MLB Betting News and Trends For Saturday, April 28, 2018

Saturday’s games
National League
Brewers (16-11) @ Cubs (13-10)
Guerra is 2-0, 1.13 in three starts this year (under 3-0). Team in his starts: 3-0
5-inning record: 2-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Quintana is 2-1, 6.46 in four starts this year (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Milwaukee won eight of its last ten games; their last six road games stayed under. Cubs won six of their last eight games; under is 12-7-1 in their last 20 games.

Diamondbacks (18-7) @ Nationals (11-15)
Corbin is 4-0, 1.91 in five starts this season (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 4-1
5-inning record: 4-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Hellickson is 0-0, 4.50 in two starts this year (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 1-1
5-inning record: 1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Arizona is 12-5 in its last 17 games; their last nine road games went over. Washington lost five of its last six games; four of his last six games stayed under.

Braves (14-10) @ Phillies (15-9)
Foltynewicz is 1-1, 2.95 in his last four starts (under 2-1-2). Team in his starts: 1-4
5-inning record: 1-1-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Pivetta is 1-0, 1.88 in his last four starts, all of which stayed under. Team in his starts: 5-0
5-inning record: 2-0-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Atlanta lost four of its last six games; over is 7-1-1 in their last nine games. Phillies won nine of their last 11 home games; over is 4-0 in their last four games overall.

Cardinals (15-10) @ Pirates (15-11)
Flaherty allowed one run in five IP (91 PT) in his first ’18 start. Team in his starts: 0-1
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Williams is 3-1, 2.15 in five starts this year (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 3-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Cardinals won 10 of their last 13 games; under is 4-2 in their last six road games. Pittsburgh won its last three games- four of their last five home games went over.

Rockies (15-12) @ Marlins (7-18)
Marquez is 1-2, 7.94 in four starts this year (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Smith is 0-3, 5.82 in five starts this year (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 1-4
5-inning record: 1-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-5

Rockies won eight of last ten road games (under 7-3). Miami is 3-10 at home this season; five of their last seven games stayed under.

Mets (17-8) @ Padres (9-19)
Vargas is making his first ’18 start; he was 18-11, 4.16 in 32 starts for the Royals LY. He’s made 228 MLB starts (85-81, 4.17). Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Lucchesi is 2-1, 2.86 in four starts this year (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 2-1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Mets lost six of their last ten games; five of their last eight games went over. San Diego lost five of its last six games; five of their last six home games went over.

Dodgers (11-13) @ Giants (12-13)
Buehler blanked Miami for five IP in his first MLB start (89 PT). Team in his starts: 1-0
5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Wood is 0-1, 3.27 in two road starts this year (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 1-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Stratton is 2-0, 1.31 in his last three starts, all of which stayed under. Team in his starts: 4-1
5-inning record: 2-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Cueto is 2-0, 0.35 in four starts this year (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 2-0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Dodgers won four of their last five road games; over is 6-3 in their road games. Giants won four of their last five games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten games.

American League
Tigers (10-14) @ Orioles (7-19)
Liriano is 2-1, 3.13 in four starts this year (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Cashner is 0-2, 3.32 in his last three starts; Orioles scored 6 runs in the three games. Under is 4-1 in his starts. Team in his starts: 1-4
5-inning record: 0-3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Tigers lost eight of their last nine road games; over is 4-2 in their last six road games. Orioles lost 13 of their last 16 games; under is 10-3 in their home games.

Rangers (10-17) @ Blue Jays (14-11)
Colon is 0-0, 2.79 in three starts this year (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 1-2
5-inning record: 2-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Garcia is 2-1, 4.57 in four starts this year (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-4

Texas lost five of its last eight games; under is 7-4 in their road games. Toronto lost five of its last six games; under is 3-2 in their last five games.

Mariners (14-11) @ Indians (14-10)
Leake is 0-2, 12.54 in his last two starts (over 4-0-1). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 1-1-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Carrasco is 4-0, 2.31 in five starts this year, last four of which stayed under. Team in his starts: 4-1
5-inning record: 4-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Mariners won seven of their last ten road games; over is 10-5 in their road games. Cleveland lost three of its last four games; under is 13-6 in their last 19 games.

Rays (11-13) @ Red Sox (19-6)
Chirinos is 0-1, 3.48 in four starts this year (over 2-2). Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 1-1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Price is 1-2, 5.93 in his last three starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 1-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Tampa Bay won its last seven games; they’re 5-6 on road. Over is 9-2 in their last 11 games. Red Sox lost four of their last six games; under is 5-1 in their last six games.

A’s (14-12) @ Astros (17-10)
Mengden is 2-0, 2.79 in his last three starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 3-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

McCullers is 2-0, 1.38 in his last two starts (under 2-2-1). Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 1-2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

A’s won nine of their last 11 games; under is 3-2 in their last four road games. Houston won seven of its last ten games; under is 9-4 in its home games.

White Sox (7-16) @ Royals (5-19)
Fulmer is 1-1, 7.02 in four starts this year (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2
5-inning record: 3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Unknown Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Skoglund is 0-2, 8.59 in three starts this year (over 3-0). Team in his starts: 1-2
5-inning record: 0-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-3

Oaks is making his first MLB start; he was 1-2, 3.09 in four AAA starts this year, 4-3, 3.64 in 15 AAA starts LY. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

White Sox lost 14 of their last 18 games; over is 8-2-1 in their last 11 games. Royals lost 14 of their last 16 games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight home games.

New York (16-9) @ Angels (16-10)
Tanaka is 3-2, 5.52 in five starts this season, last three of which went over. Team in his starts: 3-2
5-inning record: 3-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Richards is 3-0, 2.57 in his last four starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 4-1
5-inning record: 3-0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

New York is 10-2 in its last 12 games; they’re 5-4 on road. Over is 10-4-1 in their last 15 games. Angels lost six of their last seven home games; five of their last six games stayed under.

Interleague
Reds (5-20) @ Twins (8-12)
Romano is 1-2, 5.13 in five starts this year (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 0-2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-5

Odorizzi is 0-2, 6.97 in his last two starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3
5-inning record: 1-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Reds lost 15 of their last 19 games- over is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Twins lost nine of their last ten games; over is 7-1 in their last eight games.

Umpires
Mil-Chi: Under is 5-3-1 in last nine Cooper games.
Az-Wsh: Over is 3-1-1 in Lentz games this season.
Atl-Phil: Last three Danley games went over total.
StL-Pitt: Over is 7-4 in last eleven Morales games.
Col-Mia: Home side won six of last seven O’Nora games.
NY-SD: Five of last seven Foster games stayed under.
LA-SF: Five of last seven TGibson games went over. Over is 10-5 in last 15 Gorman games.

TB-Bos: Under is 8-2-1 in last eleven Blakney games.
Tex-Tor: Over is 5-2-1 in last eight Winters games.
Sea-Clev: Six of last seven Wegner games stayed under.
Det-Balt: Seven of last eight Estabrook games stayed under.
A’s-Hst: Four of last six Hallion games went over.
Chi-KC: Favorites won six of last seven Carapazza games. Under is 5-2 in last seven Baker games.
NY-LA: Over is 8-5 in last thirteen Miller games.

Cin-Minn: Over is 5-3 in last eight Woodring games.

Preview: Reds at Twins
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

The Cincinnati Reds held the dubious honor of playing the worst baseball in the majors throughout most of the first month of the season, but that title appears to have shifted over to the Minnesota Twins. Coming off their most explosive performance of the season, the Reds hope to keep their offense clicking Saturday as they continue their three-game series in Minnesota against the struggling Twins.

Cincinnati's 3-15 start cost manager Bryan Price his job, and the team dropped its first three games under interim manager Jim Riggleman in St. Louis before warming up the bats in the following series against Atlanta. After averaging nearly seven runs while earning a series split versus the Braves, the Reds improved to 3-2 over their last five games on Friday, when they pounded out a season-high 20 hits en route to a 15-9 win. A big part of Cincinnati's recent run-scoring prowess has come courtesy of Joey Votto, who reached base six times in the opener and homered for the fourth straight game. The Twins are in the middle of a league-worst eight-game slide and have struggled mightily to keep the opposition in check, allowing an average of 9.3 runs over that time.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Sal Romano (1-2, 4.78 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (1-2, 4.50)

Romano enjoyed his finest performance of the season Monday against Atlanta, earning his first win in seven turns dating back to last season after permitting two runs - one earned - in six frames. The outing was his first quality start in four tries since his season debut, while his one walk and five strikeouts were both his best marks of the year. Right-handed hitters are batting .218 versus Romano, who was pummeled for five runs over four innings by Boston in his only career interleague start last season.

After yielding one home run over 16 1/3 innings in his first three starts, Odorizzi has surrendered five in his last two turns - including two in Monday's loss to the New York Yankees. The 28-year-old permitted five runs on five hits and three walks in the outing, six days after giving up three homers among the four runs he allowed in five frames versus Cleveland. Odorizzi was charged with three runs across seven innings of a no-decision in his only career start against Cincinnati in June.

WALK-OFFS

1. Every Cincinnati hitter drove in at least one run Friday, and all but one player had at least one hit. Four Reds finished with at least three hits and six had at least two.

2. Minnesota 2B Brian Dozier, who was hitless in 12 at-bats over his previous three contests after beginning the season with a 17-game hitting streak, went 2-for-4 in the opener.

3. Cincinnati 2B Jose Peraza, who recorded four hits and produced his first multi-homer effort on Friday, is batting .440 and has scored seven times during a five-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Twins 8, Reds 6
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Preview: White Sox at Royals (Game 1)
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

Matt Davidson looks to continue his assault against Kansas City pitching when the Chicago White Sox visit the Royals on Saturday for a doubleheader that is part of a five-game series. Davidson went deep twice on Friday for the second straight game and has belted seven homers at Kauffman Stadium this season, breaking the single-season record by an opponent.

Davidson's power surge in Kansas City has come in just four games and he surpassed three players who hit six shots - Jacque Jones (2002), Jose Valentin (2003) and Carlos Santana (2014). The 27-year-old also became just the fifth player in franchise history to have back-to-back multi-homer performances, joining Zeke Bonura (1934), Greg Norton (1999), Joe Crede (2008) and Carlos Quentin (2010). Davidson's second blast on Friday was a tiebreaking two-run shot in the 11th inning of a 7-4 victory as the White Sox won for just the fourth time in 18 games and improved to 4-0 against Kansas City this season. Chicago is just 7-16 on the campaign while the Royals have lost 14 of their last 16 to drop to an American League-worst 5-19.

TV: 2:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Carson Fulmer (1-1, 6.00 ERA) vs. Royals RH Trevor Oaks (NR)

Fulmer is coming off his best performance of the season as he gave up two runs and three hits over six innings while defeating Seattle. The 24-year-old drew that start due to Miguel Gonzalez being scratched due to shoulder issues as he lost his rotation spot after giving up four runs, five hits and two walks while recording just three outs in an April 18 outing against Oakland. Fulmer took the loss in a three-inning relief stint on August 11, 2016 in his lone career appearance versus the Royals as he gave up two runs and three hits.

Oaks is being recalled from Triple-A Omaha to make his major-league debut after going 1-2 with a 3.09 ERA in four starts. The 25-year-old was a three-time Division II All-American at Cal Baptist in Southern California and will be the first player in that school's history to participate in the majors. Oaks, who was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason, is 32-15 with a 3.26 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 84 minor-league appearances (70 starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu (flu-like symptoms) was back in the lineup Friday after a one-game absence and went 1-for-5.

2. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas has recorded two hits in each of the first two games of the series and at least one in 17 of his last 18 contests.

3. Chicago LF Nicky Delmonico (neck) has missed the first two games of the series but is expected to be available on Saturday.

PREDICTION: White Sox 7, Royals 4
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Preview: Diamondbacks at Nationals
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

Patrick Corbin's remarkable start has been one of the primary catalysts in the Arizona Diamondbacks' early-season run, but much of it has taken place at home. The dominant left-hander will try to find road success for the first time when he starts the middle contest of a three-game series at the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

Corbin is 4-0 with a 1.29 ERA at home but gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings in his lone road outing - a 5-4 loss at San Francisco on April 10. His team improved to an National League-best 18-7 with a 5-4 victory in the series opener Friday night. A.J. Pollock went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and three runs scored as Arizona survived being outhit 11-6 by the Nationals, who are 1-5 in their last six games and fell to 3-8 at home with the defeat. They left 10 runners on base Friday, all in the first five innings.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1, FS Arizona, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (4-0, 1.89 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jeremy Hellickson (0-0, 4.50)

Corbin has struck out at least eight batters in each of his first five starts and fanned 11 in a win over San Diego on Sunday. Each of his opponents thus far have been from the National League West and the 28-year-old has held them to a .140 average. Bryce Harper is 3-for-7 with two doubles and a walk against Corbin, who is 1-1 with a 5.31 ERA in four career starts against Washington.

Hellickson is making his third start since joining the Nationals' rotation, his first at home in a Washington uniform and the 200th of his career. He allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision at the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday. The Iowa native, who won nine games with Arizona in 2015, is 0-3 with a 5.32 ERA in four career starts against the Diamondbacks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Arizona can clinch a ninth straight series win to begin the season with a victory Saturday or in Sunday's finale.

2. Nationals 2B Howie Kendrick hit a two-run homer Friday and is 8-for-17 during a five-game hitting streak.

3. The Diamondbacks' bullpen allowed one hit and struck out seven in four scoreless innings in the series opener.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Nationals 3
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Preview: Dodgers at Giants (Game 1)
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

These are strange days indeed for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who opened their 11-game road trip Friday with a loss when Pedro Baez slipped on the mound and balked in the go-ahead run. The Dodgers look to snap their three-game losing streak Saturday during a split doubleheader against the host San Francisco Giants, who have won five of their last seven.

Los Angeles began the four-game series with Friday's 6-4 loss and could be without two key players Saturday after outfielder Matt Kemp (left quad tightness) and reliever Tony Cingrani (dead arm) both exited the opener with injuries. The Dodgers have dropped 23 of their last 33 games at AT&T Park but received a piece of good news Friday when shortstop Corey Seager singled as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning after being held out of the starting lineup due to a sore hip. Seager could start both ends of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Giants, who are hoping to have left fielder Mac Williamson back in the lineup after he missed Friday’s contest due to concussion symptoms. The Giants' offense has received a much-needed spark from Williamson and first baseman Brandon Belt, who is 13-for-33 with five home runs during his nine-game hitting streak.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles), NBCSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Walker Buehler (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Giants RH Chris Stratton (2-1, 2.32)

Buehler was as good as advertised in his major league debut against Miami last Monday, tossing five scoreless innings with five strikeouts. “He has a really good fastball and he mixed four different pitches, which is pretty rare for a guy who can throw that hard,” Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto told reporters. The 23-year-old has dominated in three starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, posting a 2.08 ERA across 13 innings.

Stratton continued to impress last Monday against Washington, allowing two runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 4-2 victory. The 27-year-old has been a pleasant surprise since joining the Giants' starting rotation last season on Aug. 5, giving up three runs or fewer in all 13 of his starts and posting a 2.35 ERA in that span. Stratton is 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA in five career games (four starts) against the Dodgers, including 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA in two outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Saturday's doubleheader marks the first between the Dodgers and Giants since Sept. 27, 2003.

2. Dodgers 3B Justin Turner (wrist) was cleared to swing a bat on Friday and hopes to return in mid-May.

3. The Giants placed LHP Josh Osich on the 10-day disabled list with a right hip strain.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Giants 2
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Preview: Rays at Red Sox
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

Daniel Robertson is establishing himself as an everyday performer and has played a big part in the surprising seven-game winning streak for the Tampa Bay Rays. The versatile infielder, who boasts a .507 on-base percentage overall, looks to extend his hitting streak to eight games when the Rays visit the Boston Red Sox on Saturday afternoon for the middle contest of a three-game series.

Robertson is 13-for-27 during his streak and belted his third homer in a 4-3 victory at Boston on Friday while catcher Wilson Ramos launched a two-run blast in the first inning and has hit safely in eight consecutive games (12-for-32). Rookie Yonny Chirinos will try to continue his early success against the Red Sox when he takes the mound Saturday, while former Ray standout David Price goes for Boston. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts returned to the lineup after missing 15 games with ankle injury and recorded three hits for the Red Sox on Friday to improve to 15-for-31 against Tampa Bay this season. Boston’s J.D. Martinez is starting to warm up while going 4-for-8 with a homer and five RBIs in the last two games to improve his batting average to .315 overall.

TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Yonny Chirinos (0-1, 2.92 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH David Price (2-2, 2.93)

Chirinos has not been as good in his last two starts (eight runs allowed, 10 1/3 innings) as he was in his first two major league starts (10 1/3 scoreless innings, seven hits given up). The 24-year-old Venezuelan struck out a season-high six over 4 2/3 innings while giving up two runs and four hits in a no-decision against Minnesota last time out. Chirinos faced the Red Sox in his first two big-league appearances, yielding four hits across nine scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and one walk.

Price suffered his second loss in three starts last Sunday when he surrendered four runs on nine hits over 7 2/3 innings at Oakland in a 4-1 setback. The 32-year-old Vanderbilt product limited the Rays to seven hits in 14 scoreless innings in two starts to open the season, but has walked 10 batters in his last four outings (20 2/3 innings). Carlos Gomez (0-for-20) and Denard Span (1-for-12) have had trouble with Price, who is 4-3 with a 3.09 ERA in 11 appearances (10 starts) against his former team.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston UTIL Brock Holt (left hamstring strain) was placed on the 10-day disabled list to make room for Bogaerts.

2. Tampa Bay 3B Matt Duffy (hamstring) returned to the lineup Friday after missing seven games and went 1-for-5.

3. Red Sox RHP Craig Kimbrel, who has given up one run in 11 games, is two saves shy of becoming the 29th player to reach 300 in major league history.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 5, Rays 2
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Preview: Rangers at Blue Jays
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

The Texas Rangers have a chance to secure their first three-game winning streak of the season when they continue a three-game series against the host Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday. Joey Gallo homered to cap a four-run first inning and rookie Ronald Guzman snapped a tie with a two-run base hit in the sixth as the Rangers took the series opener 6-4 on Friday.

Nomar Mazara had three hits and two RBIs for Texas and he has driven in 10 runs over the last 10 games after going 13 consecutive contests without an RBI. The Blue Jays are 2-6 over their last eight games and have dropped three in a row by a combined four runs. Justin Smoak had four of their 10 hits in Friday's loss after slugging his third home run of the season in a 5-4 setback against the Boston Red Sox the night before. Toronto gives the ball to Jaime Garcia on Saturday opposite the ageless Bartolo Colon, who is still seeking his first victory in a Texas uniform despite a 2.59 ERA.

TV: 4:07 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), Sportsnet One (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (0-0, 2.59 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Jaime Garcia (2-1, 4.57)

After flirting with a perfect game and finishing with 7 2/3 dominant innings at Houston on April 15, Colon gave up four runs in 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision against Seattle six days later. He owns a 2.79 ERA and has limited opponents to a .221 average through his first three starts with Texas. The 44-year-old, who threw two scoreless innings of relief against the Blue Jays earlier in the season, is 12-7 with a 4.14 ERA in 29 career starts against Toronto.

Garcia opened the year with six solid innings against the Chicago White Sox but he failed to complete six frames in each of his next three outings. He allowed 10 runs in 15 2/3 innings in that span and has served up at least one home run in all four of his starts. The 31-year-old from Mexico got the win April 8 in Texas after yielding three runs over 5 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers C Robinson Chirinos (wrist) has missed two straight games but is expected to return Saturday.

2. Gallo is 5-for-7 with three runs scored during the two-game winning streak.

3. Blue Jays RHP John Axford was activated from the bereavement list Friday and came on to throw two scoreless innings in the loss.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 5, Rangers 4
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Preview: Mariners at Indians
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

Slugger Edwin Encarnacion could be starting to break out of an early-season slump and hopes to keep it going when his Cleveland Indians host the Seattle Mariners on Saturday afternoon for the third of a four-game series. Encarnacion, batting .180 overall, was one of five Indians to go deep in a 6-5 victory Friday to extend his hitting streak to six games and he boasts two blasts while registering an RBI in each of his last four games.

Michael Brantley, who has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games, and fellow All-Star Francisco Lindor each had two of Cleveland’s 10 extra-base hits Friday as the Indians evened their record at 2-2 on a giant 11-game homestand. Carlos Carrasco goes for a team-high fifth victory when he takes the mound for Cleveland on Saturday while veteran right-hander Mike Leake will try to turn his fortunes around after a pair of rough starts for Seattle. The Mariners took the opener of the four-game series 5-4 on Thursday and got a three-run homer in the ninth inning from Mike Zunino to give themselves a chance, but dropped to 5-3 on their 10-game road trip. Right fielder Mitch Haniger has five homers and 11 RBIs over his last eight games for Seattle after belting a two-run shot off two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber on Friday.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, ROOT Sports Northwest (Seattle), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Mike Leake (2-2, 6.59 ERA) vs. Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (4-0, 2.31)

Leake began the season with three solid starts, including a win against Cleveland, but has been pounded for 13 runs on 19 hits over 9 1/3 innings in his last two trips to the mound. The 30-year-old Arizona State product, who registered two quality starts in his first three appearances of 2018, gave up eight runs over 3 1/3 innings last time out against the struggling Chicago White Sox. Lindor is 3-for-9 versus Leake, who is 3-2 with a 3.72 ERA in eight career starts against the Indians.

Carrasco has strung together four quality starts and limited Baltimore to one run on six hits and two walks over 7 1/3 innings to earn his fourth win Monday. The 31-year-old Venezuelan allowed five runs across 5 2/3 innings to gain the victory in his season debut at Seattle and yielded four runs total in four outings since - totaling 29 1/3 frames. Robinson Cano is 9-for-23 with two homers and two doubles against Carrasco, who is 4-2 with a 3.49 ERA in seven outings (six starts) versus Seattle.

WALK-OFFS

1. Seattle 3B Kyle Seager was 1-for-3 while scoring twice Friday and is batting .376 in his career at Cleveland.

2. Cleveland 1B Yonder Alonso has homered in back-to-back games and went deep four times in his last seven contests.

3. Mariners RHP Edwin Diaz is 11-for-11 in saves to lead the league and has struck out 25 of the 53 batters he faced.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Mariners 2
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Preview: Braves at Phillies
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

Odubel Herrera continues to reach base, and the Philadelphia Phillies center fielder looks like he has found his power stroke entering the middle contest of a three-game home series with the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. Herrera extended his streak of reaching base to 27 consecutive games - dating back to last season - with a pair of homers in Friday’s 7-3 victory, driving in four runs to extend his hitting streak to 10 games.

Herrera, who now has homered 12 times in 61 career games against the Braves, had hit just one longball in 85 at-bats this season before he cranked a three-run shot in the first inning as Philadelphia rallied from an early 3-0 deficit. Atlanta rookie left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. collected the second multi-hit game in his third major-league game, finishing 2-for-4 with a double and a RBI, and is 6-for-13 since being promoted from the minor leagues. The Braves finished with three doubles, extending their single-season franchise record for most two-base hits in April (60). It is a familiar pitching matchup as Atlanta’s Mike Foltynewicz and Philadelphia’s Nick Pivetta meet for the third time in the season’s opening five weeks.

TV: 6:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS South (Atlanta), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (1-1, 2.77 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (1-0, 2.57)

Foltynewicz struggled with his control and needed 103 pitches to last just 4 2/3 innings Monday at Cincinnati, getting a no-decision after walking four and striking out seven with two runs allowed. He has walked four hitters in each of his past two starts (10 2/3 innings) after issuing only five in his first three outings (15 1/3 innings). Foltynewicz has allowed three earned runs with 15 strikeouts in 11 innings against the Phillies in two appearances this season.

Pivetta has pitched well through the season’s first month even though he only has one decision in five starts. He struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings Sunday against Pittsburgh, giving up two runs on five hits with two walks - his first two free passes since his season debut against Atlanta on March 30. Pivetta has pitched nine innings in two starts against the Braves this season, giving up four earned runs with five strikeouts and 10 hits allowed.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia C Jorge Alfaro snapped a 1-for-17 skid with three hits and three RBIs in the series opener.

2. Atlanta activated C Tyler Flowers - who suffered an oblique injury in his initial at-bat on Opening Day against the Phillies - was activated from the disabled list before Friday’s game.

3. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins singled in his first plate appearance Friday, becoming the first Phillies player to post a .500 on-base percentage through the first 100 plate appearances of a season since Von Hayes in 1989.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 4
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Preview: Cardinals at Pirates
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

Considering a 1-7 stretch over the previous 1 1/2 weeks dampened their spirits following an 11-4 start, the Pittsburgh Pirates picked a fine time to post their first two walk-off wins of the season in succession. The Pirates take aim at a fourth straight victory overall on Saturday, when they continue their three-game series against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals.

Pittsburgh dropped a 13-10 decision on Wednesday for its fifth straight loss in the first game of a doubleheader against Detroit before stopping its slide in the nightcap. The Pirates notched their second straight win over the Tigers the next day, when Corey Dickerson ended a scoreless tie with a solo shot in the bottom of the ninth inning, and Pittsburgh kept the good late-inning vibes going in Friday's opener when Starling Marte delivered a tiebreaking RBI single in the bottom of the 11th to complete a late rally and beat the Cardinals. The setback for St. Louis was only its third in 13 contests, but the club has to be a bit concerned about its bullpen after closer Greg Holland coughed up a three-run lead in the ninth while failing to record an out. Marcell Ozuna has settled into a nice groove recently for the Cardinals, however, going 6-for-15 with five RBIs over his last three games.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (0-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (3-1, 2.15)

Entering his seventh big-league start, Flaherty will try to nail down his first career victory while taking his second turn of 2018 in place of the injured Adam Wainwright. The Cardinals' 2014 first-round draft pick was sharp in his season debut at Milwaukee on April 3, allowing one run and six hits while striking out nine over five innings. Flaherty won all three of his starts at Triple-A Memphis since his demotion on April 4, posting a 2.25 ERA and 22 strikeouts across 20 innings.

Williams allowed only one hit and tied a career high with seven strikeouts in six frames Sunday at Philadelphia, but he was tagged for two runs in a no-decision in large part because he issued five free passes for the second time this season. The 26-year-old Arizona State product is tied for 12th in the majors in walks (15), offsetting the fact he has produced four quality starts in five tries so far. Williams had no luck in solving the Cardinals last season, going 0-2 with an 8.78 ERA in three starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cardinals are the only team in the majors that has failed to hit a triple.

2. The Pirates on Friday won for the first time in 11 tries this season when trailing after eight innings.

3. Pittsburgh is hitting .300 as a team with 18 homers and 79 runs scored in its last 14 home games against St. Louis.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Pirates 2
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Preview: Tigers at Orioles
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

Muddling through their worst 25-game start since going 0-21 to open the 1988 season, the Baltimore Orioles snapped a more modest skid in the opener of a three-game series against the visiting Detroit Tigers. After halting a five-game slide Friday, Baltimore has a chance to win back-to-back games for only the second time this season in Saturday's middle game.

Pedro Alvarez belted a pair of homers and Manny Machado added a solo shot as the Orioles rolled to a 6-0 victory in the series opener for only their second win in the last 13 games. It was the first shutout win of the year for Baltimore, which was battered for 23 runs in a three-game sweep in Detroit last week. The Tigers scored 13 runs at Pittsburgh in the opener of their six-game road trip but have seen their offense dry up in losing three in a row. Detroit managed two hits in Friday's loss -- its second straight by shutout -- and has not scored in the last 22 innings.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (2-1, 3.13 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (1-3, 3.60)

Liriano permitted only two hits last time out against the Kansas City Royals but was charged with the loss after a reliever served up a grand slam two batters after he departed. He beat the Orioles in his previous turn, striking out a season-high seven and permitting two runs and five hits over five innings. Liriano has been unable to solve Orioles center field Adam Jones, who is 10-for-27 with three homers against him.

Cashner's string of three straight quality starts was halted last time out when he was touched for four runs and eight hits over six innings in a home loss to Cleveland. He also took the loss at Detroit in his previous turn after giving up three runs and seven hits in six innings. Cashner has been victimized by the long ball, surrendering six homers in his five starts, including a two-run shot to Detroit's Victor Martinez.

WALK-OFFS

1. Machado has homered six times in the past eight games, with three coming against Detroit.

2. Tigers OF JaCoby Jones is 0-for-8 in his last three since his seven-game hitting streak was snapped.

3. Orioles LH Richard Bleier pitched a scoreless inning Friday to lower his ERA to 0.54.

PREDICTION: Orioles 5, Tigers 3
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Preview: Rockies at Marlins
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

The Colorado Rockies overcame a major scare in the opener of their nine-game road trip and will look to extend their winning streak to a season-high four games Saturday against the Miami Marlins. Rockies starter Tyler Anderson exited in the second inning while dealing with discomfort but Colorado's bullpen cobbled together 7 2/3 scoreless innings in a 1-0 victory.

Anderson told reporters after the game that he felt light-headed and dizzy but was checked out by doctors and did not have an irregular heartbeat. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu also exited the game in the fourth inning due to tightness in his right hamstring for Colorado, which improved to 10-5 on the road. After winning back-to-back games for the first time this season to close out a nine-game road trip, Miami was blanked for the fourth time to fall to a National League-worst 3-10 at home. Marlins third baseman Martin Prado (knee) was activated off the disabled list and went 0-for-4 in his first game since July 17.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH German Marquez (1-2, 6.14 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Caleb Smith (0-3, 5.82)

Marquez's struggles at Coors Field continued when he was pounded for six runs over 3 1/3 innings in a loss to the Chicago Cubs last time out. He was solid at Pittsburgh in his previous turn with six innings of two-run ball to earn his first win and also pitched well on the road in the season opener, limiting Arizona to one unearned run in five innings. Marquez lost his lone career start at Marlins Park, giving up five runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Smith rebounded from his worst performance of the season with his best, suffering a hard-luck loss last time out despite striking out 10 and limiting Milwaukee to two runs on two hits over six innings. He lasted only 2 1/3 innings in his previous turn at the New York Yankees and was reached for five runs on five hits. Smith has given up a homer in four of his five starts while allowing a total of 15 walks over 21 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies LF Gerardo Parra went 2-for-3 in his return from a four-game suspension.

2. Marlins 2B Starlin Castro has hit safely in six straight games.

3. Rockies RHP Wade Davis picked up his NL-leading 10th save Friday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 5, Marlins 4
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Preview: Athletics at Astros
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

The Oakland Athletics attempt to continue their success in the Lone Star State when they visit the Houston Astros on Saturday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Oakland began its nine-game road trip by winning two of three at Texas and rolled to an 8-1 victory in Houston on Friday in the series opener.

The Athletics launched three home runs off Dallas Keuchel while Sean Manaea spun another gem following up his no-hitter in Boston last Saturday with a seven-inning performance during which he allowed an unearned run and four hits. Marcus Semien is riding a six-game hitting streak that includes five two-hit efforts and has scored at least one run in six straight contests. Houston has gotten off to a rough start on its 10-game homestand, losing three of the first four games. Jose Altuve, who has won the American League batting title in three of the last four seasons, registered one of the team's five hits on Friday. The reigning AL MVP has been held without a hit in only four of his 27 games this year.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Daniel Mengden (2-2, 3.86 ERA) vs. Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (3-1, 4.67)

Mengden produced his second straight strong performance on Sunday but settled for a no-decision against Boston despite giving up just one run and six hits over 6 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old native of Houston allowed the same amount of runs and hits over eight frames in his previous turn versus the Chicago White Sox but came away with his first victory in 11 career home decisions. Mengden has made four starts against Houston but has yet to win, going 0-2 with a 6.33 ERA.

McCullers is looking to win his third consecutive start after allowing two runs and nine hits with 14 strikeouts over 13 innings in triumphs at Seattle and the Chicago White Sox. The 24-year-old Floridian has had just one turn at home this season - a loss to San Diego on April 6 in which he yielded three runs - two earned - and seven hits over five frames. McCullers has posted a 1-1 record and 4.95 ERA in four career starts against the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics OF Mark Canha has hit safely in 11 of his 14 games this season.

2. Houston SS Carlos Correa has gone 17-for-39 during his 11-game hitting streak.

3. Prior to the opener, Oakland placed Ryan Buchter (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list, recalled fellow LHP Danny Coulombe from Triple-A Nashville and activated RHP Yusmeiro Petit from the bereavement list.

PREDICTION: Astros 6, Athletics 3
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Preview: White Sox at Royals (Game 2)
Gracenote
Apr 28, 2018

Matt Davidson looks to continue his assault against Kansas City pitching when the Chicago White Sox visit the Royals on Saturday for a doubleheader that is part of a five-game series. Davidson went deep twice on Friday for the second straight game and has belted seven homers at Kauffman Stadium this season, breaking the single-season record by an opponent.

Davidson's power surge in Kansas City has come in just four games and he surpassed three players who hit six shots - Jacque Jones (2002), Jose Valentin (2003) and Carlos Santana (2014). The 27-year-old also became just the fifth player in franchise history to have back-to-back multi-homer performances, joining Zeke Bonura (1934), Greg Norton (1999), Joe Crede (2008) and Carlos Quentin (2010). Davidson's second blast on Friday was a tiebreaking two-run shot in the 11th inning of a 7-4 victory as the White Sox won for just the fourth time in 18 games and improved to 4-0 against Kansas City this season. Chicago is just 7-16 on the campaign while the Royals have lost 14 of their last 16 to drop to an American League-worst 5-19.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: TBA vs. Royals LH Eric Skoglund (0-2, 8.59 ERA)

Chicago hasn't announced a starter for the second contest of the doubleheader, so it would be no surprise to see it dip into Triple-A Charlotte's rotation for a designated 26th man. Right-hander Dylan Covey (2-1, 2.95 ERA) hasn't pitched since Sunday, but the 26-year-old struggled while with the White Sox last season by going 0-7 with a 7.71 ERA in 18 appearances (12 starts). Another possibility is 28-year-old right-hander Donn Roach (3-0, 1.88), who last started on Monday, but only two of his 21 major-league appearances have come in a starting role.

Skoglund has been roughed up in each of his previous three starts this season and has allowed opposing batters to hit .300. The 25-year-old lost to Detroit in his last turn as he gave up four runs and four hits over five innings. Skoglund lasted just three frames in his lone career start against the White Sox as he surrendered three runs - two earned - and five hits on Sept. 13.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu (flu-like symptoms) was back in the lineup Friday after a one-game absence and went 1-for-5.

2. Kansas City 3B Mike Moustakas has recorded two hits in each of the first two games of the series and at least one hit in 17 of his last 18 contests.

3. Chicago LF Nicky Delmonico (neck) has missed the first two games of the series but is expected to be available on Saturday.

PREDICTION: Royals 8, White Sox 7
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