MLB Betting News and Trends For Friday 6/15/18

Friday’s games
National League
Reds (25-43) @ Pirates (33-35)
Harvey is 0-2, 7.72 in his last three starts (over 3-1-2). Team in his starts: 3-3.
5-inning record: 3-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-6

Kuhl is 0-2, 3.31 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under. Team in his starts: 7-6.
5-inning record: 6-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-13

Reds won their last three games; they’re 5-6 in road series openers. Over is 9-2-1 in their last dozen games. Pittsburgh lost five of its last seven games; they’re 7-4 in home series openers. Last three Pirate games went over the total.

Padres (29-36) @ Braves (40-28)
Richard is 2-0, 2.57 in his last three starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-7.
5-inning record: 5-9. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Teheran is 0-3, 4.76 in his last three starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-5.
5-inning record: 5-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-13

Padres are 11-5 in their last 16 games; under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Atlanta won four of its last five games; over is 5-3-1 in their last nine games.

Phillies (35-31) @ Brewers (41-27)
Arrieta is 0-2, 7.94 in his last two starts; Team in his starts: 5-7.
5-inning record: 7-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

Suter is 4-1, 3.76 in his last five starts (over 5-0). Team in his starts: 6-6.
5-inning record: 5-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Phillies won three of their last four games; under is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Phils are 4-7 in road series openers. Milwaukee is 11-3 in its last 14 home games, 4-6 in home series openers. Under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Cubs (38-27) @ Cardinals (36-30)
Lester is 3-0, 1.80 in his last three starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 10-3.
5-inning record: 7-2-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Wacha is 3-0, 1.33 in his last three starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-3.
5-inning record: 8-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13

Cubs lost three of their last four games; they’re 9-2 in road series openers. Under is 6-1 in their last seven games. St Louis lost three of its last four games; they’re 6-6 in home series openers. Under is 7-2 in their last nine home games.

Mets (28-37) @ Diamondbacks (38-30)
Lugo is 1-0, 0.00 (10 IP) in two starts (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 1-1.

5-inning record: 1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Godley is 2-3, 8.03 in his last five starts. Over is 6-4-1 in his last 11 starts. Team in his starts: 7-6.
5-inning record: 6-7. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-13

Mets are 4-18 in their last 22 games; under is 7-1-1 in their last nine games. Arizona won seven of its last nine games; over is 10-3-1 in their last 14 games.

Giants (34-35) @ Dodgers (35-32)
Holland is 2-0, 3.86 in his last three starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 6-7.
5-inning record: 5-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13

Stripling is 5-0, 1.44 in his last five starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 5-3.
5-inning record: 6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-8

Giants lost three of their last four games; they’re 1-6 in last seven road series openers. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Dodgers are 9-2 in their last 11 games, 6-6 in home series openers. Over is 8-2-1 in their last 11 games.

American League
Rays (31-36) @ New York (44-19)
Eovaldi is 1-2, 3.94 in three starts this year (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2
5-inning record: 2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Loaisiga is making his MLB debut; he is 3-1, 4.32 in six AA starts this year. He’s never pitched above AA. Team in his starts: 0-0.
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Tampa Bay won three of its last four games; their last three games stayed under. New York won 11 of its last 14 games; last nine Bronx games stayed under the total.

Twins (29-36) @ Indians (36-31)
Gibson is 0-1, 1.83 in his last three starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 6-7.
5-inning record: 6-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Kluber is 5-0, 1.52 in his last six starts; over is 8-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 10-4.
5-inning record: 11-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Twins lost six of their last nine games, are 3-8 in road series openers. Under is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Cleveland won its last seven home games; they’re 5-6 in home series openers- under is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Tigers (33-37) @ White Sox (24-43)
Fiers is 1-0, 1.96 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 8-4
5-inning record: 5-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-12

Lopez is 1-0, 1.35 in his last two starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six starts. Team in his starts: 4-9
5-inning record: 7-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Tigers are 4-3 in their last seven games, 3-7 in road series openers. Under is 8-2 in their last ten games. White Sox are 8-6 in their last 14 games, 4-6 in home series openers; under is 12-0-1 in their last 13 games.

Astros (44-25) @ Royals (34-34)
Morton is 0-1, 6.60 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 8-5.
5-inning record: 9-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13

Junis is 0-3, 5.79 in his last three starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-6.
5-inning record: 6-3-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Astros won their last eight games; they’re 9-2 in road series openers. Over is 9-2-1 in their last dozen games. Kansas City lost nine of its last ten games; they’re 3-8 in home series openers. Under is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Angels (37-32) @ A’s (34-35)
Skaggs is 2-0, 0.69 in his last two starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-6.
5-inning record: 7-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Bassitt allowed one run in seven IP (93 PT) in his first ’18 start. Team in his starts: 0-1.
5-inning record: 0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Angels lost their last four games, are 1-5 in last six road series openers. Over is 3-0-1 in their last four games. A’s lost four of their last five games, are 2-6 in last eight home series openers. Under is 8-4-1 in their last 13 home games.

Red Sox (47-22) @ Mariners (43-25)
Porcello is 2-2, 5.96 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 9-5
5-inning record: 8-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Paxton is 4-0, 2.27 in his last five starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 9-5
5-inning record: 7-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Red Sox won their last six road games; nine of last ten Boston games stayed under. Mariners won 20 of their last 26 games; over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games.

Interleague
Marlins (26-43) @ Orioles (19-48)
Urena is 1-1, 4.24 in his last three starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 1-13
5-inning record: 4-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Gausman is 0-3, 7.71 in his last five starts; under is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 4-9
5-inning record: 5-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-13

Marlins won three of their last four games, are 3-8 in road series openers. Over is 7-3 in their last ten road games. Baltimore lost its last seven games; they’re 4-7 in home series openers. Under is 7-2 in their last nine home games.

Nationals (37-28) @ Blue Jays (30-38)
Gonzalez is 2-0, 3.24 in his last four starts; under is 8-3 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 8-4
5-inning record: 8-2-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-13

Sanchez is 1-0, 2.19 in his last two starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 5-8
5-inning record: 3-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13

Nationals are 5-6 in their last 11 games, 8-3 in road series openers. Under is 10-1 in their last 11 road games. Toronto lost its last three games; they’re 6-5 in home series openers. Under is 6-1 in their last seven home games.

Rockies (33-35) @ Rangers (27-43)
Bettis is 0-0, 7.39 in his last six starts (over 3-1-2). Team in his starts: 7-6
5-inning record: 11-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-13

Mendez is making his first MLB start; he was 0-6, 5.26 in 10 AAA starts this year. He’s pitched in 10 MLB games in relief, allowing 15 runs in 16 IP. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Rockies lost six of their last seven games; they’re 9-3 in road series openers. Over is 12-0 in their last dozen games. Texas lost its last six games; they’re 3-8 in home series openers. Over is 11-5 in their last 16 home games.

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Preview: Rays at Yankees
Gracenote
Jun 15, 2018

New York Yankees rookie Gleyber Torres isn't shy about flexing his muscles, regardless of where he is penciled into the lineup. After belting a solo homer from the ninth spot on Wednesday, Torres launched a three-run shot from the No. 5 hole the following night to carry momentum into the second contest of a four-game series against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.

Torres has hit 13 homers since May 4 after his fifth-inning blast in Thursday's 4-3 win by the Yankees, who improved to 11-3 in their last 14 games. Aaron Hicks also launched a solo shot for New York, which has hit 55 homers at Yankee Stadium this season en route to posting a 24-10 record at home. Tampa Bay's Matt Duffy followed his RBI single in Wednesday's 1-0 walk-off win over Toronto by turning on the first pitch of Thursday's series opener for a homer to hit safely in nine of his last 10 contests. The Rays have posted a lackluster 11-27 mark against winning teams this season as they head into a matchup versus New York's Jonathan Loaisiga, who will be making his major-league debut.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Nathan Eovaldi (1-1, 3.94 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Jonathan Loaisiga (ML debut)

Eovaldi settled for a no-decision against Seattle last time out after allowing three runs and four hits - including a pair of homers - in five innings. The 28-year-old will make his fourth start this season as he works his way back following a surgery to remove loose bodies in his throwing elbow. Didi Gregorius (2-for-5) and Hicks (2-for-6) have fared well versus Eovaldi, who made 51 appearances over two seasons with the Yankees (2015-16).

Loaisiga is making the jump from Double-A to the majors with Masahiro Tanaka sidelined by two strained hamstrings. "(I was) really just concentrating on doing my job with my (Trenton) team in Double-A. It was a big surprise when they told me," the 23-year-old Nicaraguan told reporters through an interpreter on Thursday. Loaisiga produced a 3-1 record and 4.32 ERA in six starts with Trenton after going 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA for Single-A Tampa.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay C Wilson Ramos, who recorded an RBI single on Thursday, has hit safely in six of his last seven games.

2. Yankees RF Aaron Judge notched a pair of hits in the series opener to improve to 5-for-10 with five runs scored in three contests versus the Rays this season.

3. Tampa Bay 1B C.J. Cron is 0-for-11 with 10 strikeouts in his last four games.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Rays 2
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Preview: Reds at Pirates
Gracenote
Jun 14, 2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates are happy to be back home after a disappointing road trip that saw them drop four of six against playoff contenders the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Pirates, who come home with a little momentum after avoiding a sweep with a 5-4 victory at Arizona on Wednesday, will open the 10-game homestand against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.

Pittsburgh is only two games under .500 and believes it can get into the race with the Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central. "That's what it takes - momentum," Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer, who homered Wednesday, told reporters after the victory. "Get guys to believe in here, and who knows, we can rattle off a stretch there where we're right back in it. I think that's the biggest thing. We've got a lot of season left. We haven't got hot yet. I feel like we need to get hot and win eight, nine, 10 in a row, then we'll see what happens." The Reds are sitting in the NL Central basement but are showing some fight with wins in three straight games, highlighted by a pitching staff that surrendered a total of four runs in those contests. Right-hander Matt Harvey will try to keep that Cincinnati staff rolling Friday while the Pirates counter with righty Chad Kuhl.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (1-4, 5.97 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Chad Kuhl (4-4, 3.95)

Harvey was knocked around in each of his last three starts but did not factor in the decision against St. Louis last Friday while serving up five runs on four hits - three homers - and three walks in six innings. The Connecticut native surrendered a total of seven home runs in 30 1/3 innings over his first six starts for Cincinnati, with which he owns a 5.04 ERA. Harvey's best start with the Reds was his third on May 22, when he held the Pirates to one run and three hits in six innings to earn a win.

Kuhl allowed three or fewer runs in each of his last four starts but does not own a win in that span. The 25-year-old yielded eight hits and walked a pair in 5 1/3 innings at the Cubs last Friday but struck out six and limited the damage to three runs in a loss. Kuhl cruised at Cincinnati on May 23, when he surrendered one run and five hits in six innings while striking out six without factoring in the decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mercer doubled and scored in each of the last three games and owns four RBIs in that span.

2. Cincinnati RHP Jared Hughes enjoyed his 15th consecutive scoreless appearance on Wednesday.

3. Pittsburgh C Francisco Cervelli returned to the lineup Wednesday following a three-game absence after being hit with a foul ball in the mask and went 0-for-2 with a pair of walks.

PREDICTION: Pirates 6, Reds 2
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Preview: Marlins at Orioles
Gracenote
Jun 14, 2018

The Baltimore Orioles continue to sink and own the worst record in baseball while trudging along with a seven-game losing streak. The Orioles will try to take advantage of a tired opponent and snap the skid when they host the Miami Marlins in the opener of a three-game interleague series Friday.

Baltimore is last in the majors in runs scored with 234 and totaled five runs while being swept at home in three games by the Boston Red Sox this week. "You have to go out there and be ready to compete and play hard no matter who is on the mound," Orioles utilityman Jace Peterson told reporters after taking on Red Sox ace Chris Sale on Wednesday. "It's no secret we are definitely struggling as a team, but we are big leaguers in here and it's got to turn eventually. We got to keep working, and when enough guys buy in and everyone starts feeling better at the plate and you get a couple to fall, it will just trickle on down." The Marlins aren't much stronger with the bats but snuck a run across in the ninth inning Thursday, only to fall 6-3 in 16 innings to the San Francisco Giants. Miami will hope to get a long effort Friday out of starter Jose Urena, who opposes Orioles righty Kevin Gausman.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), MASN 2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (1-8, 4.59 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (3-5, 4.58)

Urena worked at least six innings in seven of his last nine turns and is coming off a loss to the San Diego Padres on Sunday in which he allowed three runs and six hits in six frames. The Dominican Republic native's lone win came in his previous start, when he surrendered a season-high 10 hits in five innings at St. Louis but was the recipient of a rare outburst of run support in a 7-4 triumph. Urena is 4-2 with a 3.65 ERA in 14 career interleague games (seven starts) and is seeing Baltimore for the first time.

Gausman is winless in his last five outings (0-3) but posted a quality start last time out while holding the Toronto Blue Jays to three runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings. The LSU product is tied for second in the majors with 90 hits allowed, and 14 of those hits left the yard. Gausman is making his first career appearance against the Marlins and is 3-8 with a 6.64 ERA in 16 career interleague games (15 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles 3B Tim Beckham (groin) is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment Friday.

2. Marlins OF J.B. Shuck went 4-for-7 on Thursday, matching his hit total from his previous 24 games.

3. Baltimore LHP Richard Bleier suffered a strained lat Wednesday and underwent an MRI on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Marlins 3, Orioles 1
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Preview: Nationals at Blue Jays
Gracenote
Jun 14, 2018

The Toronto Blue Jays' offense got progressively worse while the team was being swept in a three-game series at Tampa Bay this week, and they are hoping a return home can jump start the bats. The Washington Nationals, who visit the Blue Jays for the start of a three-game interleague series Friday, enjoyed an offensive breakout Wednesday and are taking on their second straight American League East opponent after splitting two games at the New York Yankees.

Toronto scored four runs Monday, one Tuesday and was shut out 1-0 on Wednesday, leaving the team 30-38 and closer to last place than first as the Yankees and Boston Red Sox run away with the AL East. The Nationals were shut out in consecutive losses before getting a pair of home runs from 19-year-old Juan Soto in Wednesday's 5-4 triumph over New York. "For him to go out there and do what he did today, in front of this crowd, it tells you a little bit about the character that he brings," Washington manager Dave Martinez told reporters of Soto, who is the youngest player to record a multi-homer game since Andruw Jones in 1996.Trying to keep Soto, Bryce Harper and company in the yard Friday will be Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez, who opposes Nationals lefty Gio Gonzalez.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-2, 2.65 ERA) vs. Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 4.33)

Gonzalez struggled with his control against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, issuing four walks in 3 1/3 innings while allowing four runs and six hits in a no-decision. The Florida native worked at least seven innings in each of his previous three turns and watched his ERA jump from 2.27 to 2.65 with the abbreviated outing. Gonzalez, who began his career in the AL with the Oakland Athletics, is 2-2 with a 3.31 ERA in five career starts against Toronto.

Sanchez struggles with his control as well but managed to complete six innings in each of his last two turns. The 25-year-old allowed two runs on six hits and four walks in 6 1/3 innings against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday but did not factor in the decision in a game the Blue Jays went on to win 4-3. Sanchez is seeing Washington for the first time in his career and is 4-1 with a 1.07 ERA in eight career interleague games (four starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays 3B Josh Donaldson (calf) could be activated from the 10-day DL in time for Friday's game.

2. Taking over for his father, Ted, Mark Lerner was named the managing principal owner of Washington on Thursday.

3. Toronto RHP Marcus Stroman (shoulder) allowed two runs, one hit and walked four over 4 1/3 innings in a rehab start for Class A Dunedin on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 3, Nationals 2
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Preview: Twins at Indians
Gracenote
Jun 14, 2018

The Minnesota Twins expect to activate former MVP Joe Mauer while another key player won’t be around Friday night when they visit the Cleveland Indians for the opener of a three-game series. Mauer, who has been out since May 18 with neck and concussion issues, will likely be in the lineup but slugger Miguel Sano was sent to Class A Fort Myers after Thursday’s 3-1 loss to Detroit - Minnesota’s sixth in the last nine games.

“We’re going to get him down there and give him an opportunity to get things back on track,” Twins manager Paul Molitor told reporters of Sano, a 2017 All-Star who is 6-for-37 with 18 strikeouts in June. “We don’t feel like we’re getting what we need from him, and he’s going to have to get down there and get to work.” Kyle Gibson registered a no-decision after 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball in a 7-5 win over Cleveland on June 3 and gets another shot at the Indians when he takes the mound Friday against two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, who is 6-0 at home in 2018. Cleveland holds a 4 1/2-game lead in the American League Central - six on Minnesota - after completing a 4-3 road trip with a 5-2 win against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Jose Ramirez homered in that victory to extend his hitting streak to six games, in which he is 7-for-26 with three of his team-leading 46 RBIs.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (1-4, 3.45 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (10-2, 1.99)

Gibson is winless since his season debut, but registered his seventh quality start of the season last Saturday when he limited the Los Angeles Angels to two runs over seven innings in a 2-1 loss. The 30-year-old Indiana native allowed four runs across 19 2/3 innings with 20 strikeouts in his last three outings despite a 0-1 record. Edwin Encarnacion is 7-for-19 with four homers versus Gibson, who is 2-6 with a 5.60 ERA in 14 career games against Cleveland.

Kluber has won five straight decisions while permitting just seven runs (five earned) over 41 1/3 innings in that stretch and did not walk a batter in his last six starts. The 32-year-old Alabama native beat Minnesota on April 17, giving up one run on five hits and two walks over 6 2/3 innings to improve to 9-5 all time against the Twins. Mauer is 16-for-51 with five doubles and two homers against Kluber, who owns a 3.21 ERA in 20 career games versus Minnesota.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland SS Francisco Lindor has at least two hits in five games this month and went hitless in the other seven contests in June.

2. Minnesota OF Eddie Rosario is 10-for-26 with four homers, six runs scored and eight RBIs in six games against the Indians this season.

3. The Indians designated OF Melky Cabrera for assignment Thursday and activated OF Brandon Guyer (neck), who went 1-for-3.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Twins 1
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Preview: Padres at Braves
Gracenote
Jun 15, 2018

The Atlanta Braves have dominated the San Diego Padres at home in recent years, and the National League East leaders hope to continue that trend entering the second contest of a four-game series Friday. The Braves defeated the Padres 4-2 in Thursday’s series opener, the 13th time in the past 15 meetings Atlanta has beaten San Diego at home, keeping the Padres offense in check while winning for the fourth time in five games.

San Diego came into the series playing its best baseball of the season, winning 11 of its previous 15 games and capturing five consecutive series, but fell to 5-18 in series openers as its offense was shut down after averaging 4.6 runs and 8.3 hits in its previous 15 contests. Second baseman Jose Pirela finished 2-for-4 and is hitting .317 in road games this season. Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has homered five times in his past eight games, extended his hitting streak to eight games with a double in the eighth and is hitting .342 entering Friday’s contest. Center fielder Ender Inciarte finished with two hits – including his fifth homer – and two runs scored, and is hitting .429 in his past four games as the Braves moved 12 games above .500 for the first time since 2013.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (5-6, 4.40 ERA) vs. Braves RH Brandon McCarthy (5-3, 5.03)

Richard has turned around his season after posting a 6.21 ERA through seven starts, going 4-2 with a 3.04 ERA with a .194 opponents batting average in his past seven outings. The 34-year-old has pitched seven or more innings six times in that span, including a seven-inning performance in which he gave up three runs on six hits June 4 in a victory over the Braves. Richard followed up with seven innings of one-run, two-hit pitching Sunday in beating Miami.

McCarthy hopes to bounce back from a subpar showing Friday in Los Angeles, in which he gave up four runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the Dodgers. It continued a trend of rough outings lately for the 34-year-old, who has surrendered four runs or more four times in his past seven outings – posting a 6.75 ERA with eight homers allowed in 36 innings in that span. Friday’s opponent may help, as McCarthy is 8-1 with a 3.73 ERA in 11 career games (10 starts) against the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta starting pitchers have not allowed an earned run at home in its past 29 1/3 innings.

2. San Diego’s impressive streak of consecutive innings without issuing a walk ended at 32 2/3 innings Thursday.

3. Atlanta RHP Julio Teheran (right thumb contusion) reported no problems after a Thursday bullpen session, and appears ready to return from the disabled list to start Sunday’s series finale.

PREDICTION: Padres 6, Braves 4
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Preview: Rockies at Rangers
Gracenote
Jun 14, 2018

The Colorado Rockies are sliding backward in the National League West but they face an opponent in even more dire straits when they visit the Texas Rangers on Friday night for the opener of a three-game series. Colorado has dropped 10 of its last 13 games and will be looking to avoid falling three games below .500 for the first time this season.

Pitching continues to be a nightmare for the Rockies, who have been ravaged for at least seven runs nine times during the 3-10 slump. Shortstop Trevor Story had a run-scoring double in Thursday's 9-3 loss at Philadelphia to extend his hitting streak to eight games and become the first player in the NL to reach 50 RBIs. The Rangers have lost six in a row, following a four-game sweep at home against Houston by dropping a two-game interleague series at the Los Angeles Dodgers. Adrian Beltre is 8-for-11 over the last three games for Texas, which takes a 13-23 home record into Friday night's matchup.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (4-1, 4.40 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Yohander Méndez (0-0, 0.00)

Bettis has registered six consecutive no-decisions and has been fortunate to avoid a few losses, allowing at least five runs on four occasions during that stretch, including in each of his last three starts. He lasted a season-low four innings versus Arizona on Saturday, giving up five runs and serving up three homers. Bettis is 4-1 with a 2.03 ERA in seven road starts as opposed to a 7.76 ERA at Coors Field.

Méndez had made 10 appearances over three seasons, including one with Texas this year, but he will be making his first major league start against the Rockies. The 23-year-old Venezuelan allowed one hit in two-thirds of an inning on May 12 at Houston, but didn't fare well as a starter at Triple-A Round Rock this season, posting an 0-6 record with a 5.26 ERA. Mendez allowed 10 homers in 51 1/3 innings at Round Rock.

WALK-OFFS

1. Story is batting .218 on the road as opposed to .343 at home despite going 6-for-13 versus the Phillies this week.

2. Beltre (3,092) has moved past Ichiro Suzuki (3,089) for the most career hits by a non-U.S. native.

3. Rockies 2B DJ LeMahieu and OF Charlie Blackmon each had six-game hitting streaks halted Thursday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Rangers 4
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Preview: Tigers at White Sox
Gracenote
Jun 14, 2018

The Detroit Tigers have managed to avoid an immediate hangover following a season-ending injury to Miguel Cabrera, winning both games since their slugging first baseman ruptured a biceps tendon on Tuesday. The Tigers will get a truer test of how life will be without Cabrera when they kick off an eight-game road trip at the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.

JaCoby Jones belted a tiebreaking two-run homer that was the difference in Thursday's 3-1 victory over Minnesota after Detroit rallied with four runs in the eighth inning for a 5-2 victory on Wednesday. John Hicks went 4-for-8, including his first career triple, in his first two games subbing for Cabrera, who underwent surgery Thursday to repair the biceps. Although the White Sox have been in or near the basement of the American League Central all season, they have been playing better of late, putting together a four-series unbeaten streak this month. Jose Abreu hit a two-run homer in Thursday's 5-2 loss for Chicago, which has dropped five of six to the Tigers this season.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers RH Mike Fiers (5-3, 4.01 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo López (2-4, 3.26)

Fiers had to settle for a no-decision last time out despite limiting the Cleveland Indians to one run on five hits while setting season highs with eight strikeouts over seven innings. He's permitted only four runs over his last three starts but was tagged for four runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the White Sox on May 25. Fiers blanked Chicago on three hits over six innings in his season debut.

With the exception of a clunker at Cleveland on May 30, when he was drilled for seven runs in 2 2/3 innings, Lopez has been on a tear with four quality starts over his last five trips to the mound. He won at Boston last time out, allowing two runs (one earned) across 6 1/3 innings. Lopez also limited the Tigers to two runs over seven innings in a no-decision on May 25 and pitched seven innings of one-run ball in a 1-0 loss to Detroit on April 8.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit has the second-fewest road wins in the majors at 10-20.

2. White Sox LF Charlie Tilson is 7-for-15 during a five-game hitting streak.

3. Hicks has hit safely in four straight games and six of his last seven.

PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Tigers 3
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Preview: Phillies at Brewers
Gracenote
Jun 14, 2018

The Milwaukee Brewers let their loud bats do the talking last weekend en route to taking two of three from the Philadelphia Phillies. The National League Central-leading Brewers (41-27) then benefited from a pair of shutouts in their next series to give them even more momentum heading into Friday's opener of a three-game set versus the visiting Phillies (35-31).

Lorenzo Cain provided the lone offense in Milwaukee's 1-0 triumph over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, giving him 13 hits in his last eight contests - with five coming versus Philadelphia last week. The 32-year-old had a pair of doubles and three RBIs in that series and is 3-for-6 in his career against Friday starter Jake Arrieta. While the Brewers outscored the Phillies by a 27-11 margin last week, Philadelphia flexed its offensive muscle on Thursday afternoon in its 9-3 triumph over Colorado to mark its first series win since taking two of three from Atlanta on May 21-23. Rhys Hoskins fell a triple shy of the cycle in that contest and belted a three-run homer off Friday starter Brent Suter in their last encounter, a 12-3 Brewers' romp last Saturday.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (5-4, 2.97 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Brent Suter (6-4, 4.61)

Arrieta boasts a sterling 3-0 mark with a 2.03 ERA in five career starts at Miller Park, although last Saturday's encounter with the Brewers at Citizens Bank Park didn't go so well. The 2015 NL Cy Young Award winner allowed five runs for the second straight outing in addition to issuing three walks over 5 1/3 innings in the blowout. Prior to the two offensive outbursts, Arrieta had permitted more than two earned runs on one occasion this season.

Suter improved to 4-1 in his last five starts on Saturday after yielding three runs on four hits in five innings. The 28-year-old is expected to benefit from six days of rest in his return match versus the Phillies, against whom he sports an 0.91 WHIP while limiting the club to a .217 batting average in two career starts. Odubel Herrera has fared well in the small sample size versus Suter, going 2-for-4 with a solo homer.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia OF Nick Williams homered among his two hits in Thursday's win, but went 1-for-10 with three strikeouts in last weekend's series versus Milwaukee.

2. Brewers OF Ryan Braun erupted for six hits with two homers, seven RBIs and six runs scored in the previous series against the Phillies.

3. Philadelphia 2B Cesar Hernandez went 5-for-11 with two runs scored in the previous series versus Milwaukee.

PREDICTION: Brewers 3, Phillies 2
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Preview: Cubs at Cardinals
Gracenote
Jun 15, 2018

The Chicago Cubs picked the wrong time for an offensive outage – right in the middle of a six-game road trip against their top two division rivals. The Cubs will try to put their recent hitting woes behind them when they open a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.

Chicago took over first place in the National League Central when it won the opener of a three-game set at Milwaukee on Monday but failed to score a run over the final two contests. Kris Bryant is homerless in 103 at-bats over his last 24 games, the longest drought of his career. The Cardinals haven’t done much with the bats lately, either, as they lost the final two games of their series against visiting San Diego by 4-2 scores. St. Louis has won four of its five meetings with the Cubs this season.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, ABC 7 (Chicago), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (7-2, 2.22 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Michael Wacha (8-1, 2.47)

Lester has won three straight starts and five of his last six. The 34-year-old has allowed only three hits over 14 scoreless innings in his last two outings and has given up more than one run only once in his last six turns. Lester is 6-4 with a 2.22 ERA in 16 career starts against the Cardinals, going 1-0 with a 1.59 ERA in two meetings this season.

Wacha has regained the All-Star form he showed in 2015, allowing fewer than three runs in 10 straight starts. The 26-year-old has won his last three outings and hasn’t suffered a loss since his season debut versus the New York Mets on March 31. Wacha didn’t receive a decision when he faced the Cubs on May 6 and has struggled to a 4-7 record and 6.12 ERA in 17 games (15 starts) against them over his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals CF Tommy Pham is riding an eight-game hitting streak but is batting just .294 without an RBI over that stretch.

2. Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo is 18-for-40 with three homers versus Wacha.

3. St. Louis LF Marcell Ozuna has gone 10-for-27 with three blasts during his seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Cubs 3
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Preview: Astros at Royals
Gracenote
Jun 14, 2018

The Houston Astros are rolling and look to extend their season-high winning streak to nine games when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Friday for the opener of their three-game series. Houston's string of success includes the first seven contests of a 10-game road trip as it has climbed a season-best 20 games over .500.

The Astros have scored 57 runs during their winning streak, and Thursday's 7-3 victory in Oakland marked the fifth time they crossed the plate seven or more times during the stretch. Evan Gattis has registered two or more hits in five of his last eight games and is 12-for-32 with five homers and 16 RBIs during the winning streak, including back-to-back five-RBI efforts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Kansas City is sinking in the opposite direction with nine setbacks in its last 10 contests to fall a season-worst 24 games under .500. The Royals, who are just 10-23 at home, have scored just 23 runs in 12 games this month while batting a meager .185.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Charlie Morton (7-1, 2.82 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jakob Junis (5-6, 4.05)

Morton suffered from extreme wildness in his last outing as he issued a season-high six walks and also hit four batters in just 3 2/3 innings against Texas. The 34-year-old allowed two runs and one hit in the no-decision before being pulled and will strive to regain the form that saw him win his first seven decisions of the campaign. Morton is 0-2 with a 6.17 ERA in two career starts against the Royals and has served up a homer to Mike Moustakas (1-for-4).

Junis has dropped three consecutive starts and is winless in his last four outings. The 25-year-old was roughed up for six runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings by Oakland in his last turn, serving up three homers along the way. Junis lasted just 3 2/3 frames in his lone career start against the Astros on June 6, 2017, surrendering seven runs - four earned - and eight hits.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals are 2-9 in 11 home series this season.

2. Houston 2B Jose Altuve went 2-for-4 with an RBI on Thursday for his fifth multi-hit performance in nine games.

3. Kansas City C Salvador Perez is batting just .171 with two homers and four RBIs this month.

PREDICTION: Astros 9, Royals 2
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Preview: Angels at Athletics
Gracenote
Jun 15, 2018

Two American League West rivals attempt to shake off disastrous series when the Oakland Athletics host the Los Angeles Angels on Friday for the opener of their three-game set. Oakland began its 10-game homestand by taking three of four from Kansas City but was outscored by Houston 26-11 during a three-game sweep.

Khris Davis has found his power stroke for the Athletics as he belted his seventh homer in nine contests during Thursday's 7-3 setback to reach the 20-blast plateau for the fifth consecutive season. Oakland owns a 10-24 record against divisional opponents as it prepares to face the Angels, who have written a story similar during their nine-game road trip. Los Angeles opened its trek with back-to-back wins in Minnesota before losing four straight contests, including all three in Seattle. Mike Trout, who entered Thursday leading the majors with 23 homers, was one of the few Angels to enjoy the series against the Mariners as he went 7-for-11 with four blasts and six RBIs after recording just one hit in 12 at-bats in three games versus the Twins.

TV: 9:35 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (5-4, 3.08 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (0-1, 1.29)

Skaggs has put a rough start to end May behind him as he is 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA over two turns this month. The 26-year-old Californian is coming off a victory at Minnesota on Saturday in which he gave up one run and five hits with a season high-tying eight strikeouts over seven innings, which also matches a season best. Skaggs scattered three hits over 6 1/3 scoreless frames en route to a victory at Oakland in his season debut on March 30 after going 0-4 with a 6.26 ERA in his first five career starts against the Athletics.

Bassitt was recalled from Triple-A Nashville on Thursday to make his second start of the campaign in place of the injured Trevor Cahill. The 29-year-old native of Ohio suffered a hard-luck loss in his first turn on Saturday as he limited Kansas City to one run and three hits while registering six strikeouts and issuing just one walk over seven innings. Bassitt has made one start and one relief appearance against the Angels in his career, going 0-1 while surrendering six runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman (hand) exited Thursday's loss in the seventh inning and is expected to undergo an MRI exam.

2. Los Angeles could be without INF Zack Cozart, who left Wednesday's defeat with a strained left shoulder.

3. Oakland placed Cahill (Achilles) on the 10-day disabled list and optioned LHP Danny Coulombe to Nashville while also recalling RHP Carlos Ramirez from the Sounds.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Athletics 4
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Preview: Mets at Diamondbacks
Gracenote
Jun 15, 2018

After having their winning streak halted Wednesday by Pittsburgh, the Arizona Diamonbacks got back in the saddle in the series opener against the New York Mets. Arizona seeks its seventh victory in eight contests when it continues its four-game set against visiting New York on Friday.

The Diamondbacks scored a whopping 51 runs during their five-game winning streak before falling 5-4 to the Pirates but rebounded with a 6-3 triumph on Thursday. David Peralta has been swinging a hot bat for Arizona, going 12-for-25 with four homers and nine RBIs during his six-game hitting streak after belting a pair of solo shots in the series opener. New York continues to slide in the wrong direction as it has lost three contests in a row and 11 of its last 12. The Mets registered only four hits on Thursday, but three were home runs as they scored fewer than four runs for the 10th consecutive game.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Seth Lugo (2-1, 1.77 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (6-5, 4.97)

Lugo will make his third start in four outings after beginning the season with 20 straight relief appearances. The 28-year-old native of Louisiana has scattered five hits over 10 scoreless innings in his first two turns in the rotation, notching the victory against the New York Yankees on Sunday after registering eight strikeouts in six frames. Lugo has allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings in three career relief outings against Arizona, including a two-frame effort on May 19.

Godley ended a three-start road losing streak on Sunday, when he allowed two runs and five hits over 5 2/3 innings at Colorado. The 28-year-old from South Carolina registered eight strikeouts in the triumph, which was his second in three overall turns. Godley fell to 1-2 in five career games (four starts) against the Mets on May 18, but only one of the three runs he yielded in six frames was earned - lowering his ERA versus the club to 2.08.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Mets activated Chris Beck, who was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday, and optioned fellow RHP Tim Peterson to Triple-A Las Vegas.

2. Arizona activated LHP Jorge De La Rosa (Achilles) from the 10-day disabled list, optioned RHP Silvino Bracho to Triple-A Reno and sent LHP Robbie Ray (oblique) and RHP Randall Delgado (oblique) on rehab assignments to Single-A Visalia and Reno, respectively.

3. Mets LHP Steven Matz (finger), who threw a side session on Thursday, is expected to start on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Mets 3
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