MLB Betting News and Trends For Saturday 7/28/18

National League
Mets (43-58) @ Pirates (54-51)
deGrom is 0-3, 2.50 in his last five starts; under is 13-3 in his last 16. Team in his starts: 8-12, 4-5 away.
5-inning record: 10-4-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

Williams is 2-0, 0.00 (11 IP) in his last two starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 10-10, 6-5 home
5-inning record: 7-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Mets are 6-4 in their last ten games; over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Pirates won 12 of their last 14 games; under is 6-4-2 in their last 12 home games.

Phillies (58-45) @ Reds (46-58)
Velasquez is 1-0, 0.00 (13 IP) in his last two starts; he pitched in relief in the 16-inning game the other night. His last four starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 8-11, 3-5 away
5-inning record: 9-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-19

Harvey is 1-1, 7.54 in his last three starts; his last four went over. Team in his starts: 7-6, 3-2 home
5-inning record: 8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-13

Phillies are 5-6 in their last 11 road games,; over is 8-1 in their last nine games. Cincinnati lost six of its last nine games; over is 13-4 in their last 17 home games.

Nationals (52-51) @ Marlins (44-61)
Gonzalez is 0-5, 6.87 in his last seven starts; his last four stayed under. Team in his starts: 10-10, 4-7 road
5-inning record: 8-6-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-20

Richards is 1-0, 0.71 in his last two starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 6-8, 2-4 home.
5-inning record: 6-5-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14

Nationals won their last three games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Miami lost four of its last five games; over is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Dodgers (58-46) @ Braves (54-46)
Wood is 5-0, 3.16 in his last seven starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 11-9, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 8-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-20

Fried is 1-1, 3.68 in three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1, 1-0 home.
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Dodgers are 6-4 in their last ten games; they’re 21-15 vs lefty starters- over is 8-2 in their last ten games. Atlanta lost seven of its last nine home games; five of Braves’ last six games went over the total. Atlanta is 16-15 vs lefty starters.

Cubs (60-43) @ Cardinals (52-51)
Quintana is 3-0, 1.89 in his last three starts; Team in his starts: 13-6, 7-4 away
5-inning record: 7-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-19

Mikolas is 2-0, 3.86 in his last four starts (over 4-0). Team in his starts: 13-7, 5-4 home.
5-inning record: 11-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

Cubs won four of last six road games; over is 10-3 in their last 13 games. Cardinals lost three of last five games; they’re 14-14 vs lefty starters. Under is 3-1 in their last four games.

Diamondbacks (57-48) @ Padres (42-64)
Corbin is 1-1, 2.23 in his last six starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 11-10, 6-4 away
5-inning record: 9-6-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-21

Ross is 1-3, 9.33 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 11-9, 5-3 home.
5-inning record: 9-8-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-20

Diamondbacks are 4-5 in last nine games; under is 12-3-1 in their last 16 road games. San Diego lost eight of last nine home games; they’re 10-20 vs lefty starters- over is 8-2 in their last ten games.

Brewers (60-46) @ Giants (52-53)
Chacin is 3-0, 3.42 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 15-7, 8-5 road
5-inning record: 11-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Cueto is 0-1, 6.35 in his last three starts; his last four starts went over. Team in his starts: 5-3, 3-1 home.
5-inning record: 4-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-8

Milwaukee lost nine of last 12 road games; over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. San Francisco lost seven of its last nine games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.

American League
Royals (31-71) @ New York (65-36)
Keller is 1-1, 7.54 in his last three starts (under 5-4). Team in his starts: 3-6, 0-4 away
5-inning record: 3-3-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Fillmyer is 0-1, 4.91 in two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Sabathia is 1-1, 6.32 in his last three starts; under is 7-0-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-8, 7-3 home.
5-inning record: 10-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-18

Severino is 1-1, 8.40 in his last three starts; his last four went over. Team in his starts: 18-3, 10-0 home.
5-inning record: 15-3-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-21

Royals lost eight of last ten road games; five of their last six games stayed under. KC is 13-20 vs lefty starters. New York is 7-7 in its last 14 games; over is 5-3 in their last eight home games.

Rays (53-51) @ Orioles (30-74)
Bullpen game for the Rays. Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Gausman is 0-2, 7.98 in his last three starts; under is 5-1-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 5-15, 4-8 home
5-inning record: 7-9-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Rays won three of last five games; over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Baltimore is 7-22 in its last 29 games; under is 5-3-1 in their last nine home games.

Twins (48-54) @ Red Sox (72-33)
Odorizzi is 1-1, 3.29 in his last five starts; under is 8-5 in his last 13. Team in his starts: 9-12, 4-7 away
5-inning record: 8-8-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-21

Porcello is 3-1, 5.57 in his last four starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 14-7, 6-3 home.
5-inning record: 14-7 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21

Twins lost 10 of their last 14 road games; under is 7-3 in their last ten road games. Boston is 16-4 in its last 20 games; under is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Indians (56-46) @ Tigers (44-61)
Clevinger is 0-3, 5.79 in his last three starts; under is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-12, 4-6 away
5-inning record: 5-10-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Liriano is 0-4, 7.26 in his last seven starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-10, 3-2 home- this is his first home start since May 26.
5-inning record: 6-6-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

Indians lost three of last five games; over is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Detroit is 3-9 in its last 12 home games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven home games.

Rangers (43-62) @ Astros (67-38)
Jurado allowed four runs in 4.2 IP in his first ’18 start, on May 18. Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Verlander is 1-1, 2.88 in his last four starts; over is 6-4 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 13-9, 5-7 home
5-inning record: 14-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-22

Texas lost eight of its last ten games; over is 8-1 in their last nine games. Astros are 5-4 in last nine games; under is 7-4 in their last 11 home games.

Blue Jays (47-55) @ White Sox (36-67)
Bullpen game for Toronto Team in his starts: away
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Giolito is 2-1, 2.29 in his last three starts (under 11-9). Team in his starts: 9-11, 3-7 home
5-inning record: 5-13-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-20

Toronto lost three of its last four games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. White Sox are 6-4 in last ten home games; over is 9-4 in their last 13 home games.

Mariners (61-42) @ Angels (53-52)
Hernandez is 2-2, 5.57 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 10-10, 5-4 away
5-inning record: 9-10-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 10-20

Barria is 0-4, 4.79 in his last four starts; his last five starts went over. Team in his starts: 5-9, 2-6 home
5-inning record: 6-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Seattle lost seven of its last ten games; under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Angels are 8-7 in last 15 home games; under is 11-6 in their last 17 home games.

Interleague
A’s (61-44) @ Rockies (55-47)
Anderson is 2-0, 3.14 in his last three starts (14.1 IP total). Under is 5-2 in his starts. Team in his starts: 5-2, 5-1 away
5-inning record: 2-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-7

Senzatela is 1-2, 4.91 in three starts (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2, 1-0 home
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

A’s are 21-6 in their last 27 games; over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 road games. Colorado won nine of last 11 games, is 22-19 vs lefty starters; their last five home games stayed under.

Umpires
Chi-StL:Over is 6-1 in last seven Gibson games.
Phil-Cin: Over is 7-2 in last nine Porter games.
NY-Pitt: Over is 5-3-1 in last nine Wegner games.
Wsh-Mia: Under is 3-1-1 in last five Timmons games.
LA-Atl: Over is 7-2 in last nine Kellogg games.
Az-SD: Under is 8-4-1 in last 13 Marquez games.
Mil-SF: Seven of last eight Blakney games went over.

Clev-Det: Under is 5-2 in last seven DeJesus games.
TB-Balt: Over is 8-2 in last ten Hoye games.
Min-Bos: Underdogs are 10-6 in last 16 Ripperger games.
Tor-Chi: Under is 5-2-2 in last nine Conroy games.
Tex-Hst: Last five Rackley games went over the total.
Sea-LA: Over is 5-1-1 in last seven May games.

A’s-Colo: Under is 12-4-1 in last 17 Dreckman games.

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Kansas City Royals vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

Just as the New York Yankees made two moves to bolster their pitching staff, they learned they won't have the services of one of their best hitters until well into August. Following Friday's rainout, the Yankees will try to string together consecutive wins for the first time in more than two weeks without Aaron Judge in the lineup Saturday when they host the Kansas City Royals in a day-night doubleheader.

Judge was hit on the right wrist by a pitch in Thursday's 7-2 victory over Kansas City, and New York placed him on the disabled list Friday after it was confirmed he suffered a chip fracture and won't be able to swing a bat in game situations for three weeks. His absence robs the Yankees of their top home run (26) producer after the club had just fortified its pitching staff with the additions of Toronto starter J.A. Happ and Baltimore closer Zach Britton. New York's uneven play of late is another concern, as the club finds itself five games out of first place in the American League East in part because it hasn't won two in a row since July 11 and 12. After beginning the second half of the season with a three-game sweep of Minnesota, Kansas City (31-71) has dropped three of four and hopes to avoid being overtaken by the Orioles (30-74), who own the worst record in the majors.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Kansas City, WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (3-4, 3.20 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (14-3, 2.63)

Keller notched his first victory in nearly a month Sunday against Minnesota, permitting three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out a season-high eight across seven-plus innings. The 23-year-old has been particularly good at keeping the ball in the park in his rookie campaign, giving up only one homer in nine turns and two in 30 appearances overall. Keller, who is 0-3 in his four road starts, threw a perfect inning in relief in his only career appearance against the Yankees on May 18.

Severino was rocked in Monday's loss at Tampa Bay, surrendering seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits - all career or season highs - across five innings. Since posting a 1.98 ERA and giving up only six home runs over his first 18 outings, the 24-year-old Dominican has a 7.80 ERA and allowed six homers in his last three turns. Severino yielded three runs over six frames in a win at Kansas City on May 19, improving to 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA in two career starts against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees 3B Miguel Andujar is batting .500 in six games since the All-Star break.

2. After hitting .158 with two homers and four RBIs in June, Kansas City All-Star C Salvador Perez is batting .276 with five home runs and 17 RBIs this month.

3. New York recalled INF/OF Tyler Wade to replace Judge on the roster.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Royals 2
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Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

The St. Louis Cardinals have won only one series in July, but they can change that with a victory Saturday. The Cardinals will try to notch a second straight win over the visiting Chicago Cubs when the National League Central rivals continue their three-game series.

The Cardinals, who claimed the series opener 5-2 on Friday to pull within eight games of the first-place Cubs, haven't won back-to-back games since July 4-5, the first of which clinched their most recent series victory. The Cubs have dropped only one series this month, but their offense has struggled of late, as they've scored two or fewer runs in four of their last five games. The Cardinals' bullpen was able to hold the lead Friday, after undergoing a major shakeup earlier in the day. Right-hander Dakota Hudson was called up, and fellow prospects Daniel Poncedeleon and Austin Gomber also will join the pen after impressive starts in their big-league debuts last week, filling spots vacated when the Cardinals traded right-hander Sam Tuivailala to the Seattle Mariners and designated Greg Holland and Tyler Lyons for assignment.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS1, NBCS Chicago, FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (9-6, 3.87 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (10-3, 2.82)

Quintana has won all three of his starts in July after going winless in five outings in June. The 29-year-old limited the Cardinals to two runs over seven innings to earn the win Sunday, posting his third straight quality start and beating the Cardinals for the first time in three meetings this season. Quintana is 4-2 with a 2.77 ERA in seven career starts against St. Louis.

Mikolas has gotten a quick hook from interim manager Mike Shildt in his last two starts, totaling nine innings after going at least six frames in 15 of his previous 18 outings. The 29-year-old held the Cubs to two runs over five frames last time out but didn't get a decision after Chicago rallied against the bullpen. Mikolas beat the Cubs on May 4 in St. Louis, scattering seven hits over seven scoreless frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs will stick with a five-man rotation with the addition of LHP Cole Hamels, meaning either RHP Tyler Chatwood or LHP Mike Montgomery will be sent to the bullpen.

2. After going 25 games without a home run, Chicago 1B Anthony Rizzo has gone deep in consecutive contests and is 9-for-14 in his last four games.

3. St. Louis LF Marcell Ozuna leads the team with 29 multi-hit games, including five against the Cubs.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 4, Cubs 3
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Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor looks to extend his home run streak in the season series when his American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians visit the Detroit Tigers for the middle contest of a three-game set Saturday night. Lindor went deep twice in Friday's 8-3 victory to give him six homers against the Tigers this year, including at least one in the last four meetings.

Cleveland's Yonder Alonso also launched a homer for the second straight game - his fourth in the past six contests overall - as the Indians improved to 29-13 versus division opponents and 11-3 against Detroit in 2018. Mike Clevinger hopes to snap out of his funk when he takes the mound for the Indians on Saturday and the Tigers will counter with veteran Francisco Liriano, who is looking for his first victory in three months. Detroit has played .500 ball (4-4) since suffering through a six-game losing streak, but is a paltry 13-38 against Cleveland since the start of the 2016 season. Victor Martinez homered for the second time in three outings Friday, improving to 9-for-18 with six RBIs during a five-game hitting streak for the Tigers, and has knocked in 74 runs in 123 career games against his former team.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (7-6, 3.43 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (3-5, 4.73)

Clevinger has dropped three consecutive starts and four of five despite allowing two runs over 6 2/3 innings at Texas last Sunday. The 27-year-old Florida native gave up 10 runs (nine earned) in his previous two starts, but struck out 19 across 12 innings combined. Clevinger yielded two runs over 6 2/3 frames in a no-decision against Detroit on June 9, and is 4-1 with a 2.36 ERA in seven career appearances (six starts) versus the Tigers.

Liriano permitted three runs on six hits and three walks across 4 2/3 innings last Monday at Kansas City in a no-decision that extended his winless streak to 11 games. The 34-year-old Dominican Republic native has not won since April 28 and is 0-2 with a 5.65 ERA in three starts versus Cleveland in 2018. Lindor is 4-for-11 and Edwin Encarnacion owns two homers against Liriano, who is 5-8 lifetime versus the Indians.

WALK-OFFS

1. Detroit 3B Jeimer Candelario has hit safely in seven of his last eight games (9-for-30) with two homers and six RBIs in that stretch.

2. Cleveland OF Brandon Guyer belted a three-run homer Friday and is 8-for-14 with nine RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.

3. Indians CF Tyler Naquin was late scratch Friday due to right hip discomfort and OF Rajai Davis took his place.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Tigers 3
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Reds Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies made a move to shore up one of their weaknesses for the stretch run, swinging a trade with the New York Mets to add "more offense in the infield." Second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera is expected to join the Phillies on Saturday when the National League East leaders continue their four-game series against the host Cincinnati Reds.

Cabrera was batting .277 with 18 homers and 58 RBIs with New York and has a great track record in 24 games at Citizens Bank Park, batting .387 with an OPS of 1.053 - his highest at any stadium. "I would expect that we'll see him at times at second, short, and third," Phillies general manager Matt Klentak said. "When he's not playing, I think he'll be a very dangerous bat off the bench." Cincinnati rebounded from a 9-4 setback in the series opener with a 6-4 victory Friday as third baseman Eugenio Suarez matched a franchise record by homering for the fifth consecutive game. Mason Williams, called up from Triple-A Louisville on Thursday, made his first hit with the Reds a memorable one by clubbing a three-run homer.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, NBC 10 (Philadelphia), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (7-8, 4.05 ERA) vs. Reds RH Matt Harvey (5-6, 5.21)

Velasquez notched two victories in a three-day span over the past week, blanking San Diego on two hits over seven innings on Sunday before pitching the 16th inning two days later in a win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. He closed out the first half by shutting out the New York Mets on two hits over six innings and has a 14-inning scoreless streak. Velasquez, who has never faced the Reds, has a 2.42 road ERA this season.

Harvey's unbeaten streak ended with a thud when he was shelled for a season-high eight runs and served up four homers in 3 2/3 innings in a loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday. He was 4-0 in his previous five turns, allowing a combined six earned runs while also not surrendering a home run. Harvey is 7-3 with a 2.86 ERA against the Phillies, including five scoreless innings of one-hit ball on April 3 when he was still with the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds LH Amir Garrett is day-to-day after suffering a mild left Achilles' strain in Friday's game.

2. Phillies LF Rhys Hopkins is 12-for-31 with six homers and 11 RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

3. Reds 1B Joey Votto received his 136th intentional walk Friday, surpassing Johnny Bench for the franchise record.

PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Reds 3
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New York Mets vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

Jacob deGrom could be the poster boy for the New York Mets' frustrations this season, sporting a .500 record despite owning a major league-leading 1.71 ERA. DeGrom has gone nearly six weeks without a victory, a drought he will attempt to end when he takes the mound on Saturday night in the third of a four-game set against the host Pittsburgh Pirates.

Since winning his first four decisions of the season, deGrom has only one victory despite riding a streak of 12 consecutive quality starts. The Mets continue to look toward the future, shipping second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera to the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday in exchange for Double-A pitching prospect Franklyn Kilome. David Freese has struck out in each of his four career at-bats versus DeGrom, but he singlehandedly lifted the Pirates to a 5-4 victory Friday night by driving in all five runs and reaching base five times, including a walk-off RBI single in the ninth. Already without outfielders Corey Dickerson (hamstring) and Starling Marte (hand), Pittsburgh saw Josh Bell leave after two innings but still won for the 12th time in 14 games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WPIX (New York), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (5-5, 1.71 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (8-7, 4.11)

The 30-year-old DeGrom went eight innings for the third straight start but came away with a hard-luck loss versus San Diego on Monday, striking out 10 and giving up three runs (two earned) on five hits. He has made nine starts on the road, posting a 3-2 record and a 1.79 ERA while holding opponents to a .216 batting average against. The Stetson product has made five career starts against the Pirates, going 1-2 record despite a 2.14 ERA.

Williams was credited with the first complete game of his career Monday when he blanked Cleveland on four hits over six innings in a rain-shortened victory. The 26-year-old also did not allow a run in his previous start either, permitting four hits over five innings to beat Philadelphia. Williams won his only start against the Mets, limiting them to one run on seven hits over seven innings in June 2017.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets OF Michael Conforto has four homers and 12 RBIs in his last nine games.

2. Freese is 4-for-5 with two homers, seven RBIs and four walks in the first two games of the series.

3. The Mets signed OF Austin Jackson and designated OF Matt den Dekker for assignment.

PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Mets 2
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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rays vs. Orioles Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

Jonathan Schoop hopes to continue his torrid stretch with the bat when the major league-worst Baltimore Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday night for the third of a four-game set between American League East rivals. Schoop homered for the fifth consecutive contest in Friday's 15-5 rout for the Orioles, recording 11 RBIs during that stretch, and is 17-for-45 during a 10-game hitting streak.

Danny Valencia added three hits in the victory and is a gaudy 25-for-50 with three homers and 14 RBIs over 14 games during the last two seasons against the Rays for Baltimore, which became the last team in the majors to reach 30 wins Friday. Kevin Gausman gets the start for the Orioles on Saturday and Tampa Bay will be forced to go with another "bullpen" game as it sends Ryne Stanek to the mound for the first inning or two. The Rays lost for the second time in six contests Friday to spoil a chance to match their high-water mark of the season at four games over .500, settling for a 53-51 mark. Joey Wendle is 5-for-10 over the last three games for Tampa Bay and teammate Matt Duffy should be back in the lineup after sitting out Friday, looking to snap out of a 0-for-14 slump.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-2, 1.86 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (4-8, 4.54)

Stanek has prospered in his role as a starter, allowing just three runs over 20 2/3 innings while opening 14 games, striking out 27 and walking eight. The 27-year-old Kansas native, who boasts 78 strikeouts across 58 2/3 innings in the majors, has permitted zero runs on four hits with five strikeouts over his last four innings on the mound. Stanek, a first round pick in 2013, yielded one run over 3 2/3 innings with six strikeouts versus the Orioles in 2018.

Gausman allowed 13 runs on 20 hits across 14 2/3 innings while going winless in his past three starts after starting July with a win over the Los Angeles Angels. The 27-year-old LSU product earned all of his wins at home this season and has split a pair of matchups with Tampa Bay in 2018, including a victory in Baltimore on May 11. C.J. Cron is 5-for-15 with a homer versus Gausman, who is 6-6 with a 4.13 ERA in 16 games (14 starts) against the Rays.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Rays matched their franchise record by using 18 rookies this year and LHP Jalen Beeks would make it 19 if he pitches as expected Saturday.

2. Baltimore CF Adam Jones, who is three doubles shy of 300 with the team, is 11-for-28 during his current seven-game hitting streak.

3. Tampa Bay C Michael Perez is 4-for-6 with a run scored in his first two major league games since being acquired from Arizona on Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Rays 3, Orioles 2
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 27th July 2018 by Gracenote
Dodgers vs. Braves Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/27/2018

The Los Angeles Dodgers look for their third consecutive victory Saturday at the Atlanta Braves after following a familiar recipe in Friday's 4-1 triumph. Alex Verdugo and Yasmani Grandal added to Los Angeles' National League-leading home run total with solo shots, while Clayton Kershaw became only the third pitcher in the live-ball era to draw three walks, hit a single and strike out eight batters in the same game as the Dodgers improved to 5-3 since the All-Star break.

The Dodgers have slugged 142 homers on the season and enter the weekend leading the NL West, and newly acquired infielder Manny Machado collected two hits Friday after belting his first home run as a Dodger in the series opener. The Braves are skidding toward the end of the month - losing for the 12th time in their last 17 games - and have been outscored 21-6 in losing their past three games. Center fielder Ender Inciarte, who finished with a hit and drove in a run, is 8-for-19 in his last five games. However, Atlanta dropped to 6-32 when scoring three runs or fewer and continues to be hurt by short outings from its starting pitching, as Mike Foltynewicz lasted just five innings Friday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Alex Wood (6-5, 3.87 ERA) vs. Braves LH Max Fried (1-3, 3.92)

Wood has been the one Los Angeles starter that has remained healthy this season and is pitching well recently, winning his last five decisions. The 27-year-old has posted a 2.95 ERA in his past seven starts, holding Milwaukee to two runs on five hits in six innings Sunday to bump his record above .500 for the first time in 2018. Wood, who debuted with the Braves in 2013, gave up four runs (two earned) in 4 2/3 innings in a June 9 loss to Atlanta but has not lost since.

The Braves plan to activate Fried from the disabled list for his fourth start of the season, after a blister on his pitching hand cut short a rough turn July 5 at Milwaukee. The 24-year-old gave up four runs on four hits in three innings in that start, five days after striking out 11 in 6 2/3 scoreless innings in a victory at St. Louis. Fried, Atlanta's No. 10 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, struck out 10 and allowed one hit in 6 2/3 scoreless innings for Double-A Mississippi on Monday in a rehab assignment.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta 1B Freddie Freeman's nine-game hitting streak ended Friday after going 0-for-4.

2. Dodgers RHP Kenley Jansen retired all four hitters he faced Friday for his NL-leading 30th save.

3. Machado extended his consecutive games on-base streak to 27 games Friday with a pair of singles.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Braves 2
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Washington Nationals vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Nationals vs. Marlins Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

The Washington Nationals have indicated they may play out the weekend before deciding to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, but they're suddenly looking like a team that wants to stay in contention in the National League East. The Nationals put a three-game winning streak on the line when they play the third of four games at the Miami Marlins on Saturday.

Washington has outscored opponents 26-7 during the three-game run and it was never threatened after spotting ace Max Scherzer an early four-run lead in Friday's 9-1 win. Juan Soto had a solo home run, a triple and a single while driving in three runs for the Nationals, who moved back over .500 (52-51) and pulled within six games of first place in the division. The Marlins were held to three hits by Scherzer and one reliever while falling to 1-8 against Washington in 2018. The first five hitters in Miami's Friday night lineup went a combined 1-for-19 with eight strikeouts and they'll face off Saturday with Miami native Gio Gonzalez, who has a 1.93 ERA in 17 career starts against the Marlins.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (6-7, 3.94 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-5, 4.41)

Command continues to be an issue for Gonzalez, who walked five batters over 5 2/3 innings of a loss at Milwaukee on Monday and has handed out at least four free passes in four of his last five outings. He pitched six innings or fewer in each of his last eight starts, during which the 32-year-old is 0-5 with a 7.25 ERA. One of Gonzalez's better outings in that stretch was five innings of two-run ball in a no-decision against Miami, and he is 10-3 in his career versus the Marlins.

Richards walked a season-high seven batters in 3 2/3 innings at Washington on July 8 but has recovered with back-to-back solid starts. He limited the Tampa Bay Rays to one run and three hits over 6 2/3 innings of a no-decision on Sunday after spinning six scoreless to defeat Philadelphia prior to the All-Star break. Lefties are hitting .202 against the 25-year-old rookie, while righties are at .321.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals RF Bryce Harper has six RBIs, three runs scored and seven strikeouts over his last three games.

2. Washington has won eight in a row at Miami.

3. Marlins LF Derek Dietrich has struck out 15 times over his last nine games and needs one more to reach 100 for the first time in his six-year career.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Marlins 4
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Minnesota Twins vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Twins vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

Mookie Betts added another chapter to what could be an MVP season, lifting the Boston Red Sox to a dramatic win Friday night. The Red Sox will try build on their third walk-off victory of the season when they continue a four-game series with the visiting Minnesota Twins on Saturday.

Rafael Devers forced extra innings with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the ninth inning and Betts opened the 10th with his 25th home run of the season to deliver a 4-3 victory, evening the set at a game apiece. Betts had been 6-for-34 over his last seven-plus games prior to the blast, which allowed Boston to snap its first two-game slide in over a month and open up a five-game lead over the New York Yankees in the American League East. The Twins fell eight games back in the AL Central and were in sell mode earlier in the day, sending infielder Eduardo Escobar - the major-league leader in doubles with 37 - to Arizona in exchange for three minor leaguers. Minnesota will try to bounce back Saturday behind veteran Jake Odorizzi while Boston gives the ball to fellow right-hander Rick Porcello.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (4-6, 4.37 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (12-4, 3.93)

Odorizzi allowed one earned run on a season low-tying two hits with eight strikeouts over six innings at Kansas City on Sunday. Walks have been an issue at times for the 28-year-old, but he's issued only three free passes over the last three starts. Odorizzi has a 5.93 in nine career starts at Fenway Park.

Porcello sat through two rain delays while putting together six scoreless innings in a win at Baltimore on Monday. He is 0-2 with a 9.22 ERA over his last three home starts and owns an 11-14 record in Boston since the start of 2017, all after going 13-1 at Fenway in his 2016 Cy Young campaign. The New Jersey native spun seven scoreless while yielding one hit at Minnesota last month to improve to 11-10 with a 3.75 ERA lifetime versus the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. Red Sox CF Jackie Bradley Jr. slugged a two-run homer Friday and has 15 RBIs in his last 16 games.

2. Twins RHP Matt Belisle served up the game-winning homer to Betts and has allowed 15 runs (12 earned) in 9 1/3 career innings against Boston.

3. Minnesota also shipped RHP Ryan Pressly to Houston for a pair of minor leaguers.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Twins 4
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Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Rangers vs. Astros Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

Justin Verlander attempts to continue his run of success against Texas when the Houston Astros host the Rangers on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Verlander is 2-1 with a 1.73 ERA, 0.81 WHIP and .146 batting average allowed while recording 32 strikeouts over 26 innings in four starts against the Rangers this year.

Verlander is 13-7 with a 2.80 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 24 career starts against Texas as he also enjoyed success versus the club while pitching for Detroit. He will be looking to help the Astros bounce back from Friday's 11-2 loss, which ended their eight-game winning streak against the Rangers. Isiah Kiner-Falefa went 4-for-5 with a homer while Robinson Chirinos and Jurickson Profar also went deep as Texas defeated Houston for just the fifth time in their last 21 meetings. Adrian Beltre registered three hits and is 8-for-14 over his last three games to raise his career total to 3,125 as he closes in on Tony Gwynn (3,141) for 19th place on the all-time list.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Ariel Jurado (0-1, 7.71 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (10-5, 2.19)

Jurado is expected to be recalled on Saturday to make his second career appearance. The 22-year-old lost his major-league debut against the Chicago White Sox on May 19, when he gave up four runs and six hits over 4 2/3 innings. Jurado has gone 5-3 with a 3.28 ERA in 16 starts for Double-A Frisco this season.

Verlander was 0-3 over a six-start stretch before defeating the Los Angeles Angels in his last turn as he struck out 11 and allowed five hits over six scoreless innings. The 35-year-old is just 2-3 in 12 turns at home this season despite posting a 2.51 ERA and 0.75 WHIP while limiting opponents to a .174 batting average. Verlander has registered 39 strikeouts and issued only two walks over 25 innings in four starts this month.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros All-Star 2B Jose Altuve (knee) was held out of the series opener and may sit again on Saturday.

2. The Rangers traded LHP Cole Hamels to the Chicago Cubs for RHPs Eddie Butler and Rollie Lacy, as well as a player to be named.

3. Houston All-Star INF Alex Bregman went 0-of-3 on Friday but drew a walk as he has reached base in 28 consecutive games and 59 of his last 60.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Rangers 4
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

Rookie Lourdes Gurriel Jr. seeks his team-record 10th consecutive multi-hit performance when the Toronto Blue Jays visit the Chicago White Sox on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Gurriel tied the franchise mark of nine set in 1986 by Tony Fernandez when he went 3-for-5 with two solo homers and a double in the series-opening 10-5 thrashing of the White Sox.

The 24-year-old Gurriel is a scorching 20-for-40 with three homers and three doubles during his nine-game hitting streak while raising his batting average 82 points to .308. Curtis Granderson, Randal Grichuk and Kendrys Morales also went deep in the opener as Toronto halted its three-game slide. The White Sox have allowed 33 runs while losing three straight as they slipped back to 31 games below .500. All-Star Jose Abreu recorded a run-scoring single in the opener and is 9-for-24 with three homers and seven RBIs during his six-game hitting streak.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH John Axford (4-1, 4.69 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (7-8, 6.09)

Toronto is making the contest a "bullpen game" as it remains short in the rotation after trading J.A. Happ to the New York Yankees. The 35-year-old Axford is making his first major-league start after 537 career relief appearances and first at any level since 2008 while in Single-A. "I'm excited. I feel like I've been talking about it for the last few years, mostly in a joking manner," Axford told reporters. "But with the way the game has been changing and seeing some (spots open up), I've definitely been in the (coaching staff's) ears a lot more about it, so they've been hearing it from me."

Giolito defeated Kansas City and the Los Angeles Angels in his last two starts, allowing seven hits over 12 1/3 innings. The 24-year-old's effort against the Royals was encouraging because the strong outing (two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings) occurred at Guaranteed Rate Field, where he is just 3-4 with a 7.53 ERA in 10 starts this season. Giolito, who never has faced Toronto, is 2-1 with a 4.38 ERA in July, with the latter representing his best monthly mark of the campaign.

WALK-OFFS

1. Granderson's homer on Friday led off the game, marking the 47th time he has accomplished the feat in his career.

2. Chicago recalled Thyago Vieira and purchased the contract of Tyler Danish from Triple-A Charlotte while designating fellow RHP Chris Volstad for assignment.

3. Toronto 1B Justin Smoak recorded two hits in the series opener and is 8-for-19 over his last four games.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 10, White Sox 7
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Oakland Athletics vs. Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Athletics vs. Rockies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

Scoring runs was not a problem for the Oakland Athletics during their four-game series at Texas, but they had plenty of difficulty in the opener of their three-game set at Coors Field. The Athletics attempt to cross the plate more often on Saturday, when they visit the Colorado Rockies for the middle contest of the interleague series.

Oakland recorded a total of 41 runs while sweeping the four-game set against the Rangers but saw its offensive surge - as well as its six-game winning streak - come to an end with Friday's 3-1 setback in Colorado. Jed Lowrie drove in the lone run with a double, leaving him nine RBIs shy of matching the career high of 75 he registered in 2013 - the first season of his initial stint with the Athletics. Charlie Blackmon notched a pair of doubles to extend his hitting streak to nine games while Nolan Arenado went 2-for-4 with a solo homer for the Rockies, who are 2-1 on their five-game homestand despite scoring a total of eight runs. The blast was the National League-leading 26th of the year for Arenado, who became the seventh player on franchise history to hit 100 blasts at Coors Field.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Brett Anderson (2-2, 5.46 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (3-3, 5.55)

Anderson has been a road warrior in his limited time with Oakland this season, as six of his seven starts have come away from home. Each of the 30-year-old Texan's last five turns have been on the road, including a victory in his home state on Monday in which he allowed two runs and six hits over six innings against the Rangers. Anderson is 1-0 with one complete game and a 4.97 ERA in five career starts versus Colorado.

Senzatela's return from a stint on the disabled list due to a blister was a disappointing one as he yielded four runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings in a loss at Arizona on Sunday. The 23-year-old Venezuelan has made three straight starts after beginning his season with 10 relief appearances, going 1-2 with a 4.91 ERA as he surrendered a total of 10 runs over 11 1/3 frames in the losses while tossing seven scoreless innings in the win. Senzatela will be facing Oakland for the first time in his brief career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics 3B Matt Chapman has recorded six multi-hit performances while going 16-for-36 over his last nine games.

2. Colorado activated RHP German Marquez from the restricted list, optioned OF Raimel Tapia to Triple-A Albuquerque, activated OF David Dahl (foot) from the disabled list and optioned him to the Isotopes and transferred LHP Mike Dunn (shoulder) to the 60-day DL.

3. Oakland OF-DH Khris Davis has been kept in the ballpark in back-to-back contests after belting six homers during a four-game streak.

PREDICTION: Athletics 9, Rockies 6
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 07-28-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 28th July 2018 by Gracenote
Diamondbacks vs. Padres Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 07/28/2018

A.J. Pollock has been swinging a hot bat since the resumption of play after the All-Star break. The center fielder looks to follow up a two-hit performance in the series opener when the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the San Diego Padres on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set.

Pollock recorded a run-scoring double in Friday's 6-2 victory and is 11-for-30 over his last seven games, including a 5-for-5 effort against Colorado on July 20. Arizona's Jon Jay is showing life with two-hit efforts in his last two starts after suffering through a 2-for-30 funk during an eight-game stretch. Manuel Margot homered while recording his third straight two-hit performance for San Diego and is 12-for-28 during his eight-game hitting streak. The Padres have allowed six runs in each contest of their three-game slide and have dropped 10 of their last 12 contests.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS San Diego

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (7-4, 3.13 ERA) vs. Padres RH Tyson Ross (6-8, 4.29)

Corbin was 0-2 during a seven-start winless stretch before defeating the Chicago Cubs in his last turn. The 29-year-old gave up one run and six hits in seven innings against the Cubs and struck out nine without issuing a walk. Corbin defeated the Padres on April 22, when he gave up two runs and two hits with 11 strikeouts over six frames to enhance his career record versus San Diego to 6-7 with a 4.37 ERA in 17 appearances (12 starts).

Ross gave up two runs and five hits over five innings while defeating Philadelphia in his last turn after going 0-5 over his previous seven outings. The 31-year-old had a memorable performance versus Arizona on April 20, when he went 7 2/3 frames before allowing a hit and gave up just one run with a season-high 10 strikeouts in a no-decision. Ross is 4-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 15 career appearances (14 starts) against the Diamondbacks but had a disastrous outing on July 7 as he was torched for eight runs and seven hits in two innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks acquired INF Eduardo Escobar from Minnesota for RHP Jhoan Duran and OFs Gabriel Maciel and Ernie De La Trinidad.

2. San Diego SS Freddy Galvis notched two hits in the series opener and is 10-for-25 with a homer and seven RBIs over his last seven games.

3. Arizona placed 3B Jake Lamb (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list, recalled Ildemaro Vargas from Triple-A Reno and designated fellow INF Jack Reinheimer for assignment.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Padres 4
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