MLB Betting News and Trends For Saturday, April 21, 2018

National League
Pirates (12-8) @ Phillies (12-7)
Brault is 1-1, 5.63 in three starts this season (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 1-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Nola is 1-1, 2.22 in his first four ’18 starts (under 3-1).
5-inning record: 1-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Pirates lost four of their last five games; under is 4-1 in their last five games. Phillies won nine of their last 11 games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games.

Mets (14-5) @ Braves (11-8)
deGrom is 2-0, 3.60 in four starts this season (over 4-0).
5-inning record: 3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Teheran is 1-1, 2.25 in his last two starts (over 2-2)
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-4

Mets lost four of their last seven games; over is 4-1 in their last five games. Atlanta is 7-4 at home this season; eight of their last 12 games stayed under.

Marlins (5-14) @ Brewers (12-9)
Urena is 0-3, 5.57 in four starts this season (over 2-2).
5-inning record: 0-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Suter is 0-2, 5.28 in his last three starts (over 2-1-1)
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Marlins lost eight of their last ten games; five of their last six road games went over. Milwaukee is 6-3 in its last nine games; under is 6-3-1 in their last ten home games.

Reds (3-16) @ Cardinals (11-8)
Bailey is 0-1, 2.77 in his last two starts (under 4-0)
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Martinez is 2-0, 0.42 in his last three starts (under 2-1-1)
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Reds lost 11 of their last 12 games. Under is 5-1 in their last six road games. St Louis won six of its last seven games; five of their last six games stayed under the total.

Cubs (9-8) @ Rockies (11-10)
Darvish is 0-1, 6.00 in three starts this season (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Anderson is 0-0, 5.68 in four starts this season (over 2-2).
5-inning record: 0-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Cubs won four of their last five road games; over is 3-1 in their last four games. Colorado won six of its last nine games; four of its last six home games stayed under.

Padres (8-13) @ Diamondbacks (13-6)
Richard is 1-1, 7.80 in his last three starts (over 2-2)
5-inning record: 1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Godley is 2-1, 3.50 in his first four starts (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Padres lost three of their last four games; five of their last six games went over. Arizona won seven of its last 11 games; they’re 7-3 at home. Arizona’s last six home games stayed under.

Nationals (10-10) @ Dodgers (8-10)
Strasburg is 2-1, 3.76 in four starts this season (over 3-1).
5-inning record: 3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Ryu is 2-0, 1.50 in his last two starts (over 2-1).
5-inning record: 2-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Washington is 7-3 on the road; they’re 4-2 in last six games. Over is 6-1-2 in their last nine road games. Dodgers won four of their last five games; their last eight games went over.

American League
Blue Jays (12-6) @ New York (9-8)
Stroman is 0-1, 7.98 in his first three starts (over 2-1).
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Montgomery is 1-0, 4.70 in three starts this season (over 3-0).
5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Blue Jays won eight of their last ten games; five of Jays’ last six games went over the total. New York is 5-7 in its last 12 games; they’re 5-5 at home. Over is 8-2 in their home games.

Indians (9-8) @ Orioles (6-14)
Clevinger is 1-0, 2.70 in three starts this season (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Tillman is 0-3, 11.91 in his first three ’18 starts (over 1-1-1)
5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Cleveland won six of its last nine games; under is 5-1 in their last six road games. Orioles lost eight of their last ten games; under is 7-0 in their home games

Royals (4-14) @ Tigers (8-10)
Duffy is 0-2, 4.29 in four starts this season (over 2-2)
5-inning record: 1-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Fiers is 1-1, 4.63 in two starts this month (over 1-1)
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Royals lost nine of their last ten games, under is 7-3 in their road games. Detroit won four of its last five games; under is 6-3 in their last nine home games.

Twins (8-6) @ Rays (6-13)
Gibson is 1-0, 4.30 in three starts this season (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Snell is 2-0, 1.46 in his last two starts (over 3-1)
5-inning record: 2-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Twins won four of their last six games; under is 5-3 in their road games. Tampa Bay is 3-7 in its last ten home games; over is 9-3 in their last 12 games.

Mariners (9-8) @ Rangers (7-13)
Paxton is 1-0, 2.65 in his last three starts (under 3-1).
5-inning record: 1-1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Colon is 0-0, 1.32 in his first two ’18 starts (under 2-0)
5-inning record: 1-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Seattle lost four of its last six games; over is 10-7-1 in their games this season. Rangers lost eight of their last nine home games (over 6-3).

Astros (14-7) @ White Sox (4-12)
Keuchel is is 0-3, 3.91 in his first four starts this year (under 4-0); Houston scored six runs in the four games.
5-inning record: 0-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-2

Giolito is 0-2, 6.11 in his first three ’18 starts (under 3-0).
5-inning record: 0-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Houston won its last four games; under is 10-4-1 in their last 15 games. White Sox lost ten of their last 11 games; their last four games went over.

Red Sox (17-2) @ A’s (9-11)
Sale is 1-0, 1.23 in four starts this season (over 2-2).
5-inning record: 2-0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Manaea is 2-2, 1.63 in four starts this season (under 4-0)
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Boston won its last eight games; over is 5-1 in their last six road games. Oakland won four of its last five games; over is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Interleague

Giants (7-11) @ Angels (13-6)
Holland is 0-2, 5.74 in his three ’18 starts (under 2-1).
5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-3

Richards is 2-0, 2.40 in his last three starts (15.1 IP) (over 3-1).
5-inning record: 3-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Giants lost five of their last seven games; under is 8-3-1 in their road games. Angels lost their last four games; over is 5-1-1 in their last seven home games..

Umpires

Cin-StL: Over is 9-5-1 in last 15 Guccione games.
Pitt-Phil: Under is 9-5 in last 14 LBarrett games.
Mia-Mil: All five Marquez games this season went over.
NY-Atl: Rehak’s first two MLB games behind plate ended 4-2/2-0.
Chi-Colo: Under is 9-6 in last fifteen Baker games.
SD-Az: Four of last six Dimuro games stayed under.
Wsh-LA: Under is 18-8 in last 26 Bellino games.

Tor-NY: Last 3 years, New York is 7-0 with Little behind plate.
KC-Det: Under is 8-5-1 in last 14 DeJesus games.
Clev-Balt: Last five Hickox games went over total.
Min-TB: Underdogs won five of last six Hoye games.
Hst-Chi: Five of last seven Fletcher games stayed under.
Sea-Tex: Over is 9-3 in last dozen Cederstrom games.
Bos-A’s: Home side won eight of last 10 Wendelstedt games.
SF-LAA: Six of last nine West games stayed under.

Preview: Blue Jays at Yankees
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The Toronto Blue Jays suffered a rare loss on Thursday but bounced right back the next day by pounding the ball as usual. The Blue Jays will try to ride their solid offense to a 14th win in 18 games when they visit the New York Yankees on Saturday.

Toronto pounded out 31 runs in three games against the Kansas City Royals this week before slumping a bit in a 4-3 loss in Thursday's opener against the Yankees. The Blue Jays found their offense again and evened the series on Friday, when they clubbed a pair of home runs and rode the hot bat of rookie outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (6-for-14, two homers, seven RBIs in the last three games) to an 8-5 triumph. The positive for the Yankees in the loss came from slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who smacked a home run into the right field seats at Yankee Stadium that registered with an exit velocity on 110 mph. Trying to keep that blast from rolling into a hot streak will be Toronto right-hander Marcus Stroman, who opposes Yankees lefty Jordan Montgomery on Saturday.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet One (Toronto), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marcus Stroman (0-1, 7.98 ERA) vs. Yankees LH Jordan Montgomery (1-0, 4.70)

Stroman has yet to complete six innings through three starts and allowed four runs on nine hits over five innings at Cleveland on April 13. The New York native surrendered at least four runs in each of his three turns but totaled 16 strikeouts over 14 2/3 innings. Stroman started against the Yankees on April 1 and struck out eight but ended up yielding four runs and three hits over five frames.

Montgomery picked up his first win last time out at Detroit, when he allowed three runs and five hits in six innings. The South Carolina native was roughed up for four runs on 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings in his previous turn. Montgomery did not get a chance to face the Blue Jays in the opening series but went 1-0 with a 0.79 ERA against the division rivals in 2017.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees C Gary Sanchez went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts on Friday to snap a six-game hitting streak.

2. Blue Jays DH Kendry Morales (hamstring) went 2-for-5 with a double and scored a pair of runs Friday in his return from the 10-day disabled list.

3. New York INF Ronald Torreyes went 3-for-4 on Friday to raise his batting average to .438.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 4, Yankees 1

Umpire Trends - Will Little

Under is 4-0-1 in Littles last 5 Saturday games behind home plate.
Yankees are 7-0 in their last 7 games with Little behind home plate.
Blue Jays are 5-1 in their last 6 games with Little behind home plate.
Under is 5-1 in Littles last 6 games behind home plate vs. Toronto.
Home team is 4-1 in Littles last 5 games behind home plate vs. New York.
Home team is 15-5 in Littles last 20 Saturday games behind home plate.
Road team is 19-7 in Littles last 26 games behind home plate.

Preview: Royals at Tigers
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The Kansas City Royals needed an error in the ninth to push across the winning run in the second game of a doubleheader at Detroit on Friday, but it lifted a huge weight off them. The Royals ended a nine-game losing streak with a 3-2 win and have a chance to post back-to-back victories for the first time when they continue their four-game series against the Tigers on Saturday afternoon.

Kansas City was battered for 31 runs in a three-game sweep at Toronto but received a pair of superb pitching efforts Friday, getting 17 innings from its two starters to give its beleaguered bullpen some much-needed rest. Mike Moustakas also homered in the opener and added a single in the nightcap to extend his hitting streak to 12 games for the Royals. Detroit made it a season-high four straight wins in dramatic fashion in the opener as JaCoby Jones delivered a walk-off homer in a 3-2 victory. Jones is 7-for-15 with five runs scored during a four-game hitting streak for the Tigers, who mustered 11 hits in the doubleheader.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Kansas City, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (0-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Fiers (1-1, 3.86)

Duffy is coming off his best start of the season but had nothing to show for it despite striking out eight and blanking Toronto on two hits over six innings in a no-decision Tuesday. He will be coming be off three days' rest against an opponent he has faced the most in his career, posting a 7-8 record and 4.03 ERA in 22 appearances (19 starts). Victor Martinez has roughed up Duffy, going 15-for-39 with three homers and six RBIs.

Fiers had a stellar season debut on the road against the Chicago White Sox on April 8, tossing six scoreless innings of three-hit ball to pick up the victory. But the Florida native was pounded for six runs on eight hits, including two homers, over 5 2/3 innings in a home loss to the New York Yankees last time out. Moustakas is 4-for-8 and Alcides Escobar 5-for-13 against Fiers, who is 1-3 with 4.78 ERA in five career starts versus Kansas City.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals INF-OF Whit Merrifield is 5-for-13 with two homers in his last three games.

2. Martinez was 0-for-7 in the doubleheader after hitting safely in the previous five games.

3. Moustakas hit his 124th career homer to tie Danny Tartabull for 10th on the franchise all-time list.

PREDICTION: Royals 4, Tigers 3

Umpire Trends - Ramon De Jesus

Home team is 4-1 in De Jesus' last 5 games behind home plate.

Preview: Reds at Cardinals
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The Cincinnati Reds proved to be the elixir for what ailed the St. Louis Cardinals last week, and little appears to have changed between the National League Central rivals a few days later. The Cardinals attempt to improve to 6-0 against the Reds this season and secure a 10th straight win overall against Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon, when the clubs continue their three-game series in St. Louis.

The Cardinals dropped three of their first four series of the season and fell to 5-7 prior to hitting the road for six divisional games, including four in Cincinnati beginning on April 12. St. Louis swept the set in convincing fashion and split a pair with the Chicago Cubs before returning home Friday, when they scored all of their runs in the first two innings and held on for a 4-2 victory over the Reds. The opener was the first game for Cincinnati interim manager Jim Riggleman, but his arrival wasn't enough to keep the team from losing for the 11th time in 12 tries. The Reds (3-16) are only a game ahead of the dubious mark they set 87 years ago for the worst 19-game start by the club in the last century, combining the majors' second-worst offense (2.84 runs per game) with its third-worst ERA (5.38).

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (0-3, 3.42 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (2-1, 1.75)

Bailey logged his third quality start in four trips to the mound Sunday but remained winless on the season in a loss to St. Louis, yielding three runs and four hits across seven innings. The 31-year-old Texan has yet to see his offense back him with more than two runs, wasting a mostly solid first month in which he has posted a 1.06 WHIP while holding opponents to a .198 average. Yadier Molina is 17-for-42 with three home runs versus Bailey, who is 6-14 with a 5.75 ERA in 24 career starts against the Cardinals.

Although he issued four more free passes on Saturday to bring his season total to 14, Martinez was otherwise sharp in a victory at Cincinnati as he permitted only two hits while striking out 11 in seven frames. The two-time All-Star has allowed one run and 12 hits with 25 strikeouts over his last 21 1/3 innings. Joey Votto is 3-for-21 with nine walks versus Martinez, who struggled versus the Reds last year (1-2, 6.62 ERA) but is 7-3 with a 3.45 ERA in 20 career games (nine starts) against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Jose Martinez is 11-for-21 with five doubles, a homer and eight RBIs in five games versus the Reds this season.

2. Cincinnati activated OF Scott Schebler from the 10-day disabled list on Friday and optioned LHP Cody Reed to Triple-A Louisville.

3. Eight of Molina's 14 RBIs in 2018 have come versus the Reds, as he has driven in at least one run in all but one contest against Cincinnati.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Reds 3

Umpire Trends - Chris Guccione

Under is 3-0-1 in Gucciones last 4 games behind home plate vs. Cincinnati.
Over is 4-1-1 in Gucciones last 6 games behind home plate.
Home team is 4-1 in Gucciones last 5 Saturday games behind home plate vs. St. Louis.
Home team is 4-1 in Gucciones last 5 games behind home plate vs. Cincinnati.
Over is 5-2 in Gucciones last 7 Saturday games behind home plate.
Home team is 10-4 in Gucciones last 14 games behind home plate vs. St. Louis.
Home team is 22-10 in Gucciones last 32 games behind home plate.
Cardinals are 2-5 in their last 7 games with Guccione behind home plate.

Preview: Pirates at Phillies
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The Pittsburgh Pirates are cold at the plate right now, and it's showing in the standings. The Pirates will try to string some hits together and keep their chances at a series split alive when they visit the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday in the third of a four-game series.

Pittsburgh totaled one run in the first two games of the series and scored two or fewer runs in six of the last eight contests. Shortstop Jordy Mercer drove in the lone run in Friday's 2-1 loss out of the No. 8 spot in the order while batters one thru five - Adam Frazier, Gregory Polanco, Starling Marte, Josh Bell and Corey Dickerson - combined to go 3-for-19 after going 0-for-17 in Thursday's 7-0 setback. The Phillies improved to 7-1 at home with Friday's triumph and are winners of nine of the last 11 games and watched their pitching staff allow three or fewer runs in seven of those 11 contests. The Pirates could have a hard time boosting their team batting average against Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola, who opposes lefty Steven Brault.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, NBCS Philadelphia Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates LH Steven Brault (2-1, 4.74 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (1-1, 2.22)

Brault suffered his first loss last time out, yielding five runs on five hits and a pair of walks in six innings. The California native won his first two appearances - tossing three scoreless innings at Detroit and limiting Cincinnati to one run allowed in five frames on April 5. Brault missed seeing the Phillies last season and his only career game against them came in 2016, when he allowed five runs - three earned - on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Nola has been strong in the first month and allowed two or fewer earned runs in each of his four turns. The 24-year-old absorbed his first loss last time out despite yielding just two runs and four hits over six innings. Nola is making his fourth career start against the Pirates and went 1-2 with a 3.50 ERA with 18 strikeouts in as many innings during the first three chances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillies CF Odubel Herrera recorded the game-winning triple on Friday and hit safely in his last five games.

2. Pirates RHP George Kontos absorbed the loss on Friday and owns a 5.19 ERA in nine appearances.

3. Dickerson is hitless in three straight contests on the heels of an 11-game winning streak.

PREDICTION: Phillies 6, Piraters 2

Umpire Trends - Lance Barrett

Under is 4-0 in Barretts last 4 Saturday games behind home plate.
Road team is 12-2 in Barretts last 14 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
Phillies are 4-1 in their last 5 games with Barrett behind home plate.
Under is 4-1-2 in Barretts last 7 games behind home plate vs. Philadelphia.
Over is 4-1-1 in Barretts last 6 games behind home plate vs. Pittsburgh.
Home team is 8-3 in Barretts last 11 games behind home plate vs. Philadelphia.

Preview: Indians at Orioles
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

Baltimore Orioles right-hander Chris Tillman is coming off the worst year of his career, winning once in 24 appearances and posting an exorbitant 7.84 ERA. The 2017 season has started in similar fashion for the 30-year-old Tillman, who seeks his first win since May 7 when he makes his first home start against the visiting Cleveland Indians on Saturday afternoon.

Baltimore kicked off its 10-game homestand by finally halting a string of six straight losses with a 3-1 victory over the Indians in Friday's opener of a four-game set. Left fielder Trey Mancini delivered a tiebreaking two-run double but later had to leave the game when he slammed his knee into the wall while trying to catch a foul ball. Cleveland has dropped two in a row after winning six of seven and was limited to one run in each of the past two games while failing to score in the final eight innings Friday. Right-hander Mike Clevinger, a 12-game winner a year ago, looks to stay unbeaten against the Orioles when he makes his fourth career start against them.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Mike Clevinger (1-0, 2.70 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Chris Tillman (0-3, 11.91)

After allowing one run over his first two starts, Clevinger lasted only four innings and was tagged for four runs on just three hits over four innings in a no-decision against Toronto. He opened the season with 5 1/3 scoreless innings to beat the Los Angeles Angels and gave up one run despite allowing 10 hits in a no-decision versus Kansas City. Clevinger has made three starts against Baltimore, going 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA.

Tillman has turned in three sub-par starts and is coming off a wretched performance last time out at Boston when he was battered for six runs and seven hits in two-plus innings. He pitched a season-high 5 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees on April 7 and permitted five runs on eight hits after giving up four runs over four innings at Houston in his season debut. Edwin Encarnacion is 18-for-60 with four homers against Tillman.

WALK-OFFS

1. Orioles SS Manny Machado homered for the third time in two days to extend his hitting streak to eight games.

2. Indians LF Michael Brantley has multiple hits in five straight games, lifting his batting average to .351.

3. Mike Napoli, who play for Texas last year and signed a minor-league deal with Cleveland, will undergo season-ending knee surgery.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Orioles 3

Umpire Trends - Ed Hickox

Over is 5-0 in Hickoxs last 5 games behind home plate.
Over is 4-0 in Hickoxs last 4 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Cleveland.
Orioles are 6-1 in their last 7 games with Hickox behind home plate.
Home team is 13-3 in Hickoxs last 16 games behind home plate vs. Cleveland.
Home team is 4-1 in Hickoxs last 5 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
Road team is 4-1 in Hickoxs last 5 games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
Home team is 4-1 in Hickoxs last 5 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Cleveland.
Under is 19-7 in Hickoxs last 26 games behind home plate vs. Baltimore.
Home team is 13-6 in Hickoxs last 19 games behind home plate.

Preview: Twins at Rays
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The Tampa Bay Rays turned a crushing loss into a satisfying victory with some late heroics in the series opener and go after their first three-game winning streak of the season Saturday when they host the Minnesota Twins. The Rays coughed up a four-run lead in the eighth inning and needed to score in the bottom of the ninth and 10th to earn an 8-7 triumph Friday night for their third win in their last four games.

“I think we’re in a good place right now,” Tampa Bay outfielder/designated hitter Denard Span told Fox Sports Sun of the locker room for the 6-13 team. “Everybody’s feeling confident. We’ve lost some tough games so far this season, but they were against good teams. I like where we are.” Left-hander Blake Snell looks to continue his strong start on the mound when he takes the ball for the Rays on Saturday against right-hander Kyle Gibson for the Twins, who have played back-to-back extra-inning contests. Eddie Rosario belted a grand slam to tie it and Max Kepler’s solo shot gave Minnesota a lead in the ninth, but the most important homer Friday for the Twins might have been Logan Morrison’s first of the season in the second inning after coming in batting .068. Brian Dozier had a pair of singles in the series opener for Minnesota and has hit safely in all 14 games this season while batting .290.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FS North Plus (Minnesota), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (1-0, 3.68 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (2-1, 2.95)

Gibson’s performance level has gone downhill in each start since his season debut March 31, when he pitched six hitless innings with five walks in a win at Baltimore. The Missouri product lasted 4 1/3 innings in each of his next two starts, allowing two runs (one earned) against Seattle and five versus Houston in a pair of home games. Brad Miller is 6-for-12 with a pair of doubles against Gibson, who is 1-4 with a 7.04 ERA in six career starts versus Tampa Bay.

Snell has been outstanding in his last two outings, yielding just two runs combined over 12 1/3 innings on six hits with 19 strikeouts to earn a pair of wins. The 25-year-old Washington native did not walk a batter in his last start Monday against Texas after issuing 10 total in his first three appearances of 2018. Dozier is 2-for-5 with a triple and a homer versus Snell, who does not have a decision while compiling a 6.75 ERA in two career games against Minnesota.

WALK-OFFS

1. Minnesota 1B Joe Mauer, who is batting .333 overall, went hitless Friday (0-for-4) for only the second time in 13 games this season.

2. Span, who started his career with the Twins, had three RBIs in Friday’s victory and boasts a team-high 14 in the 16 games he has played this season.

3. Twins RHP Fernando Rodney has blown two straight save opportunities, giving up three runs (two earned) and five hits over his last three games.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Twins 3

Umpire Trends - James Hoye

Rays are 5-0 in their last 5 games with Hoye behind home plate.
Road team is 6-0 in Hoyes last 6 games behind home plate vs. Tampa Bay.
Over is 4-1 in Gibsons last 5 starts with Hoye behind home plate.
Over is 4-1 in Hoyes last 5 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Minnesota.
Road team is 16-5 in Hoyes last 21 games behind home plate.
Under is 3-1-1 in Hoyes last 5 Saturday games behind home plate.
Under is 15-5-2 in Hoyes last 22 games behind home plate vs. Tampa Bay.

Preview: Mets at Braves
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

One night after rolling out star pitcher Noah Syndergaard in Friday’s 5-3, 12-inning road victory over the Atlanta Braves, the visiting New York Mets hand the ball to another standout Saturday as Jacob deGrom gets the nod for the third game of the series. The Mets bounced back from Thursday’s series-opening loss, getting Yoenis Cespedes to shake off a four-strikeout night with the go-ahead single in the 12th inning for New York’s 19th victory in its past 26 games in Atlanta.

Syndergaard and deGrom are two reasons why New York is off to a 14-5 start and leads the National League East, but so too is second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera, who doubled twice Friday to give him eight two-base hits through 19 games and a .347 batting average. Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies continued an impressive start to his first full major league season, as the 21-year-old belted a 99.6 mph Syndergaard fastball for a homer in the first inning - the fastest pitch hit for a homer in the majors so far this season. Ryan Flaherty, a career .215 hitter entering the season, finished 2-for-4 on Friday for the Braves and is among the National League leaders in batting average at .362. Atlanta is off to a surprising 11-8 start, but its relievers have walked 54 hitters in 75 innings and hit New York pitcher Robert Gsellman with a pitch leading off the 12th - putting the eventual winning run on base.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WPIX (New York), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (2-0, 3.24 ERA) vs. Braves RH Julio Teheran (1-1, 5.40)

DeGrom has been outstanding in his first four starts this season and, even though he did not get a decision in Monday’s loss to Washington, he struck out 12 and walked only one while allowing three runs in 7 1/3 innings. The 29-year-old is averaging 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings with a 1.08 WHIP while holding opponents to a .226 batting average. DeGrom is 5-3 in 11 career starts with a 2.19 ERA against Atlanta and has allowed one earned run or fewer in seven of those outings.

Teheran looks to build off his last start, a home victory over Philadelphia in which he struck out nine while allowing one run on five hits over six innings. The 27-year-old has relied more on his slider and changeup in his past two starts, after giving up nine runs on 10 hits (including four homers) across eight innings in his first two starts. Teheran is 8-5 lifetime against the Mets with a 2.58 ERA, going 1-2 with a 3.26 ERA in five starts a season ago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Albies is the first Braves middle infielder in franchise history to hit six homers before the end of April.

2. New York 1B Wilmer Flores finished 2-for-5 Friday, and is 9-for-22 in seven career games at Atlanta’s SunTrust Park.

3. The Braves activated RHP Josh Ravin - who allowed two runs over 1 2/3 innings to take the loss Friday - from the disabled list and demoted RHP Lucas Sims to Triple-A Gwinnett.

PREDICTION: Mets 3, Braves 2

Umpire Trends - Jeremie Rehak
No trends available.

Preview: Mariners at Rangers
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

Texas veteran Bartolo Colon apparently has a lot left in his 44-year-old right arm, and he will be on the mound when the Rangers host the Seattle Mariners on Saturday in the second contest of a three-game set. Colon took a perfect game into the eighth inning of his last start against the Houston Astros before allowing a double to Josh Reddick.

Reddick's hit was the only one allowed by Colon in 7 2/3 innings, but he charged with a run later in the inning for a no-decision in a game decided in 10 innings. Colon may need to be stingy again as the Rangers have scored two or fewer runs nine times this season, including Friday's 6-2 setback. The Mariners scored four runs in the ninth inning to win the opener, and the splurge was timely after the team scored just seven runs over the previous five games. "This game is tricky," Seattle center fielder Dee Gordon said in a postgame interview. "It's hard to play, even with the talent we have in our lineup. We were able to bounce back (Friday)."

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (1-1, 4.57 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (0-0, 1.45)

Paxton picked up his first victory of the season Monday when he gave up one run and three hits over six innings. The 29-year-old has given up five runs over his last three turns after being roughed up for six runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings by Cleveland on March 31. Paxton is 2-4 with a 4.62 ERA in 10 career starts against Texas and has regularly been torched by Adrian Beltre (9-of-16 with one homer and six RBIs).

Colon is making his fifth appearance (third start) for the Rangers and he has a stellar 0.70 WHIP while holding opponents to a .177 batting average. He was solid in his first start of the season as well as he limited Oakland to one run and seven hits over six innings. Colon is 20-12 with a 3.84 ERA in 37 career starts against Seattle, although he has struggled with Gordon (12-for-32, one homer) and Robinson Cano (7-of-18, one homer) while shutting down Kyle Seager (4-for-24).

WALK-OFFS

1. Mariners SS Jean Segura went 3-for-5 on Friday and delivered the tiebreaking two-run double in the ninth.

2. Texas INF Jurickson Profar (concussion) returned from a two-game absence and went 1-for-4 in the opener.

3. Seattle C Mike Zunino (oblique) was activated from the disabled list and struck out in four of his five hitless at-bats Friday, while C Mike Marjama was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.

PREDICTION: Mariners 3, Rangers 1

Umpire Trends - Gary Cederstrom

Road team is 6-0 in Cederstroms last 6 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
Rangers are 7-1 in their last 8 Saturday games with Cederstrom behind home plate.
Over is 5-1 in Cederstroms last 6 games behind home plate.
Over is 4-1 in Cederstroms last 5 games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
Home team is 48-16 in Cederstroms last 64 games behind home plate.
Home team is 22-8 in Cederstroms last 30 games behind home plate vs. Texas.
Road team is 11-4 in Cederstroms last 15 games behind home plate vs. Seattle.
Rangers are 19-7 in their last 26 games with Cederstrom behind home plate.
Over is 5-2 in Cederstroms last 7 games behind home plate vs. Texas.
Mariners are 9-23 in their last 32 games with Cederstrom behind home plate.
Mariners are 1-4 in their last 5 Saturday games with Cederstrom behind home plate.

Preview: Astros at White Sox
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

Following a long stretch during which their offense was inconsistent at best, the Houston Astros have unlocked their run-scoring potential during their seven-game road trip. Riding the powerful bats of George Springer and Carlos Correa, the Astros eye a fifth straight victory on Saturday, when they visit the Chicago White Sox for the middle contest of their three-game series.

Houston won only four of 10 games following a 6-1 start, in part because its offense scored three runs or fewer six times from April 6-16. The Astros still were scuffling at the plate in a 2-1 loss at Seattle on Monday to begin their trek, but they have progressively scored more runs in each contest during their four-game winning streak, topped off by a 10-0 rout of Chicago in Friday's series opener in which Springer drove in four runs and Correa clubbed two homers. Whereas Houston has outscored its opponents 30-4 during its winning streak, Chicago has been outscored 44-14 (11 of which came in one game) during its five-game slide. The White Sox have dropped 10 of 11 overall but may have other things on its mind entering the weekend, however, as reliever Danny Farquhar was taken to the hospital after passing out in the team's dugout Friday following a short relief appearance in the sixth inning.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest Plus (Houston), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (0-3, 3.52 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (0-2, 5.50)

Keuchel took a hard-luck loss Monday in Seattle after permitting two runs and six hits in eight frames. The 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner has yielded three runs or fewer in each of his four turns, but Houston has been held to fewer than two runs in three of them. Jose Abreu is 6-for-15 with two homers versus Keuchel, who gave up 10 runs over as many innings in a pair of losses to the White Sox last season to fall to 2-4 with a 4.12 ERA in seven career starts against them.

Control remained an issue for Giolito in a loss at Minnesota on April 12, as he walked a season-high five batters to go along with the four runs - three earned - and five hits he gave up across 6 1/3 innings. The former Washington farmhand has issued 12 free passes and recorded only eight strikeouts in his three turns spanning 18 frames. Giolito took the loss in his only career start versus the Astros in September despite yielding two runs over 6 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Chicago reported Farquhar was conscious when he was taken from Guaranteed Rate Field to the hospital, where he is expected to remain overnight to undergo further treatment and testing.

2. The Astros' 10 runs on Friday were only six fewer than their combined total in six games versus the White Sox last season.

3. Houston has held the opposition to two runs or fewer in 13 of its 21 games and leads the majors with a 2.45 ERA.

PREDICTION: Astros 7, White Sox 2

Umpire Trends - Andy Fletcher

Astros are 5-0 in their last 5 games with Fletcher behind home plate.
Under is 7-1-1 in Fletchers last 9 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Home team is 5-1 in Fletchers last 6 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Houston.
Home team is 4-1 in Fletchers last 5 Saturday games behind home plate.
Road team is 4-1 in Fletchers last 5 games behind home plate.
Under is 4-1 in Fletchers last 5 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Houston.
Home team is 13-4 in Fletchers last 17 games behind home plate vs. Chicago.
Over is 3-1-1 in Fletchers last 5 games behind home plate vs. Houston.
Under is 5-2 in Fletchers last 7 games behind home plate.
White Sox are 1-6 in their last 7 games with Fletcher behind home plate.

Preview: Marlins at Brewers
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The Milwaukee Brewers have been downright stingy during their four-game winning streak and look to continue the trend when they host the Miami Marlins on Saturday for the third contest of their four-game series. Milwaukee has allowed a total of three runs during its string of success, posting three shutouts in the process - including Friday's 8-0 triumph.

Travis Shaw went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs, while Ryan Braun added a two-run blast in his return to the starting lineup as the Brewers improved to 4-1 on their seven-game homestand. Braun missed one game with a calf injury and did not start in the series opener but came off the bench to belt a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the 12-3 victory to reach 1,000 RBIs for his career. J.B. Shuck recorded two of the six singles registered on Friday by the Marlins, who have lost 12 of their last 15 games. Brian Anderson also singled, giving him a hit in just two of his last eight contests after hitting safely in 10 of his first 11 contests this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Jose Urena (0-3, 5.57 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Brent Suter (1-2, 4.87)

Urena, who recorded a career-high 14 wins last year, seeks his first victory this season as he makes his fifth start. The 26-year-old Dominican is coming off a loss against Pittsburgh on Sunday in which he surrendered four runs and eight hits over five innings. Urena has made one start and four relief appearances versus Milwaukee in his career, yielding nine runs - eight earned - on 12 hits and nine walks in 12 frames without registering a decision.

Suter has worked more than five innings just once (5 1/3) in his first four starts of 2018 and is winless since notching a victory at San Diego in his season debut. The 28-year-old native of Illinois suffered the loss against Cincinnati on Monday, when he gave up three runs and six hits in five frames. Suter will be facing the Marlins for the first time in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers SS Orlando Arcia is batting just .217 but has hit safely in four of his last five games, with three two-hit performances in that span.

2. Miami placed Odrisamer Despaigne (forearm) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled fellow RHP Nick Wittgren from Triple-A New Orleans on Friday.

3. Milwaukee has won back-to-back games by at least eight runs for the first time since July 31-Aug. 1, 2012.

PREDICTION: Marlins 5, Brewers 3

Umpire Trends - Alfonso Marquez

Over is 6-0 in Marquezs last 6 games behind home plate.
Over is 4-0 in Marquezs last 4 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Milwaukee.
Under is 4-1 in Marquezs last 5 games behind home plate vs. Milwaukee.
Home team is 4-1 in Marquezs last 5 games behind home plate vs. Milwaukee.
Marlins are 4-1 in their last 5 games with Marquez behind home plate.
Under is 5-2 in Marquezs last 7 games behind home plate vs. Miami.
Brewers are 1-6 in their last 7 games with Marquez behind home plate.

Preview: Cubs at Rockies
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The Chicago Cubs are trying to put together their longest streak of sustained offensive success this season, and they’re in the right place to do it. The inconsistent Cubs hope for a third straight big performance at the plate when they continue their three-game road series against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday.

The Cubs routed the Rockies 16-5 in the series opener, giving them back-to-back games with more than five runs for the first time in their first 17 contests. The red-hot Javier Baez led the charge with four hits - including a two-run homer - and four RBIs while Kyle Schwarber homered among his three hits as six different players recorded at least two hits for Chicago. The Rockies benefited from the return of Nolan Arenado, who belted a two-run shot on the first pitch he saw upon coming back from a five-game suspension, but Colorado did little else at the plate. The Rockies are 2-5 at home, where they’re averaging a pedestrian 3.57 runs.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Yu Darvish (0-1, 6.00 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Tyler Anderson (0-0, 4.74)

Darvish has disappointed in two of his first three outings with the Cubs. The 31-year-old failed to get out of the fifth inning last time out against Atlanta, allowing four runs and nine hits while walking four. He also has surrendered a home run in each of his three starts and could have a tough time keeping the ball in the park in his first start at Coors Field.

Anderson put together two straight quality starts before struggling to find the strike zone Sunday at Washington. The 28-year-old issued six walks and left after 4 2/3 innings despite surrendering only three runs - one earned - and two hits. Anderson is the rare pitcher who is better at Coors Field, where he is 8-5 with a 3.38 ERA in 21 games (20 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Baez is 10-for-20 with three doubles, a triple, two homers and 10 RBIs over his last four games.

2. Rockies relievers have allowed 14 runs over eight innings in the last two contests.

3. The Cubs are averaging 9.4 runs in their nine wins and 1.75 in their eight losses.

PREDICTION: Cubs 8, Rockies 6

Umpire Trends - Jordan Baker

Cubs are 6-0 in their last 6 games with Baker behind home plate.
Over is 6-1-1 in Bakers last 8 Saturday games behind home plate.
Home team is 5-1 in Bakers last 6 games behind home plate.
Under is 5-2-2 in Bakers last 9 games behind home plate vs. Colorado.
Home team is 9-4 in Bakers last 13 games behind home plate vs. Colorado.
Home team is 13-6 in Bakers last 19 Saturday games behind home plate.

Preview: Padres at Diamondbacks
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The San Diego Padres remain the only team in the major leagues that has never thrown a no-hitter, but they came awfully close Friday. One day after Tyson Ross took a no-no into the eighth inning before allowing a double, the Padres aim for back-to-back wins Saturday when they continue their three-game series against the host Arizona Diamondbacks.

Ross struck out 10 and allowed one run and the one hit over 7 2/3 innings in San Diego’s 4-1 victory, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Right fielder Wil Myers returned from a stint on the disabled list and went 2-for-4 while hitting second in the order in front of first baseman Eric Hosmer, who is hitting .263 with nine extra-base hits but just four RBI. The Diamondbacks dropped a series opener for the first time this season and played without both outfielder A.J. Pollock (right hand injury) and utilityman Chris Owings (head), who were injured in a collision on Thursday. Both players are listed as day-to-day for the Diamondbacks, who have won a club-record six straight series to open the season.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Arizona Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (1-1. 5.73 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (2-1, 3.00)

Richard has thrown exactly five innings in three straight starts following a dominant outing on Opening Day, when he tossed seven innings of one-run ball against Milwaukee. The 34-year-old native of Indiana received a no-decision in his last start, allowing four runs in five innings against San Francisco last Saturday. Paul Goldschmidt is 10-for-27 with one home run against Richard, who is 10-5 with a 4.08 ERA in 17 career starts against Arizona.

After opening the season with back-to-back wins, Godley took the loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers last Sunday, allowing five runs on five hits and six walks over four innings. “I was struggling with my command out there,” Godley told reporters. “Some days you’ve got it, some days you don’t. I just didn't have my best stuff and they took advantage of it.” The 27-year-old is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA in six career starts against the Padres and has struggled to contain Myers (7-for-15, one homer).

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona has won 11 of its last 12 games when scoring four or more runs.

2. The Padres optioned LHP Tyler Webb to Triple-A El Paso to make room for Myers.

3. Diamondbacks OF David Peralta went 0-for-3 on Friday, ending his eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Padres 3

Umpire Trends - Mike DiMuro

Home team is 6-1 in DiMuros last 7 games behind home plate.
Over is 6-1-1 in DiMuros last 8 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
Home team is 4-1 in DiMuros last 5 Saturday games behind home plate.
Padres are 4-1 in their last 5 Saturday games with DiMuro behind home plate.
Road team is 4-1 in DiMuros last 5 Saturday games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
Under is 3-1-1 in DiMuros last 5 games behind home plate vs. Arizona.
Home team is 6-2 in DiMuros last 8 games behind home plate vs. San Diego.
Padres are 7-19 in their last 26 games with DiMuro behind home plate.

Preview: Red Sox at Athletics
Gracenote
Apr 21, 2018

The Boston Red Sox have gotten off to a tremendous start this season and look to continue their success Saturday, when they visit the Oakland Athletics in search of their ninth consecutive victory. Boston rolled to a 7-3 triumph in the opener of the three-game series on Friday to become the fifth team in the live-ball era to win 17 of its first 19 contests and first since Milwaukee in 1987.

Jackie Bradley Jr. forged a tie in the second inning with a three-run homer and Mitch Moreland snapped it four frames later with the Red Sox's league-leading fifth grand slam in their last 12 games. Boston, which finished last year without a slam, has belted 13 homers while winning each of the first four contests of its nine-game road trip - outscoring the opposition 34-6 in the victories. Mookie Betts finished with just one single on Friday, ending his string of three straight multi-hit performances. Oakland had its four-game winning streak halted, but Jed Lowrie remained piping hot as he went 4-for-5 with an RBI and is 14-for-28 during his six-game hitting streak.

TV: 9:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (1-0, 1.23 ERA) vs. Athletics LH Sean Manaea (2-2, 1.63)

Sale has just one victory in four starts this season despite allowing a total of three runs over 16 innings. The 29-year-old Floridian has yet to work more than six innings, however, lasting only five while giving up one run and two hits in a no-decision against Baltimore on Sunday. Sale owns a 5-2 record and 2.60 ERA in eight starts and five relief appearances versus Oakland in his career.

Manaea has been nearly as good as Sale this season, yielding five runs over 27 2/3 innings in four starts. The 26-year-old native of Indiana notched a victory at Seattle on Sunday after giving up one run and two hits in seven frames. Manaea has struggled against Boston in his career, going 1-2 in three starts while surrendering 18 runs and 26 hits (four homers) over 11 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Red Sox activated LHP Drew Pomeranz from the disabled list to make the start on Friday after optioning RHP Marcus Walden to Triple-A Pawtucket the previous night.

2. Oakland recalled RHPs Josh Lucas and Chris Bassitt from Triple-A Nashville on Friday and optioned LHP Daniel Coulombe to the Sounds.

3. Boston RHP Steven Wright (knee) made his first rehab start for Pawtucket on Friday but lasted only 2 2/3 innings due to back stiffness.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Athletics 0

Umpire Trends - Hunter Wendelstedt

Home team is 7-1 in Wendelstedts last 8 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Boston.
Home team is 5-1 in Wendelstedts last 6 games behind home plate vs. Oakland.
Under is 5-1-1 in Wendelstedts last 7 Saturday games behind home plate vs. Boston.
Under is 4-1-2 in Wendelstedts last 7 games behind home plate vs. Oakland.
Home team is 11-3 in Wendelstedts last 14 games behind home plate.
Home team is 11-3 in Wendelstedts last 14 games behind home plate vs. Boston.
Under is 8-3-2 in Wendelstedts last 13 games behind home plate vs. Boston.
Home team is 37-16 in Wendelstedts last 53 Saturday games behind home plate.
Athletics are 2-5 in their last 7 games with Wendelstedt behind home plate.
Red Sox are 1-4 in their last 5 games with Wendelstedt behind home plate.
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