MLB Betting News and Trends For Thursday 6/21/18

National League
Mets (31-40) @ Rockies (36-38)
Matz is 2-1, 1.88 in his last five starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 7-6.
5-inning record: 5-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Freeland is 2-2, 4.31 in his last five starts (under 10-4). Team in his starts: 7-7.
5-inning record: 7-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-14

Mets won three of their last five games; over is 3-0 in their last three games. Colorado lost nine of its last 13 games, but won last two; over is 17-1 in their last 18 games.

Diamondbacks (40-33) @ Pirates (36-37)
Godley is 2-0, 2.92 in his last two starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-6
5-inning record: 7-7. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14

Kuhl is 1-1, 3.63 in his last three starts; his last five stayed under. Team in his starts: 8-6.
5-inning record: 6-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-14

Arizona lost three of its last four games; they’re 9-3 in road series openers. Over is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. Pittsburgh won four of its last six games; under is 4-1 in their last five games.

Cubs (42-29) @ Reds (28-45)
Hendricks is 1-3, 4.71 in his last four starts; under is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 5-9
5-inning record: 3-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-14

Harvey is 0-3, 7.17 in his last four starts (over 3-2-2). Team in his starts: 3-4
5-inning record: 4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-7

Cubs won four of their last six games; they’re 9-2 in road series openers. Chicago’s last four games stayed under. Reds won their last three games; over is 6-1-1 in their last eight home games. Cincinnati is 5-7 in home series openers.

Cardinals (38-34) @ Brewers (43-30)
Martinez is 0-3, 7.13 in his last four starts; over is 2-0-1 in his last three. Team in his starts: 6-5.
5-inning record: 4-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11

Suter is 5-1, 3.24 in his last six starts (over 6-0); Brewers scored 50 runs in those five wins. Team in his starts: 7-6

Cardinals lost six of their last eight games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten road games. St Louis is 5-6 in road series openers. Brewers are 6-8 in their last 14 games, 5-6 in home series openers; under is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Padres (34-42) @ Giants (37-38)
Ross is 1-1, 4.98 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 9-5.
5-inning record: 8-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-14

Bumgarner is 0-2, 4.67 in three starts this year (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 0-3.
5-inning record: 1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

San Diego lost its last four games; they’re 1-15 in last 16 series openers. Under is 9-2 in their last 11 road games. Giants won three of their last four games; over is 5-1 in their last six home games. SF is 7-4 in home series openers.

American League
Mariners (46-28) @ New York (49-22)
Paxton is 4-0, 3.55 in his last six starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-5.
5-inning record: 7-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Severino is 5-1, 2.15 in his last seven starts; under is 8-2-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 13-2.
5-inning record: 11-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Seattle lost its last three games; over is 6-1-1 in their last eight road games. New York won six of its last eight games; under is 12-2-1 in their last 15 games.

Red Sox (49-26) @ Twins (33-37)
Porcello is 2-2, 5.97 in his last five starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-4
5-inning record: 9-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-15

Gibson is 1-1, 1.69 in his last four starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 7-7
5-inning record: 7-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Red Sox lost four of their last five games; under is 11-4 in their last 15 games. Minnesota won four of its last five games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine home games.

A’s (38-36) @ White Sox (24-49)
Bassitt is 0-2, 5.73 in two starts this year (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 0-2.
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Giolito is 1-3, 8.75 in his last five starts (under 8-6). Team in his starts: 5-9.
5-inning record: 3-10-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

A’s won their last four games; they’re 7-2 in last nine road series openers. Seven of last eight Oakland games went over the total. White Sox lost their last seven games; under is 15-2-2 in their last 19 games. Chicago is 4-7 in home series openers.

Blue Jays (34-39) @ Angels (39-35)
Sanchez is 1-0, 2.95 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-8
5-inning record: 3-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Skaggs is 3-0, 1.35 in his last three starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 8-6.
5-inning record: 8-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Toronto won four of its last five games but is 1-8 in last nine road games, 6-6 in road series openers. Over is 4-1 in their last five games. Angels lost seven of their last nine games; they’re 5-2 in last seven home series openers. Over is 6-0-1 in their last seven games.

Interleague
Orioles (21-51) @ Nationals (39-33)
Gausman is 0-3, 7.97 in his last four starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 4-10
5-inning record:5-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Scherzer is 3-2, 2.57 in his last five starts, losing last two 2-0/2-0. His last four starts stayed under the total. Team in his starts: 11-4
5-inning record: 9-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Baltimore lost 10 of its last 12 games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Nationals are 6-11 in their last 17 games; over is 7-5 in their last 12 games.

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Preview: Mariners at Yankees
Gracenote
Jun 21, 2018

Two pitchers in contention for a spot on the American League All-Star team square off Thursday afternoon, when the New York Yankees look to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Seattle Mariners in the series finale. New York's Luis Severino is attempting to join Cleveland's Corey Kluber as the major leagues' only 11-game winners and ranks seventh with 118 strikeouts, with Seattle's James Paxton ninth at 115.

Severino has emerged as New York's ace by compiling a 24-8 record since the start of the 2017 campaign, and Paxton is well aware it will be a challenging afternoon. "You go out there knowing he's going to be pretty good," Paxton said during a television interview prior to Wednesday's game. "So you have to be pretty good as well. At the same time, it's just like every other game. I don't go out there and take my foot off the gas pedal, no matter who I'm facing." Giancarlo Stanton smacked a game-winning two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning in Wednesday's 7-5 triumph as the Yankees overcame a 5-0 deficit. Gary Sanchez hit a two-run shot in the eighth to forge a tie as New York moved a season-best 27 games above .500.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH James Paxton (6-1, 3.53 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Luis Severino (10-2, 2.09)

Paxton is coming off his shortest start of the season at 2 1/3 innings as he escaped with a no-decision after being roughed up by Boston for six runs and six hits. The 29-year-old has won his last six decisions after suffering his only loss of the year against Cleveland in his season debut. Paxton has struck out 10 or more batters on five occasions and has issued fewer than two walks nine times.

Severino has won eight of his last nine decisions and has given up fewer than three runs in 12 of his 15 outings. The 24-year-old was superb while beating Tampa Bay in his last turn, when he struck out nine and allowed three hits over eight scoreless innings. Severino is 1-1 with a 2.84 ERA in two career starts against the Mariners, with the loss coming at Yankee Stadium on April 15, 2016.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Yankees have won nine of their last 11 meetings with the Mariners and 18 of the last 24.

2. New York CF Brett Gardner (knee) is slated to miss his fifth straight game, but the team still believes he will avoid a stint on the disabled list.

3. Seattle DH Nelson Cruz has recorded eight homers and 14 RBIs in June after entering the month with 10 blasts.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Mariners 1
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Preview: Red Sox at Twins
Gracenote
Jun 21, 2018

The Minnesota Twins have had their way with two of the best teams in the American League in the past week and look to complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Boston Red Sox on Thursday afternoon. The Twins took two of three at AL Central-leading Cleveland last weekend before winning the first two games from Boston after Robbie Grossman and Max Kepler homered in a 4-1 victory Wednesday.

All-Star Game candidate Eddie Rosario added a pair of hits in the triumph for Minnesota and is 12-for-32 over his last eight games while improving his career batting average against the Red Sox to .322 in 18 contests. Snakebit right-hander Kyle Gibson will try to string together a pair of victories for the first time this season when he takes the mound for the Twins in the finale against 2016 AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello. Boston is 2-for-22 with runners in scoring position in the series, including 0-for-9 in Wednesday’s setback, to fall two games behind the first-place New York Yankees in the AL East after losing four of five. Mookie Betts snapped out of a 3-for-18 swoon with a pair of hits in the loss for the Red Sox to raise his average to .340 - second in the majors.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NESN (Boston), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (8-3, 3.70 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (2-4, 3.27)

Porcello gave up four runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts over six innings last Friday in a no-decision after posting three consecutive quality starts. The 29-year-old New Jersey native was 5-0 with a 2.14 ERA through May 4, but is 3-3 over the last eight starts with a 5.28 mark. Brian Dozier is just 8-for-40 but has launched three homers against Porcello, who is 10-10 with a 3.90 ERA in 29 starts versus Minnesota.

Gibson put an end to a 12-game winless stretch last Friday by limiting Cleveland to one run on three hits and four walks across seven innings in a 6-3 triumph. The 30-year-old Indiana native owns seven quality starts in his last 10 outings, but is just 1-3 during that stretch. Betts (4-for-8) and J.D. Martinez (9-for-25) have each homered twice versus Gibson, who is 1-2 with a 3.08 ERA in four career games against Boston.

WALK-OFFS

1. Martinez is tied for second in the majors with 22 homers, but registered just one along with one RBI in his last 10 contests.

2. Minnesota RHP Fernando Rodney notched his 316th career save Wednesday, moving within two of Rick Aguilera for 20th in major league history.

3. Red Sox 1B Mitch Moreland scored the 400th run of his career in Wednesday’s loss and is 4-for-11 in the last three games.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, Red Sox 3
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Preview: Mets at Rockies
Gracenote
Jun 21, 2018

The Colorado Rockies have hit double digits in runs in three of their last four contests and look to make it three in a row against the visiting New York Mets when they complete their four-game set on Thursday afternoon. Colorado scored a dozen times in a loss at Texas on Sunday and have followed a 12-2 loss in the series opener with a pair of 10-8 triumphs.

The clubs went back and forth in Wednesday's contest before pinch-hitter Ryan McMahon belted a three-run homer in the fifth inning to give the Rockies a 9-8 edge. Nolan Arenado has gone 5-for-9 with two blasts and four RBIs in his last two games while Gerardo Parra is 7-for-12 with seven RBIs in his last three contests. Dominic Smith fell a homer shy of the cycle in the loss for the Mets, who are 3-6 on their 10-game road trip. Brandon Nimmo is riding a five-game hitting streak during which he has gone 11-for-24 with three blasts and eight RBIs.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (3-4, 3.31 ERA) vs. Rockies LH Kyle Freeland (6-6, 3.59)

Matz is coming off a victory at Arizona on Saturday in which he allowed one run and six hits over 6 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old New Yorker has given up three earned runs or fewer in all but one of his 13 starts this season and has served up a homer in just one of his last five turns. Matz fell to 0-3 with a 6.50 ERA in four career starts against Colorado on May 5 despite yielding only one run and three hits in six frames.

Freeland matched his season high by working seven innings at Texas on Saturday but came away without a decision after allowing two runs and eight hits. The 25-year-old native of Denver is 3-2 in five turns at home this season but has posted a 2.93 ERA - more than a full run lower than his mark on the road. Freeland, who tossed three scoreless innings in relief at New York as a rookie last year, gave up two runs and four hits over seven frames en route to victory in his first career start versus the Mets on May 6 at Citi Field.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets 2B Asdrubal Cabrera enters the series finale with a five-game hitting streak that includes four straight two-hit performances.

2. Colorado has given up at least eight runs in nine consecutive home games, joining the 1894 St. Louis Browns as the only teams in major-league history to accomplish the dubious feat.

3. New York recalled Chris Flexen from Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday and optioned fellow RHP Hansel Robles to the 51s.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Rockies 3
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Preview: Orioles at Nationals
Gracenote
Jun 21, 2018

The Baltimore Orioles had to wait for it, but they finally got a win over their regional rivals. After snapping a six-game slide against the Washington Nationals, the Orioles will try to make it two straight when the teams wrap up a three-game interleague set in the nation's capital Thursday.

The teams endured a rain delay of nearly three hours Wednesday night before Baltimore finished off a 3-0 win, its second triumph in four days following a nine-game losing streak. Mark Trumbo's two-run homer prior to the rain delay was all the Orioles would need as five pitchers combined on a five-hitter. Nationals star Bryce Harper continued his slide with four hitless trips to the plate, falling to 2-for-32 over a nine-game span. Washington ace Max Scherzer gets the start Thursday for the hosts as he attempts to duplicate a dominant outing at Baltimore on May 30, when he yielded two hits and fanned 12 in eight scoreless innings.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Kevin Gausman (3-6, 4.48 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (10-3, 2.06)

Gausman is 0-4 with a 6.61 ERA over his last six starts - all of which Baltimore has lost. He's been more competitive in his last two outings and limited the Miami Marlins to two runs with seven strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings on Friday. Trea Turner is 3-for-3 against the LSU product, who gave up 10 runs on 16 hits and three walks over 10 innings in his first two career starts at Nationals Park.

Scherzer has been on the wrong end of back-to-back 2-0 losses, allowing just four total runs and striking out 19 across 13 innings over that span. Prior to the two-game losing streak, the three-time Cy Young Award winner had won nine consecutive decisions - including the appearance at Camden Yards that left him 6-2 with a 2.87 ERA against the Orioles. Adam Jones is 13-for-32 with four homers and three doubles against Scherzer, while Manny Machado and Trumbo are a combined 3-for-41 with 21 strikeouts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon is 11-for-21 over his last six games.

2. Washington placed IB/OF Matt Adams on the 10-day disabled list due to a broken finger.

3. Baltimore optioned INF Corban Joseph to Double-A Bowie to make room on the roster for RHP Andrew Cashner, who came off the DL to start Wednesday's game.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Orioles 2
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Preview: Diamondbacks at Pirates
Gracenote
Jun 20, 2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks took two of three against the Pittsburgh Pirates at home last week and aim to start the rematch off on a good note when the teams open a four-game set in the Steel City on Thursday. The Diamondbacks scored 22 runs in winning the first two matchups with the Pirates before falling 5-4 in the finale.

Paul Goldschmidt was 4-for-12 with three walks in that series for Arizona and homered in four of the next six games as he continues his turnaround following a difficult start. The five-time All-Star is 0-for-1 with a walk against Chad Kuhl, who gets the nod in the opener for the Pirates. Kuhl was scheduled to start Wednesday's series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers but heavy downpours at PNC Park forced a postponement, and Pittsburgh elected to push everyone in its rotation back a day. The Pirates have won four of their last six following a 4-13 stretch.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (7-5, 4.77 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Chad Kuhl (5-4, 3.76)

Godley won his last two outings, allowing two runs and striking out eight both times in victories over the Colorado Rockies and New York Mets. He spun a quality start at Pittsburgh last season in his only prior start against the Pirates. The 28-year-old is 3-4 with a 6.53 ERA in eight road starts this year.

Kuhl secured his first win in a span of seven starts after limiting the Cincinnati Reds to one earned run over six innings on Friday. He has held opponents to three earned runs or fewer in seven of his last eight starts. The 25-year-old yielded two runs and three hits across five frames in his one prior career start against Arizona.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks OF Jon Jay was 2-for-5 in Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels and is batting .326 in 12 games since being traded from Kansas City.

2. Pirates LF Corey Dickerson was placed on the family medical emergency list Wednesday and IF/OF Adam Frazier was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.

3. Pittsburgh SS Jordy Mercer is hitting .313 at home and .211 on the road.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Diamondbacks 4
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Preview: Cubs at Reds
Gracenote
Jun 20, 2018

Kyle Schwarber has answered a dismal 0-for-15 stretch with a flourish, homering three times to highlight a run in which he's hit safely in six of his last seven games. Schwarber aims to continue his good fortune on Thursday as the Cubs (42-29) begin an eight-game road trip with the opener of a four-game series versus the Cincinnati Reds (28-45).

Schwarber homered for the second time in as many games and Javier Baez collected three extra-base hits (two doubles, triple) and scored twice in Wednesday's 4-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Kris Bryant extended his hitting streak to four games with a pair of singles for the Cubs, who have won 17 of their last 25 to jockey with Milwaukee atop the National League Central. Cellar-dwelling Cincinnati has emerged victorious in three straight, with Scooter Gennett pushing his hitting streak to four games after belting a tying two-run homer in Wednesday's 5-3 win over Detroit. "The way we're playing right now is how we expected to play all year. It's a lot of fun," said Gennett, who is 8-for-31 in his career versus Thursday starter Kyle Hendricks.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (5-6, 3.55 ERA) vs. Reds RH Matt Harvey (1-5, 5.92)

Hendricks snapped a three-start losing skid on Saturday after allowing three runs and four walks over six innings in a 6-3 victory at St. Louis. The 28-year-old was taken deep for the fifth straight contest, with seven of the 14 homers he's permitted coming in the first inning. Hendricks kept the ball in the park against Cincinnati on May 19 but walked away with a no-decision after yielding four runs on six hits in five inning

Harvey fell to 0-3 in his last four trips to the mound on Friday despite allowing three runs on four hits in five innings of a 3-2 setback at Pittsburgh. "I'm just frustrated about the whole outing," the 29-year-old said. "It was kind of a struggle the whole time. To have the lead going into the sixth inning and letting two guys get home is unacceptable and something I'm (upset) about." Harvey kept the ball in the park after being taken deep on three occasions versus St. Louis on June 8.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati is a dismal 8-23 against NL Central representatives.

2. Cubs RF Jason Heyward is just 2-for-12 this season versus the Reds.

3. Cincinnati 1B Joey Votto is 3-for-18 with five strikeouts against Chicago in 2018.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Reds 1
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Preview: Athletics at White Sox
Gracenote
Jun 20, 2018

The Oakland Athletics got a lot of mileage out of the long ball as they completed a two-game interleague sweep of the San Diego Padres to kick off a 10-game road trip. Riding a four-game winning streak, the Athletics look to keep the momentum going when they visit the skidding Chicago White Sox on Thursday in the opener of a four-game set.

Oakland cracked back-to-back homers in back-to-back innings Wednesday and went deep five times overall in Wednesday's 12-4 rout, ignited by Franklin Barreto's early three-run blast. In the series opener, the Athletics were one strike from defeat before getting a tying solo shot from Stephen Piscotty and a two-run homer from Jed Lowrie in a 10-inning victory. While Oakland is surging, the White Sox are mired in an ugly spiral, matching their longest losing streak of the season with a seven-game slid. Chicago was hammered at Cleveland 12-0 in the finale of a three-game series and was outscored 24-5 by the Indians to drop a season-worst 25 games below .500.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), NBCS Chicago-Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (0-2, 2.45 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (4-7, 7.19)

Bassitt was unable to build on his strong season debut, lasting four innings and giving up six runs (two earned) on seven hits in an 8-4 defeat to the Los Angeles Angels. He was a hard-luck loser against Kansas City on June 9 despite limiting the Royals to one run on three hits over seven innings. Bassitt broke in with the White Sox in 2014, going 1-1 with a 3.94 ERA in six appearances (five starts).

Giolito continues to be plagued by either control problems or the home run ball, giving up a pair of blasts while allowing five runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision versus Detroit last time out. He has allowed at least four runs in four of his last five starts, giving up seven homers and going 1-3 in that span. Giolito has never faced Oakland but is 1-4 with a 11.05 ERA in seven home starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics have homered in 21 consecutive road games, matching a franchise record set in 2013.

2. White Sox 1B Jose Abreu has nine homers and 24 RBIs in 29 career games versus the Athletics.

3. Oakland last hit back-to-back homers in consecutive innings in May 1997, when Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire were on the team.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, White Sox 4
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Preview: Cardinals at Brewers
Gracenote
Jun 21, 2018

The St. Louis Cardinals have a desire to move closer to the top of the National League Central standings, and they have a chance to do that when they open a four-game series against the host Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. The Cardinals are 4 1/2 games behind the Brewers and Chicago Cubs, who are in a virtual tie for first place in the division.

St. Louis' slump has prevented it from moving upward as Wednesday's 4-3 loss to Philadelphia was its sixth in eight games and ninth in the last 15. Yadier Molina went deep twice and recorded three RBIs for his fifth career multi-homer performance, but his two-run blast in the sixth inning was the team's lone hit in eight at-bats with runners in scoring position. Milwaukee had its contest in Pittsburgh on Wednesday postponed by rain after splitting the first two games of the series. Jesus Aguilar is 6-for-13 with three homers and eight RBIs over his last four games and has hit 14 shots overall, two shy of last season's total.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (3-3, 2.73 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Brent Suter (7-4, 4.30)

Martinez has issued 18 walks over just 12 2/3 innings in three starts since returning from a four-week absence due to a lat muscle injury. The 26-year-old is winless over his last four starts, with his most recent victory coming against the Chicago White Sox on May 2. Martinez is 1-0 with a 0.63 ERA in two turns against the Brewers this season and stands 6-4 with a 1.95 ERA in 25 career appearances (14 starts) versus Milwaukee.

Suter was slated to start the rained-out game in Pittsburgh, and the Brewers didn't announce their pitching plans before catching the flight home. The 28-year-old has won six of his last eight decisions, including a victory over the Cardinals on May 28, and is 1-2 with a 4.10 ERA in eight career appearances (four starts) against St. Louis. Right-hander Junior Guerra, who was Thursday's scheduled starter prior to the rainout, owns a 3-5 record and 2.89 ERA but is winless in his last six outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals 1B Jose Martinez (shoulder) received treatment after Wednesday's contest and hopes to play in the series opener.

2. Brewers LF Ryan Braun (thumb) is doubtful after undergoing a cryotherapy injection to relieve nerve pain on Wednesday.

3. St. Louis RHP Michael Wacha (oblique) will undergo an MRI exam on Thursday after working just 3 2/3 innings on Wednesday before leaving.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Brewers 4
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Preview: Blue Jays at Angels
Gracenote
Jun 20, 2018

Mike Trout is no stranger to putting up gaudy numbers, as the two-time American League Most Valuable Player leads the majors in homers (23), runs (60) and on-base percentage (.469). Another number enters into play on Thursday as Trout will play in his 1,000th career contest as the Los Angeles Angels (39-35) open a four-game series versus the visiting Toronto Blue Jays (34-39).

Trout is hitting a staggering 16-for-23 with four homers, nine RBIs and 11 walks during his eight-game hitting streak to boost his June batting average to a robust .448 (26-for-58). "This is not an easy game and this guy makes it look easier and easier every year, so it's a special talent that we're not going to see too many times, so enjoy it now," fellow outfielder Kole Calhoun said. Trout's heroics aside, Los Angeles has emerged victorious in just two of its last nine heading into a tilt with Toronto, which has answered a demoralizing 4-15 stretch by winning nine of its last 15. Former Angel Kendrys Morales celebrated his 35th birthday with a two-run homer in the Blue Jays' 5-4 victory over Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon.

TV: 10:07 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet (Toronto), FS West (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (3-5, 4.35 ERA) vs. Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (6-4, 2.81)

Sanchez recorded his second straight no-decision on Friday despite striking out a season high-tying eight battlers and allowing three runs in six innings against Washington. The 25-year-old California native also received a no-decision in his last encounter versus the Angels on May 23 despite scattering two hits over five frames -- albeit with five walks. Sanchez owns an 0-1 mark with a 2.03 ERA in three career appearances against the Angels, with Justin Upton (5-for-10) and Ian Kinsler (1-for-12) finding themselves on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of success against the hurler.

Skaggs improved to 3-0 with an 0.45 ERA in his last three starts after yielding two runs and striking out eight over seven innings in an 8-4 triumph at Oakland. The 26-year-old owns a 2-2 mark with a 4.11 ERA in five career starts versus Toronto, although he walked away with a no-decision despite surrendering two homers over five frames on May 23. Yangervis Solarte and Devon Travis went deep against Skaggs in that last outing, although the remainder of the Blue Jays are 13-for-51 with 11 strikeouts versus the hurler.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto RHP Marcus Stroman (shoulder) will return from the disabled list to start Saturday's game, manager John Gibbons said on Wednesday.

2. Eight of Kinsler's 10 homers this season have come in his last 20 games.

3. Morales has seven multi-hit performances this month, which matches his total from April and May combined.

PREDICTION: Angels 4, Blue Jays 2
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Preview: Padres at Giants
Gracenote
Jun 20, 2018

San Francisco Giants left-hander Madison Bumgarner is in search of his first win as he makes his fourth start of the season but faces an opponent that has bedeviled him of late. Bumgarner, who missed more than two months due to a broken pinkie suffered in spring training, gets the ball for Thursday's opener of a four-game set versus the San Diego Padres.

Bumgarner has not beaten San Diego since May 17, 2016, going 0-4 in his last six starts against San Francisco's National West Division rival. Gorkys Hernández was 4-for-8 with a homer and five RBIs as the Giants won the last two against Miami to win the opening series on their 10-game homestand. The Padres, in the midst of playing 17 and 19 away from home, were swept in a two-game interleague series by visiting Oakland and have scored seven runs during a four-game skid. Wil Myers could return from the disabled list for San Diego but he is only 5-for-35 in his career against Bumgarner.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Tyson Ross (5-4, 3.51 ERA) vs. Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (0-2, 4.67)

Ross had his six-start unbeaten streak halted at Atlanta despite giving up three runs on only three hits over six innings. It marked the seventh straight start in which the 31-year-old permitted three earned runs or fewer. Brandon Belt is 8-for-21 against Ross, who pitched six innings of one-run ball in a no-decision at San Francisco on May 1 and six innings of one-run ball to beat the Giants on April 13.

Bumgarner pitched six innings for the second time in his three starts but was touched for three runs on five hits while walking four and surrendering two homers in a 3-1 loss at the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has made 30 career starts against the Padres, tying Arizona for the most against any opponent, and is 10-9 with a 3.46 ERA. Hunter Renfroe is 5-for-10 with two homers and four RBIs versus Bumgarner.

WALK-OFFS

1. Padres 3B Christian Villanueva hit his 16th homer Wednesday, ending a 13-game drought.

2. Giants SS Alen Hanson exited Wednesday's game due to a knee contusion.

3. Padres OF Franchy Cordero has a bone spur in the back of his elbow that will likely require surgery.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Padres 3
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MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 21

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NY METS (31 - 40) at COLORADO (36 - 38) - 3:10 PM
STEVEN MATZ (L) vs. KYLE FREELAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 30-40 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 4-14 (-10.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
NY METS are 23-46 (-26.9 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 55-77 (-24.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 112-93 (+33.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
COLORADO is 13-20 (-13.6 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
COLORADO is 7-17 (-10.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-1 (+5.1 Units) against NY METS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)

STEVEN MATZ vs. COLORADO since 1997
MATZ is 0-3 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 6.50 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 0-4 (-5.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+1.9 units)

KYLE FREELAND vs. NY METS since 1997
FREELAND is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 0.714.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)

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ARIZONA (40 - 33) at PITTSBURGH (36 - 37) - 7:05 PM
ZACK GODLEY (R) vs. CHAD KUHL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 130-98 (+32.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing with a day off since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 425-434 (+39.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ARIZONA is 40-33 (+6.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 22-13 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 19-7 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 30-19 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 67-86 (-22.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 2-1 (+0.5 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

ZACK GODLEY vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
GODLEY is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

CHAD KUHL vs. ARIZONA since 1997
KUHL is 0-0 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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CHICAGO CUBS (42 - 29) at CINCINNATI (28 - 45) - 7:10 PM
KYLE HENDRICKS (R) vs. MATT HARVEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1737-1791 (-267.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 445-463 (-92.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1281-1334 (-208.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 74-64 (-19.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 844-783 (-155.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
HENDRICKS is 5-9 (-10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
HENDRICKS is 2-9 (-13.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 64-29 (+21.2 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 11-1 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 96-138 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 8-23 (-13.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CINCINNATI is 407-439 (-103.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
HARVEY is 17-29 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARVEY is 7-18 (-15.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
HARVEY is 16-32 (-20.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-2 (+0.4 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
HENDRICKS is 4-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 3.57 and a WHIP of 1.317.
His team's record is 7-4 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+3.9 units)

MATT HARVEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
HARVEY is 2-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 3.99 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 3-2 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)

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ST LOUIS (38 - 34) at MILWAUKEE (43 - 30) - 8:10 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. BRENT SUTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 43-30 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 29-15 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 35-22 (+14.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 52-42 (+17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 73-54 (+20.0 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 453-409 (+52.6 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 80-103 (-35.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-4 (+1.4 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
MARTINEZ is 6-4 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.29 and a WHIP of 1.210.
His team's record is 9-5 (+2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-5. (+1.9 units)

BRENT SUTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
SUTER is 1-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.31 and a WHIP of 1.230.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)

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SAN DIEGO (34 - 42) at SAN FRANCISCO (37 - 38) - 10:15 PM
TYSON ROSS (R) vs. MADISON BUMGARNER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-38 (+5.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 21-12 (+7.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 76-90 (+9.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 80-78 (+22.3 Units) against the money line in road games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.
SAN DIEGO is 12-7 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
SAN DIEGO is 31-27 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 50-44 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ROSS is 10-4 (+6.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ROSS is 9-2 (+7.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 119-146 (-39.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 128-146 (-42.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 37-55 (-28.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
BUMGARNER is 4-16 (-18.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUMGARNER is 1-11 (-13.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUMGARNER is 3-12 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUMGARNER is 1-8 (-10.6 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUMGARNER is 1-7 (-10.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 4-3 (+1.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

TYSON ROSS vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
ROSS is 4-4 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.92 and a WHIP of 1.330.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-6. (-1.9 units)

MADISON BUMGARNER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BUMGARNER is 10-9 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 3.49 and a WHIP of 1.066.
His team's record is 16-14 (-6.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 16-13. (+1.6 units)

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SEATTLE (46 - 28) at NY YANKEES (49 - 22) - 1:05 PM
JAMES PAXTON (L) vs. LUIS SEVERINO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 169-210 (-57.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 96-164 (-50.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
NY YANKEES are 49-22 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 23-9 (+11.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
SEATTLE is 46-28 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 21-14 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 32-17 (+16.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 18-8 (+9.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY YANKEES is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against SEATTLE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)

JAMES PAXTON vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

LUIS SEVERINO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
SEVERINO is 1-1 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 2.84 and a WHIP of 1.421.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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BOSTON (49 - 26) at MINNESOTA (33 - 37) - 1:10 PM
RICK PORCELLO (R) vs. KYLE GIBSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 709-626 (-74.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 21-28 (-16.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 118-115 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 41-17 (+14.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PORCELLO is 88-48 (+24.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 46-67 (-23.7 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 99-126 (-46.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 281-304 (-61.2 Units) against the money line in home games in day games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 55-83 (-37.5 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 2-0 (+3.1 Units) against BOSTON this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

RICK PORCELLO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
PORCELLO is 10-10 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.90 and a WHIP of 1.341.
His team's record is 14-15 (-7.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 15-13. (+0.2 units)

KYLE GIBSON vs. BOSTON since 1997
GIBSON is 1-2 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 3.08 and a WHIP of 0.721.
His team's record is 1-3 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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OAKLAND (38 - 36) at CHI WHITE SOX (24 - 49) - 8:10 PM
CHRIS BASSITT (R) vs. LUCAS GIOLITO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 31-28 (+17.2 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 181-97 (+43.0 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

CHRIS BASSITT vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BASSITT is 0-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 6.75 and a WHIP of 1.876.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

LUCAS GIOLITO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.

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TORONTO (34 - 39) at LA ANGELS (39 - 35) - 10:05 PM
AARON SANCHEZ (R) vs. TYLER SKAGGS (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 63-80 (-25.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 9-18 (-9.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
TORONTO is 45-64 (-24.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 12-20 (-12.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
LA ANGELS are 13-18 (-9.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against TORONTO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

AARON SANCHEZ vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
SANCHEZ is 0-1 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 2.19 and a WHIP of 1.298.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

TYLER SKAGGS vs. TORONTO since 1997
SKAGGS is 2-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.11 and a WHIP of 1.272.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

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BALTIMORE (21 - 51) at WASHINGTON (39 - 33) - 7:05 PM
KEVIN GAUSMAN (R) vs. MAX SCHERZER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 21-51 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 10-28 (-14.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
BALTIMORE is 13-31 (-17.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 12-34 (-22.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 7-28 (-17.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
GAUSMAN is 14-28 (-14.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GAUSMAN is 13-29 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 17-18 (-12.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
WASHINGTON is 20-24 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 35-30 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 4-1 (+2.1 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.2 Units)

KEVIN GAUSMAN vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GAUSMAN is 3-1 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.70 and a WHIP of 1.435.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

MAX SCHERZER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
SCHERZER is 6-3 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 3.15 and a WHIP of 0.992.
His team's record is 6-6 (-2.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-6. (-1.5 units)
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