his last six outings at Kansas City on Monday. The California native yielded three runs and six hits in seven innings but did not factor in the decision in a game Chicago ended up losing 4-3. Giolito suffered through one of his worst starts of the season at Baltimore on May 24 when he was ripped for seven runs on six hits and three walks in 1 1/3 innings.

Hess suffered the loss in each of his last two turns while allowing a total of 11 runs - six earned - and 16 hits in nine innings at Kansas City and Tampa Bay. The 25-year-old is doing a better job of keeping the ball in the yard and did not yield a homer in any of his last three starts after surrendering 16 in his first 15 games - 13 starts. Hess is seeing the White Sox for the first time in his career and is 2-3 with a 4.82 ERA at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles 1B Chris Davis is 1-for-22 with 10 strikeouts over his last six games.

2. Chicago 1B/DH Matt Davidson (calf) returned from a four-game absence on Saturday and went 0-for-3 with a strikeout.

3. Baltimore RHP Mychal Givens had a string of four hitless appearances come to an end when he surrendered a solo homer on Saturday.

PREDICTION: White Sox 6, Orioles 4

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 15th September 2018 by Gracenote

Needing one win to clinch the American League Central, the Cleveland Indians quickly removed any suspense for their home fans by scoring 11 times in the first two innings Saturday. With their third straight division title clinched courtesy of a 15-0 drubbing, the Indians could feature a patchwork line in Sunday's rubber match against the Detroit Tigers.

Francisco Lindor set a franchise record with his eighth leadoff homer of the season and Michael Brantley followed with a blast of his own to set the tone as Cleveland became the first team to wrap up its division. Jose Ramirez (3-for-4) scored three runs and knocked in two more to become the first player since Ryan Braun in 2012 with at least 30 homers, 30 stolen bases, 100 RBIs and 100 runs in a season. Despite winning Friday night's series opener, The Tigers have dropped seven of the last nine meetings to the Indians, getting outscored 71-16. Detroit sends veteran left-hander Francisco Liriano to the mound to face rookie Shane Bieber in the series finale.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (4-10, 4.58 ERA) vs. Indians RH Shane Bieber (10-3, 4.32)

Liriano was denied in his bid to win consecutive starts for the first time this season when he permitted three runs on four hits over six innings in a loss to Houston on Monday. He won his previous turn with five innings of three-run ball (one earned) against the White Sox to end a span of 17 appearances without a victory. Liriano is 0-2 with a 4.96 ERA in four appearances against Cleveland in 2018.

Bieber is coming off one of the best performances of the season, ringing up a career-best 11 strikeouts and blanking Tampa Bay on three hits over 6 2/3 innings on Tuesday. The rookie also turned in a masterful effort in beating Detroit on June 22, striking out nine in seven scoreless innings of four-hit ball. Bieber is 4-3 with a 4.93 ERA at home as opposed to a 6-0 mark and 3.92 ERA on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Lindor and Ramirez are the 11th pair of infield teamates in major-league history to hit 35 home runs apiece.

2. Tigers CF JaCoby Jones left Saturday's game due to right shoulder tightness after diving for a ball.

3. Indians RH Trevor Bauer threw 40 pitches in a bullpen session Saturday and is schedule to face hitters on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Indians 4

Oakland Athletics vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

The Oakland Athletics are in good shape in regard to guaranteeing themselves a playoff spot in the near future, but they have run into a bit of trouble lately in their quest to win the American League West or secure home-field advantage in the wild-card game. The Athletics try to make some progress on both fronts Sunday, when they visit the Tampa Bay Rays for the rubber match of their three-game series.

Oakland (90-59) used a six-game winning streak to crawl within one game of the New York Yankees for the first wild card earlier this week, but the pursuit has stalled recently with losses in two of its last three games. The Athletics were unable to take advantage of a loss by the Yankees and remained 1 1/2 games behind them in the wild-card race following Saturday's 7-5 setback in Tampa Bay while also falling 3 1/2 games behind Houston in the West. Struggling rookie Jake Bauers enjoyed one of the best offensive performances of his brief career, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs - including a tiebreaking three-run homer in the eighth inning - to send the Rays to their sixth win on a nine-game homestand that ends Sunday. Tampa Bay (81-66) trails the Athletics by eight games in the wild-card race with 15 left but has won 14 of its last 16 home contests.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Mike Fiers (12-6, 3.29 ERA) vs. Rays RH Diego Castillo (3-2, 3.31)

Fiers is riding a six-game winning streak and remained unbeaten since July 13 with Tuesday's dominant effort in Baltimore, allowing only one run on a solo homer while striking out seven over six innings. The Nova Southeastern product has yielded fewer than three runs in six of his seven starts since being acquired from Detroit on Aug. 6, holding opponents to a .208 batting average in that span. C.J. Cron is 3-for-15 with two homers versus Fiers, who is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA in four career starts against Tampa Bay.

Castillo will "open" for the second time in as many days and eighth this season after striking out four over two perfect innings on Saturday. The 24-year-old rookie has been stellar through five games this month, allowing one run on three hits and two walks in 8 1/3 frames while holding opponents to a .115 average. Castillo has held the opposition scoreless in three of his last four outings and 12 of 15 since the beginning of August.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays clinched the season series with Saturday's triumph and have won eight of 12 meetings since the start of last season.

2. Oakland 3B Matt Chapman, who hit his 23rd homer on Saturday, leads the majors in doubles (23) and extra-base hits (39) since the All-Star break.

3. Tampa Bay needs one more victory to secure its first winning season since 2013.

PREDICTION: Athletics 5, Rays 2

Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

Even with all that has gone wrong since the last time they hosted the Miami Marlins, one thing has remained constant for the Philadelphia Phillies - their ability to handle their National League East rival at home. The Phillies hope to improve to 9-1 against the Marlins at Citizens Bank Park in 2018 as they attempt to close out their season series with a three-game sweep on Sunday.

Philadelphia held a 1 1/2-game lead in the East on Aug. 4 following a four-game home sweep of Miami, but an 11-23 stretch prior to this weekend left the club in desperation mode as it tries to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2011. The Phillies moved within 6 1/2 games of division-leading Atlanta and 4 1/2 of Colorado for the second wild-card spot after Saturday's 5-4 victory - their second win in as many days against the Marlins. Miami owns the worst record in the NL and fell to 1-7 on its nine-game road trip following a fifth straight setback. JT Riddle went 2-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs for the Marlins on Saturday to lift his batting average for the month to .348.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (6-12, 4.29 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (7-12, 4.64)

Urena has flashed the form over the last month that made him a 14-game winner last season and improved to 3-0 over his last four starts after holding the Mets to one run over 6 1/3 innings in New York on Tuesday. The 27-year-old has permitted exactly one run in each of his victories during that stretch while posting a 2.44 ERA. Odubel Herrera is 5-for-16 with two doubles and a triple against Urena, who allowed one run and registered seven strikeouts over seven frames in a win versus Philadelphia on Sept. 3.

Pivetta has allowed fewer than three runs in each of his last three starts but has not worked more than five innings in any of them and lost the last two. The 25-year-old Canadian, who is winless in six outings since posting a victory in Arizona on Aug. 7 with six scoreless frames, gave up two runs on three hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings in a loss to Washington on Tuesday. Pivetta is 1-1 with a 2.30 ERA in three starts against Miami this year after going 1-1 with an 8.66 mark in four turns as a rookie last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies 2B Cesar Hernandez has collected three home runs, 13 RBIs, 11 runs and 15 walks versus Miami this season. Each mark is his most against any opponent in 2018.

2. Riddle is 4-for-8 in this series after going hitless in his first 15 at-bats versus the Phillies this season.

3. Philadelphia committed two errors Saturday and have 110 for the season - the second-highest total in the majors (St. Louis, 113).

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Marlins 2

Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 15th September 2018 by Gracenote

The Washington Nationals head into Sunday's series finale at the Atlanta Braves trying to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and, while this season has been a disappointment for the two-time defending National League East champion, there remains optimism for the future. Rookie outfielder Juan Soto continued his remarkable season Saturday as the 19-year-old stole three bases in a 7-1 victory, becoming the youngest player since 1900 to accomplish that feat in one game.

Soto finished 1-for-2 with three walks to extend his hitting streak to nine games (.351) and his on-base streak to 20 contests, helping the Nationals pull within 8 ½ games of the first-place Braves. Atlanta's six-game winning streak ended with a thud as Braves pitchers combined to walk 14 hitters, breaking the franchise record for most free passes (13) in a nine-inning game set in 1938. Ronald Acuna Jr. finished with one of Atlanta's two hits, giving the rookie outfielder a .341 average with 18 homers in 54 games since moving to the leadoff spot. The Braves have lost 11 of their past 15 home contests and are just three games above .500 at home (38-35) on the season.

TV: 1:35 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (8-15, 4.37 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (12-8, 3.82)

Roark has endured a miserable season, leading the NL in losses and hits allowed (176) two seasons after going 16-10 with a 2.83 ERA. The 31-year-old went 3-2 with a 2.78 ERA in six starts during August but has struggled in two September outings, giving up 11 runs on 20 hits in 9 2/3 innings. Roark is 1-2 in three appearances against the Braves this season, allowing 13 hits in 14 innings with six walks, and giving up a walkoff homer in a June 3 relief appearance.

Newcomb rebounded from a rough stretch in his last start, issuing no walks with eight strikeouts while allowing one run on three hits over six innings Monday at San Francisco. The 25-year-old, who has thrown a career-high 155 1/3 innings, posted a 6.75 ERA in five August starts with 36 hits allowed over 25 1/3 innings but has surrendered only four runs and seven hits in 10 1/3 frames during two games in September. Newcomb is 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in three starts against Washington this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington stole a season-high six bases Saturday, including Soto's three, two by INF Wilmer Difo and one by OF Adam Eaton.

2. Braves RHP Arodys Vizcaino, sidelined since July 11 with a right shoulder injury, pitched a scoreless ninth inning Saturday.

3. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon extended his on-base streak to 24 games, and eight of his last 16 hits have been doubles.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Nationals 3

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

The Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks are both fighting for division titles, but only one is in a position of some security. The Diamondbacks will try to make up ground in the National League West at the expense of the Astros when they visit for the rubber match of a three-game interleague series on Sunday.

Arizona (78-71) is chasing Colorado and the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West and lost ground with a sloppy 10-4 loss on Saturday, falling four games behind the Dodgers for the division lead and 3 1/2 back of the Rockies for the second NL wild card. The Diamondbacks, who took the series opener 4-2 on Friday, are stumbling at the wrong time with losses in six of their last eight and committed a pair of errors in Saturday's 10-4 setback. Houston (93-55) increased its lead in the American League West to 3 1/2 games over Oakland with Saturday's win and is streaking in the opposite direction with wins in 11 of the last 13 contests. The Astros will try to keep it rolling on Sunday behind ace Justin Verlander while Arizona counters with right-hander Zack Greinke.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, TBS, FS Arizona, AT&T SportsNet Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (14-9, 3.11 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (15-9, 2.72)

Greinke did his part in the NL West race Tuesday, when he allowed three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings to earn a win at Colorado. The former Cy Young Award winner, who is up to a career-high 27 home runs allowed, did not surrender a blast in that outing. Greinke gave up a solo homer to George Springer against Houston at home on May 5 but did not surrender another run across 5 2/3 innings while not factoring in the decision.

Verlander is turning it on down the stretch and earned the win in his last two starts while allowing a total of three runs and nine hits in 14 innings against Minnesota and Detroit. The former MVP struck out 18 across those two turns and ranks second in the AL to teammate Gerrit Cole (260) with 258. Verlander scattered two runs - one earned - and three hits across six innings at Arizona on May 6 but suffered the loss in a 3-1 final.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks officially shut down RHP Clay Buchholz (elbow) for the season by placing him on the 60-day disabled list Saturday.

2. Springer went 4-for-5 with three runs scored on Saturday and has scored 12 times in his last nine games.

3. Astros RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (forearm) threw a bullpen session on Saturday and is scheduled to throw again Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Diamondbacks 1

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

The Milwaukee Brewers seek their eighth consecutive series victory when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon in the finale of a three-game set between National League Central rivals. The Pirates scratched out a 3-1 win in Saturday's contest to clinch the season series while the Brewers, who own the top wild-card spot in the NL, dropped 2 1/2 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs in the Central.

Christian Yelich homered among two hits Saturday to extend his on-base streak to 30 straight contests for Milwaukee (85-64), which has won nine of its last 12 contests, while teammate Lorenzo Cain has hit safely in his last six straight games (11-for-25). Jhoulys Chacin goes after his first win in three starts this month when he takes the mound in the finale for the Brewers, and Pittsburgh will counter with Trevor Williams, who has been the team's best pitcher in the second half of the season. The Pirates (73-74) can return to the .500 mark with a victory after winning seven of their last 10 contests following their rally from an early deficit Saturday. Pittsburgh first baseman Josh Bell had a single, a run scored and walk Saturday to extend his hitting streak to seven games, during which he is 10-for-24 with a pair of homers and four RBIs.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, AT&T Sportsnet Pittsburgh, FS Wisconsin, Dish455 (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Trevor Williams (12-9, 3.28 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (14-7, 3.54)

Williams saw his streak of nine straight games giving up two or fewer runs come to an end Monday when he yielded four runs on six hits over five innings in a no-decision at St. Louis. The 26-year-old Arizona State product had allowed two runs and 19 hits combined across 32 2/3 innings over his previous five starts. Domingo Santana is 3-for-6 with a homer versus Williams, who owns a 2.18 ERA in four career appearances (three starts) against the Brewers.

Chacin lost his first two starts this month, permitting seven runs (four earned) across 9 2/3 innings total, after posting an 8-2 record and 3.26 ERA in July and August combined. The 30-year-old Venezuelan is 0-2 with a 2.28 ERA in four starts this season against Pittsburgh, dropping to 2-5 with a 4.08 mark in 10 career outings against the Pirates. Francisco Cervelli is 3-for-7 against Chacin, who is eight strikeouts away from matching his career high of 153 in 2017.

WALK-OFFS

1. Pittsburgh CF Starling Marte needs one homer to join Barry Bonds and Andy Van Slyke as the only players in franchise history with 20 blasts and 30 steals in a season.

2. The Brewers have registered a majors-best 2.74 ERA in September and allowed just eight homers in 13 games.

3. Pirates LHP Felipe Vazquez has converted 23 consecutive save opportunities, including four this month.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Pirates 3

Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

The Kansas City Royals are playing out the string with a roster that is slowly turning over to young players, but a handful of the veterans that led the team to its last run of glory remain. The Royals will try to continue their surge and finish off a four-game sweep when they host the Minnesota Twins in the series finale on Sunday.

One of the few players remaining from the 2015 World Series-winning team is outfielder Alex Gordon, who drove in five runs in Saturday's 10-3 triumph. "We're feeling like we're a quality team right now that's playing well," Gordon told reporters. "Whether you're young or old, we're just playing together and having fun. That's really all that matters. It doesn't matter who does it, just as long someone gets it done." The Twins will need to get more out of the pitching staff if they hope to avoid the sweep after surrendering a combined 24 runs in the first three games of the series. Minnesota will turn to Kyle Gibson to fix the pitching woes while Kansas City counters with fellow right-hander Jakob Junis.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (7-13, 3.67 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jakob Junis (8-12, 4.28)

Gibson is suffering through a four-start losing streak but held the New York Yankees to one run over 5 2/3 innings on Monday. The Missouri product issued four walks and is up to a career-high 73 in 176 2/3 frames. Gibson tossed seven scoreless innings at Kansas City on May 29 but was knocked around for four runs on six hits and a pair of walks in 5 1/3 innings there on July 20.

Junis is cruising to the end of the season and has posted quality starts in each of his last three turns while allowing a total of five runs and no walks in 24 innings against Detroit, Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox. The 26-year-old, who will celebrate his birthday Sunday, has not walked a batter in any of his last four turns and struck out 23 in that span. Junis is 0-1 with a 3.60 ERA in two starts against Minnesota this season while fanning 13 in 10 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals RHP Jorge Lopez was diagnosed with a deep bone bruise on his left rib cage after an MRI on Saturday and is day-to-day.

2. Twins rookie C Willians Astudillo is 5-for-8 in the series.

3. Minnesota C Mitch Garver has not played since suffering a concussion on Wednesday and remains day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Twins 3, Royals 2

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

Even with their offense sputtering, the Chicago Cubs have been able to get the better of the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs hope the latter of those trends continues when they wrap up a three-game series against the visiting Reds on Sunday.

The Cubs (87-61) have claimed eight straight meetings and hold an 11-7 edge in the season series after outdueling the Reds 1-0 on Saturday to increase their National League Central lead to 2 1/2 games over Milwaukee. Chicago has won four of its last five games despite scoring only 12 runs over that stretch. Cincinnati has lost 11 of its last 13 road games and three straight overall. The Reds' offense has had even less punch than the Cubs' recently, totaling three runs during the three-game skid.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), ABC 7 (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (9-12, 4.66 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Jose Quintana (13-9, 3.97)

Castillo hasn't lived up to the hype generated by his half-season in the majors last year, but he has posted a 1.50 ERA in three starts in September and racked up 27 strikeouts in 18 innings over that stretch. The 25-year-old struck out nine and held the Los Angeles Dodgers to one run over 6 1/3 innings in a win Tuesday. Castillo is 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in four starts against the Cubs this season.

Quintana has been excellent down the stretch, going 3-0 with a 1.84 ERA in his last five starts. The 29-year-old pitched the Cubs to critical wins over the Brewers in each of his past two starts, including a gem Tuesday in which he allowed three hits over 6 2/3 scoreless frames. Quintana is 4-1 with a 2.17 ERA in six 2018 starts against the Reds.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs RHP Brandon Morrow is ready to return to Chicago's bullpen after a 19-pitch simulated game Saturday, but he will not return to the closer's role immediately.

2. Chicago OFs Kyle Schwarber (back) and Jason Heyward (hamstring) could return to the lineup during the Cubs' series against the Diamondbacks beginning Monday.

3. Reds SS Jose Peraza is 18-for-41 during a 10-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Reds 3, Cubs 2

Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

After being shut out in back-to-back games, the Colorado Rockies look to avoid a sweep on Sunday, when they face the host San Francisco Giants in the series finale. The Rockies occupy the second wild-card spot in the National League as they've fallen one-half game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for first place in the NL West and will be happy to leave AT&T Park, where they've lost 11 of their last 14 contests.

Madison Bumgarner tossed six strong innings and Will Smith recorded his 12th save in Saturday's 3-0 victory as San Francisco won its second straight following a season-high 11-game losing streak. Austin Slater started at first base in place of Brandon Belt, who likely will need surgery on his right knee during the offseason but hopes to play sporadically during the team's final 13 games. Colorado is seeking its first division title in franchise history and entered the weekend a season-high 16 games over .500, but it was held to two hits in the series opener and went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position on Saturday. Trevor Story, who went 1-for-4 with a single and a stolen base in Saturday's loss, has seven home runs and 17 RBIs in 14 games this month.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (4-6, 5.01 ERA) vs. Giants RH Dereck Rodriguez (6-3, 2.35)

Senzatela lost his third straight decision on Tuesday after allowing four runs and seven hits over six innings against Arizona. The 23-year-old Venezuelan opened the season in the bullpen before moving into the rotation, where he has worked six or more frames in five of his 10 turns. Joe Panik is 6-for-15 with two home runs against Senzatela, who owns a 4-0 record and 3.57 ERA in seven career games (five starts) versus San Francisco.

Rodriguez turned in another impressive performance on Monday, allowing two runs over 6 1/3 innings against Atlanta. "Rodriguez was really good," Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters. "He changes speeds well, he changes off his fastball. Guys were talking about how they were having a hard time getting anything going against him." The 26-year-old rookie has posted a 1.93 ERA in two previous games (one start) against the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rockies are 9-14 on Sundays this season and a combined 72-53 on the other six days of the week.

2. Bumgarner exited Saturday's game with tightness in his side but is expected to make his next start.

3. Colorado OF Matt Holliday is 11-for-34 with a home run in 11 starts since joining the team on Aug. 23.

PREDICTION: Rockies 4, Giants 3

Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Angels Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

After coming from behind to win the third game of the series, the Seattle Mariners attempt to sweep the four-game set when they visit the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The Mariners trailed by four runs after four innings on Saturday but rallied to move ahead and held on for a 6-5 victory.

Kristopher Negron began the comeback in the fifth inning with his first home run since 2014 with Cincinnati and added an RBI single in the following frame as Seattle pulled within 7 1/2 games of Oakland for the second wild card in the American League with 14 contests remaining. Negron finished 3-for-4 in the victory after going 2-for-8 with one RBI in seven games after being acquired from Arizona. Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani hit back-to-back homers in the first inning and Justin Upton launched the first of his two blasts in the fourth as the Angels built a 4-0 lead before falling to 2-4 on their seven-game homestand. Upton has gone deep three times in as many contests following a 13-game drought and is one shot away from the fourth 30-homer season of his career.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (12-9, 4.24 ERA) vs. Angels RH Jaime Barria (10-9, 3.53)

Gonzales returned from a stint on the disabled list due to a strained neck on Tuesday and allowed just one run and four hits in five innings against San Diego but settled for a no-decision. The 26-year-old native of Colorado has gone 0-4 in five turns since his last win, a road victory over the Angels on July 29 in which he gave up two runs over six frames. The triumph improved Gonzales to 3-0 with a 3.05 ERA in seven career starts against Los Angeles, with all three wins coming in five outings this season.

After tossing five scoreless innings in a victory at Texas on Sept. 5, Barria lasted only three frames versus the Rangers five days later as he was tagged for four runs on three hits and four walks en route to a loss. The 22-year-old Panamanian rookie has struggled at home, posting a 4.53 ERA - exactly two runs higher than his mark on the road. Barria lost his first three starts against Seattle before emerging victorious on July 28 after allowing two runs and five hits in six innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners INF Robinson Cano is riding a six-game RBI streak after delivering the go-ahead three-run double in the eighth inning on Saturday.

2. Seattle RHP Edwin Diaz tied John Smoltz and Eric Gagne for the third-most saves in a season Saturday with his 55th, which is seven shy of the all-time record set in 2008 by Francisco Rodriguez.

3. Los Angeles LHP Tyler Skaggs (adductor) is expected to throw a bullpen session on Sunday and hopes to return from the DL before the end of the season.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Mariners 3

Texas Rangers vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 09-16-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 16th September 2018 by Gracenote

The Texas Rangers look to conclude a disappointing road trip with a three-game sweep when they visit the San Diego Padres on Sunday for the finale of their series. The Rangers rallied for five runs in the sixth inning on Saturday and went on to improve to 3-5 on their nine-game trek.

Robinson Chirinos ignited the uprising with a three-run double and scored on Isiah Kiner-Falefa's two-base hit while Joey Gallo belted his 37th homer of the year and 14th versus left-handed pitching, putting him among the league leaders in that category. Adrian Beltre has recorded a pair of doubles in each of the first two games of the series, giving him 633 in his career and moving him past David Ortiz for 11th place on the all-time list. Eric Hosmer provided the offense for San Diego with a three-run homer as the team suffered its fourth consecutive home loss. Franmil Reyes has hit safely in 17 of his last 18 contests as he singled in the setback to extend his hitting streak to seven games.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Mike Minor (12-7, 4.19 ERA) vs. Padres RH Jacob Nix (2-3, 6.00)

Minor has won two straight starts and six of his last seven to climb within one victory of the career high he set in 2013 with Atlanta. The 30-year-old Tennessean is coming off back-to-back triumphs over the Los Angeles Angels in which he allowed three runs and nine hits with 10 strikeouts over 11 innings. Minor improved to 2-3 with a 4.31 ERA in six career appearances (five starts) against San Diego on June 27, when he gave up just one hit over seven scoreless frames.

Nix escaped with a no-decision at Cincinnati last Sunday after surrendering six runs and seven hits in four innings. It marked the second consecutive outing and third in six career turns the 22-year-old Californian rookie was reached for at least five runs. Nix, who went 3-3 with a 1.84 ERA in 10 starts in the minors this season, came within two outs of a complete game on Aug. 28 as he limited Seattle to one run en route to victory in his only interleague outing.

WALK-OFFS

1. Beltre's next home run will be the 475th of his career, tying him with Stan Musial and Willie Stargell for 30th place on the all-time list.

2. San Diego C Austin Hedges has recorded back-to-back two-hit performances and hit safely in 10 of his last 11 contests.

3. Texas RHP Chris Martin is day-to-day due to an upper respiratory ailment.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Padres 2