MLB Betting News and Trends For Thursday 6/28/18

Thursday’s games
National League
Diamondbacks (46-34) @ Marlins (32-49)
Greinke is 4-1, 3.68 in his last five starts (over 5-0). Team in his starts: 9-7.
5-inning record: 10-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

Richards is 2-2, 4.87 in his last four starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 4-5.
5-inning record: 2-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-9

Arizona is 10-2 in its last 12 road games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six games. Marlins are 9-7 in their last 16 games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games.

Cubs (43-35) @ Dodgers (43-36)
Quintana is 0-2, 4.15 in his last four starts; over is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 9-6
5-inning record: 7-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-15

Kershaw is 0-2, 4.15 in his last five starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 3-6
5-inning record: 4-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-9

Cubs lost seven of their last eight road games; under is 6-4-1 in their last 11 games. Dodgers are 11-4 in their last 15 games; under is 9-4 in their last 13 games.

Rockies (38-42) @ Giants (42-39)
Gray is 2-2, 6.15 in his last five starts (over 5-0). Team in his starts: 7-9
5-inning record: 8-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

Stratton is 1-2, 3.91 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 11-5
5-inning record: 8-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Colorado lost seven of its last nine road games; under is 3-1 in their last four road games. Giants won seven of their last eight games; under is 3-0 in their last three games.

Nationals (41-37) @ Phillies (42-36)
Roark is 0-2, 8.16 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 5-10
5-inning record: 4-9-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

Nola is 3-0, 3.30 in his last five starts; under is 7-2-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 9-5.
5-inning record: 5-5-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Washington lost four of its last five games; they’re 0-4 in last four road series openers. Over is 4-2 in their last six road games. Phillies lost three of last four games, are 8-5 in home series openers- their last four home games stayed under.

Brewers (46-33) @ Reds (34-46)
Guerra is 0-2, 3.22 in his last four starts; Brewers scored 7 runs in those four games. Team in his starts: 7-7
5-inning record: 5-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-14

DeSclafani is 3-0, 3.71 in his last three starts (over 3-0-1). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Brewers are 4-7 in last 11 road games, 8-5 in road series openers; under is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Reds won nine of their last ten games; over is 9-2-2 in their last 13 home games. Cincinnati is 6-7 in home series openers.

American League
A’s (43-38) @ Tigers (36-45)
Manaea is 2-0, 2.66 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-7.
5-inning record: 6-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Fulmer is 1-3, 4.34 in his last five starts; his last three starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 5-10.
5-inning record: 6-6-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-15

A’s won nine of their last 11 games; over is 11-3 in their last 14 games. Detroit lost its last eight games; under is 7-3 in their last ten home games.

Twins (34-42) @ White Sox (28-51)
Odorizzi is 0-3, 8.10 in his last four starts; under is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-10
5-inning record: 6-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Giolito is 1-1, 6.75 in his last three starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-9
5-inning record: 4-10-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-15

Minnesota lost five of its last six games; over is 6-4-1 in their last 11 games. White Sox lost nine of their last 13 games; six of Chicago’s last seven games went over the total.

Mariners (50-31) @ Orioles (23-56)
Leake is 3-1, 2.57 in his last four starts (over 3-0-1). Team in his starts: 12-4
5-inning record: 8-4-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-16

Yacabonis is making his first MLB start; he is 2-0, 5.48 in 16 MLB relief stints, and is 3-2, 3.14 in 13 AAA starts this season. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Seattle won its last three games; over is 8-5-2 in their last 15 road games. Orioles lost their last four games; under is 4-2-1 in their last seven home games.

Angels (41-40) @ Red Sox (54-27)
Barria is 0-2, 6.43 in his last three starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-5
5-inning record: 6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10

Johnson allowed one run in six IP (82 PT) in his first ’18 start. Team in his starts: 1-0
5-inning record: 1-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Angels lost their last five games; under is 3-2-1 in their last six games. Boston won five of its last six games; under is 7-2-2 in their last 11 home games.

Astros (54-28) @ Rays (39-40)
McCullers is 2-0, 4.35 in his last five starts; under is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-4.
5-inning record: 6-5-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-15

Bullpen game for the Rays. Team in bullpen games: 10-12. (under 11-10-1)
5-inning record: 10-8-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Houston is 17-3 in its last 20 games, 10-2 in road series openers; under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Rays won their last five games, are 7-5 in home series openers. Under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

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Preview: Diamondbacks at Marlins
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

Veteran right-hander Zack Greinke looks to continue his hot streak and remain unbeaten in his career against the Miami Marlins when the Arizona Diamondbacks visit for the finale of a four-game series Thursday afternoon. Greinke is 6-0 in 11 games (10 starts) versus the Marlins and has a chance to lead the Diamondbacks to a series victory as well as their 11th win in 13 road contests.

Daniel Descalso belted a pinch-hit solo homer in the eighth inning for what proved to be the winning run in a 2-1 victory on Wednesday for National League West-leading Arizona, which limited Miami to three hits in the triumph. Greinke goes after his second win against the Marlins this month and will face 25-year-old Miami rookie Trevor Richards, who has two of his three quality starts in the last three trips to the mound. The Marlins, who are last in the NL in scoring, had won three in a row after taking the series opener 9-5 on Monday before managing four runs the past two nights. Miami’s Starlin Castro homered for the second straight game Wednesday and is 5-for-11 in the series with three runs scored, three RBIs and a pair of walks.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (7-5, 3.66 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (2-4, 4.91)

Greinke has won four of his last five starts, capped by a win at Pittsburgh on Saturday in which he allowed two hits over six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. The 34-year-old Florida native, who boasts 102 strikeouts and just 19 walks in 96 innings, limited the Marlins to one run over 6 2/3 innings in a victory on June 2 to begin his hot stretch. Castro is 9-for-25 with four doubles and a homer versus Greinke, who has a 3.53 career ERA against the Marlins.

Richards registered one of the best performances of his young career last Saturday when he held Colorado to one run, three hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over six innings. The Illinois native has permitted one run or fewer in four of his last seven outings as he prepares to meet the Diamondbacks for the first time. Richards, who has struck out 40 and walked 20 in 44 innings, has been much better at Marlins Park (1-1, 3.12 ERA) than on the road (1-3, 6.08).

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami rookie 3B-RF Brian Anderson walked twice Wednesday to extend his on-base streak to 24 games.

2. Arizona RHP Yoshihisa Hirano is tied with J.J. Putz (2012) and Brandon Lyon (2008) for the franchise record with 24 straight scoreless outings.

3. Marlins C-1B J.T. Realmuto (wrist) was a late scratch from Wednesday’s lineup, missing his third straight game.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Marlins 2
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Preview: Athletics at Tigers
Gracenote
Jun 28, 2018

A winning road trip is always a victory, but the Oakland Athletics have a chance for something far more impressive. The Athletics have won seven of nine on the 10-game trip that wraps up Thursday with the finale of a four-game series against the host Detroit Tigers.

Oakland has won nine of its last 11 overall, including three straight against the Tigers by a total of six runs. Chris Bassitt and two relievers shut out Detroit in a 3-0 win Wednesday, as the Athletics’ pitching staff continued to shine despite a recent spate of injuries. Detroit has lost a season-high eight straight and allowed 57 runs during the skid. Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer will try to stop the bleeding while continuing his strong pitching at home, where he has allowed one run over seven innings in each of his last two outings.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics LH Sean Manaea (7-6, 3.40 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Michael Fulmer (3-6, 4.17)

Manaea had a rough May, but he has been solid in June while going 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA in four starts. The 26-year-old has posted three straight quality starts after striking out seven and allowing one run and five hits over seven innings in a win at the Chicago White Sox on Friday. Manaea lost his only previous start against the Tigers, allowing three runs and nine hits over six innings in 2016.

Fulmer threw five scoreless frames before giving up back-to-back sixth inning homers in a loss at Cincinnati in his last start June 20. The 25-year-old matched his season high with nine strikeouts but failed to record his third straight quality start because he didn’t finish the sixth. Fulmer is 2-0 with a 0.57 ERA in two starts against the Athletics.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Tigers on Wednesday terminated the contract of pitching coach Chris Bosio for insensitive comments made toward a team employee and announced bullpen coach Rick Anderson will take over the position the remainder of the season.

2. The Athletics did not hit a home run Wednesday, ending their MLB-record streak of 27 consecutive road games with a homer.

3. Oakland CF Dustin Fowler is 9-for-25 during a seven-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Tigers 4
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Preview: Twins at White Sox
Gracenote
Jun 28, 2018

The Chicago White Sox aim to stretch their winning streak to a season-best four games when they attempt to finish a three-game sweep of the visiting Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Chicago posted a 6-1 victory on Wednesday to win three straight games for just the second time this season, the first coming against the Kansas City Royals from April 26-28.

Avisail Garcia homered for the second straight game and Jose Abreu went deep for just the second time this month as the White Sox outplayed Minnesota for the second consecutive contest. Chicago has outscored the Twins 14-5 over the first two games and has scored 24 runs during the three-game winning streak. Minnesota has dropped five of its last six games and managed just five hits in Tuesday's loss. Ehire Adrianza went 4-for-4 for the Twins and is 6-for-7 with a homer and three RBIs in the series.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FSN North (Minnesota), WGN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (3-5, 4.97 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Lucas Giolito (5-7, 7.01)

Odorizzi is winless in his last eight starts and has a 0-3 record during the span. The 28-year-old was roughed up for six runs and six hits over 1 1/3 innings by the Texas Rangers in his last turn. Odorozzi is 0-1 with a 5.23 ERA in two starts against the White Sox this season and stands 1-2 with a 4.13 ERA in five career outings.

Giolito defeated the Oakland Athletics in his last turn when he allowed four runs and seven hits over seven innings. The 23-year-old has issued two or fewer walks in four of his last five outings, a sharp improvement over some early season control issues when he twice walked seven in a game. Giolito is 1-1 with a 3.65 ERA in two starts against the Twins this season and is 1-2 with a 4.42 ERA in three career outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox OF Leury Garcia is 5-for-9 in the series and 8-for-17 since returning from a knee injury that sidelined him four-plus weeks.

2. Minnesota CF Byron Buxton (left big toe) is slated to play both games of a doubleheader - serving as DH for one - for Triple-A Rochester on Thursday.

3. Chicago OF Charlie Tilson had two hits on Wednesday and is 7-for-14 over his last five appearances.

PREDICTION: White Sox 5, Twins 4
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Preview: Mariners at Orioles
Gracenote
Jun 28, 2018

After using late rallies for two straight dramatic wins, the Seattle Mariners will try to complete a four-game road sweep of the struggling Baltimore Orioles on Thursday. The Orioles have dropped four in a row overall and 14 of their last 15 home games en route to the majors’ worst record.

The Mariners rallied for their 23rd comeback win in an 8-7 triumph in 11 innings Wednesday. Kyle Seager was the hero for the second straight night, hitting a game-tying two-run homer off Zach Britton in the ninth before Denard Span’s sacrifice fly plated Jean Segura with the go-ahead run in the 11th. For all their woes, the Orioles had only lost once in 21 prior games this season in which they took a lead to the ninth. The Mariners send veteran right-hander Mike Leake to the mound having won eight of the last nine games he has started.

TV: 3:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Mike Leake (8-4, 4.11 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Jimmy Yacabonis (0-0, 15.43)

Leake has recorded quality starts in six of his last seven starts and is coming off his best outing of the season. The 30-year old struck out five and allowed three hits over eight scoreless innings to win at Boston on Saturday. Leake has only faced the Orioles once, in 2014, and was tagged for seven runs over four innings in a no-decision.

Yacabonis will make his first major-league start in place of injured right-hander Dylan Bundy. The 26-year-old has made 16 relief appearances in the majors across the past two seasons. Yacabonis has been effective as a starter at Triple-A Norfolk this season, going 3-2 with a 3.14 ERA in 13 starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Seattle RHP Edwin Diaz recorded his 30th save Wednesday, surpassing Kazuhiro Sasaki for the most in team history before the All-Star break.

2. Orioles DH Mark Trumbo is 13-for-39 with five homers during an 11-game hitting streak.

3. Mariners DH Nelson Cruz (back) sat out a second straight game Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Mariners 8, Orioles 4
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Preview: Cubs at Dodgers
Gracenote
Jun 28, 2018

The home runs keep coming for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who face the visiting Chicago Cubs on Thursday in the finale of their four-game series. The Dodgers belted three homers in Wednesday’s 7-5 victory – including another by red-hot infielder Max Muncy -- and lead the majors with 51 for the month of June.

After splitting the first two games of the series, the Dodgers jumped to an early 6-2 lead Wednesday and held on for the win behind seven solid innings from Alex Wood and a four-out save by closer Kenley Jansen, who has allowed four earned runs over his last 29 appearances covering 31 1/3 innings. Yasiel Puig had three hits while Joc Pederson and Cody Bellinger added homers for the Dodgers, who improved to 27-10 since May 17. The Cubs lost for the sixth time in their last seven games despite strong performances from catcher Willson Contreras (2-for-4 with a home run and four RBIs) and infielder Javier Baez, who had two hits and has gone 10-for-24 with two homers and 10 RBIs over his last seven games.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Chicago, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jose Quintana (6-6, 4.26 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (1-4, 2.94)

Quintana lost his second straight start last Friday, giving up four runs on nine hits over five innings against Cincinnati. The 29-year-old native of Colombia owns a 6.00 ERA in six home starts compared to a 3.22 ERA in nine outings away from Wrigley Field. Quintana is making his first start against the Dodgers since June 2, 2014, when he allowed five unearned runs over six frames as a member of the Chicago White Sox.

Kershaw returned from the disabled list last Saturday and allowed two runs and five hits over three innings against the New York Mets. The three-time Cy Young Award winner was limited to 55 pitches in his return from a back strain and could be on a pitch count again Thursday. Anthony Rizzo is 5-for-14 with two home runs against Kershaw, who is 5-3 with a 2.64 ERA and 74 strikeouts in nine career starts versus the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers OF Matt Kemp served his one-game suspension on Wednesday and will return for Thursday’s series finale.

2. The Cubs activated Brandon Morrow (back) off the 10-day disabled list and optioned fellow RHP Cory Mazzoni to Triple-A Iowa.

3. Dodgers rookie RHP Walker Buehler (ribs) will make a rehab start on Thursday for Triple-A Oklahoma City and could rejoin the rotation next week.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Cubs 2
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Preview: Rockies at Giants
Gracenote
Jun 28, 2018

Brandon Crawford is swinging a hot bat and will look to help the San Francisco Giants complete a three-game sweep of the visiting Colorado Rockies on Thursday. The shortstop delivered a walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give San Francisco a 1-0 triumph Wednesday, the club's fourth straight victory.

Crawford went 2-for-4 in the latest victory and is 8-for-14 with four RBIs and two walks during the winning streak and ranks third in the National League with a .319 average. The Giants have allowed just seven runs over the four games and have won seven of their past eight overall. Colorado has lost four straight games and has tallied just nine runs during the stretch. The Rockies managed just two hits and placed only one runner in scoring position on Wednesday after going 0-for-10 in that situation in the series opener.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (7-7, 5.52 ERA) vs. Giants RH Chris Stratton (8-5, 4.14)

Gray struck out a season-best 12 while beating the Miami Marlins in his last turn as he gave up one run and eight hits over seven innings. The 26-year-old has fanned 31 batters in 18 innings over his past three outings and has 112 overall in just 88 innings. Gray is 0-1 with an 11.57 ERA in two starts against the Giants this season and stands 0-2 with a 5.24 ERA in five career starts.

Stratton is 1-2 over his past four starts after winning his previous four decisions. The 27-year-old lost to the San Diego Padres in his last turn when he allowed three runs (two earned) and nine hits over six innings. Stratton defeated the Rockies on May 19 when he gave up four runs (three earned) and eight hits over five innings and is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in three appearances (two starts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Giants INF Pablo Sandoval is hitless in 12 at-bats during the four-game winning streak.

2. Colorado 3B Nolan Arenado is 0-for-7 in the series after having five homers and 13 RBIs over his previous six games.

3. San Francisco C Buster Posey is hitless in six at-bats in the series and is batting .244 with two homers and seven RBIs in June.

PREDICTION: Giants 4, Rockies 2
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Preview: Nationals at Phillies
Gracenote
Jun 28, 2018

The Washington Nationals enjoyed a late offensive uprising to rally for a victory in the finale of last weekend's series against the Philadelphia Phillies. After getting shut out in both contests of an abbreviated two-game interleague set versus Tampa Bay, the Nationals (41-37) look to ignite their offense on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series against the host Phillies (42-36).

Bryce Harper owns seven doubles and eight walks in his past eight games for Washington, with three of those hits coming in Sunday's wild 8-6 victory over Philadelphia. The 2015 National League Most Valuable Player looks to continue to fluster the Phillies, as he is a robust 8-for-19 in his career against Thursday starter Aaron Nola. While the Nationals have won just three of the last 12 contests, the Phillies snapped a three-game skid by salvaging the finale of a three-game interleague series versus the New York Yankees with a 3-0 triumph on Wednesday. Rhys Hoskins belted a three-run homer in that contest and also went deep while scoring four runs in the previous set against Washington.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Washington), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Tanner Roark (3-8, 4.27 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (9-2, 2.58)

Roark was roasted by Philadelphia on Friday as he allowed six runs and walked four batters over 4 1/3 innings of a 12-2 setback. The 31-year-old fell to 0-2 against the Phillies this season, as he permitted three runs and struck out nine over 6 1/3 frames of a 3-1 loss on May 5. Odubel Herrera is 15-for-34 with six extra-base hits versus Roark, although Nick Williams (1-for-11, five strikeouts) and Andrew Knapp (0-for-8, four strikeouts) have struggled mightily against him.

Nola will look to defeat Washington for the second straight start and continue his success at Citizens Bank Park, where he is 6-0 with a 1.86 ERA in seven starts this season The 25-year-old overcame a two-run first inning to blank the Nationals over his next five frames en route to a 5-3 triumph on Saturday. Daniel Murphy (9-for-23) has gotten his licks in on Nola, although the hurler has subdued Trea Turner (1-for-10, five strikeouts) and Adam Eaton (0-for-8, six strikeouts).

WALK-OFFS

1. Herrera went 6-for-14 with four RBIs and five runs scored in last weekend's series versus Washington.

2. Former Nationals and Phillies OF Jayson Werth, 39, announced that he's finished playing professional baseball.

3. Washington 3B Anthony Rendon is 6-for-19 with two homers against Philadelphia this season.

PREDICTION: Phillies 3, Nationals 2
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Preview: Astros at Rays
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The Tampa Bay Rays closed their last road trip by losing two of three in Houston, but they are perfect on their nine-game homestand as they prepare for a rematch with the Astros on Thursday night. Tampa Bay followed up a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees by taking both matchups of an interleague series versus Washington.

The Rays have registered three shutouts during the five-game winning streak and will open the four-game series by sending out right-hander Ryne Stanek as the "opener." Since adopting the strategy in mid-May of leading off a game with a reliever, Tampa Bay has posted a major league-leading 2.87 ERA. Despite their prowess at home, the Rays will receive a stern test from Houston, which improved to 17-3 over its last 20 games by rallying for a 7-6 win over Toronto on Wednesday. Alex Bregman has homered in three straight games, including a walk-off blast Wednesday, for the Astros, who take a majors-best 29-11 road record into Tampa Bay.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Lance McCullers Jr. (8-3, 3.82 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-1, 1.99)

McCullers notched his fifth consecutive quality start but had to settle for his second straight no-decision after striking out nine and giving up three runs on four hits over six innings versus Kansas City. He owns a 5-2 record in nine starts away from Minute Maid Park, although his road ERA (4.83) is more than two runs higher than at home. McCullers has a 6.00 ERA in losing both starts at Tropicana Park.

Stanek is one of the prime reasons for the success of the "openers" strategy, not allowing a run in 10 consecutive appearances, which includes five lead-off outings. The 26-year-old has allowed only four hits in that span, striking out 14 and walking five over 13 innings. Stanek faced Houston twice in that stretch, pitching 1 2/3 hitless innings as the opener on June 18 and one inning in relief one day later.

WALK-OFFS

1. Bregman was 9-for-14 with three homers, five doubles, six RBIs and five runs scored versus Toronto.

2. Rays 3B Matt Duffy is riding a six-game hitting streak.

3. Astros SS Carlos Correa missed the past two games due to a sore back.

PREDICTION: Astros 4, Rays 3
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Preview: Angels at Red Sox
Gracenote
Jun 28, 2018

The Boston Red Sox haven't been shy about flexing their offensive muscle against the Los Angeles Angels, although they temporarily let their guard down to see an early six-run lead go by the boards on Wednesday. The Red Sox (54-27) re-ignited their offense to win for the fifth time in as many meetings with the Angels (41-40) heading into Thursday's series finale at Fenway Park in Boston.

J.D. Martinez went deep for the second straight outing to give Boston seven homers in the series before Rafael Devers capped a three-hit performance with the go-ahead RBI double in the seventh inning of Wednesday's 9-6 triumph. Martinez is 13-for-26 with three homers, nine RBIs and 10 runs scored during his six-game hitting streak while improving to 12-for-21 with three blasts against Los Angeles this season. The Angels, who have been decidedly outscored (45-10) and out-hit (69-30) by the Red Sox this season, have dropped five in a row and 12 of 16 to plummet to just one game over .500. Andrelton Simmons has answered a dismal 2-for-27 stretch by going 8-for-20 with three runs scored during his five-game hitting streak for Los Angeles.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, FS West (Los Angeles), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels RH Jaime Barria (5-3, 3.40 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (1-2, 4.50)

Barria saw his winless stretch extend to three starts on Saturday despite allowing one run on four hits over five innings versus Toronto. The 21-year-old rookie didn't help himself with a season-high four walks to drive up his pitch count while the homer he surrendered was his eighth in his last five trips to the mound. Barria will be receiving his first look at Boston while making his 11th career start.

Johnson will make his first start since April 2 with Steven Wright ushered to the disabled list as he deals with left knee inflammation. The 27-year-old Johnson scattered four hits over 2 2/3 scoreless innings in Boston's wild 14-10 victory versus Seattle on Friday. Johnson also had a scoreless outing against the Angels on April 17, permitting one hit over three frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Los Angeles CF Mike Trout is riding a five-game hitting streak.

2. Red Sox CF Jackie Bradley Jr. is 8-for-18 with two homers and six RBIs against the Angels this season.

3. Los Angeles INF Zack Cozart received a second opinion on his ailing shoulder and will undergo surgery in the near future, the team announced Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 4, Angels 3
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Preview: Brewers at Reds
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

Milwaukee and Cincinnati are at opposite ends of the spectrum in the National League Central, but the last-place Reds are in the midst of their hottest stretch in six years as they prepare to host the Brewers on Thursday in the opener of a four-game set. Milwaukee has won five straight in the series, including a three-game sweep at Cincinnati from April 30-May 2.

The Reds improved to 9-1 in their last 10 games by rallying for a 6-5 win at NL East-leading Atlanta on Wednesday -- their fifth come-from-behind victory in that span. "Early on, we were coming from behind a lot but not winning," interim manager Jim Riggleman said. "It's really nice to come back and actually win the game." The division-leading Brewers have lost three of four after splitting a two-game interleague series against another last-place club in Kansas City. First baseman Jesús Aguilar went deep in both games against the Royals, giving him seven home runs and 15 RBIs over his last 10 games.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Ohio (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Junior Guerra (3-5, 2.82 ERA) vs. Reds RH Anthony DeSclafani (3-1, 4.09)

Guerra did not factor in the decision against St. Louis on Friday, extending his winless drought to seven starts despite striking out seven and giving up one run on three hits over five-plus innings. It marked the eighth consecutive outing in which the 33-year-old Venezuelan did not allow more than three runs. Guerra blanked the Reds on one hit over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision on April 17.

DeSclafani won his third consecutive start by holding the Cubs to two runs on three hits over a season-high 6 1/3 innings while helping himself by belting a grand slam. He also gave up two runs on three hits in his previous turn at Pittsburgh, with all four runs in the past two starts coming via solo homers. DeSclafani is 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA in five appearances (four starts) versus the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett, batting an NL-best .336, is riding a 10-game hitting streak.

2. Brewers LF Ryan Braun has hit safely in four straight games.

3. Cincinnati is 31-31 since Riggleman was named interim manager.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Reds 3
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MLB
Long Sheet

Thursday, June 28

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ARIZONA (46 - 34) at MIAMI (32 - 49) - 12:10 PM
ZACK GREINKE (R) vs. TREVOR RICHARDS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
GREINKE is 32-38 (-19.9 Units) against the money line as a road favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 46-34 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 18-7 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
ARIZONA is 20-7 (+13.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 83-56 (+23.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ARIZONA is 28-16 (+11.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
GREINKE is 19-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 5-20 (-15.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 5-1 (+3.8 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. MIAMI since 1997
GREINKE is 6-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.64 and a WHIP of 1.306.
His team's record is 10-0 (+10.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-3. (+3.8 units)

TREVOR RICHARDS vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.

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CHICAGO CUBS (43 - 35) at LA DODGERS (43 - 36) - 3:10 PM
JOSE QUINTANA (L) vs. CLAYTON KERSHAW (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 139-111 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 58-53 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 38-13 (+20.8 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
KERSHAW is 69-25 (+29.0 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA DODGERS are 43-36 (-15.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
LA DODGERS are 22-20 (-15.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
LA DODGERS are 4-9 (-12.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
LA DODGERS are 48-50 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-3 (+0.5 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

JOSE QUINTANA vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
QUINTANA is 0-2 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.143.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

CLAYTON KERSHAW vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
KERSHAW is 7-4 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.086.
His team's record is 9-4 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-9. (-6.5 units)

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COLORADO (38 - 42) at SAN FRANCISCO (42 - 39) - 3:45 PM
JON GRAY (R) vs. CHRIS STRATTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 330-448 (-108.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 8-16 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
COLORADO is 8-19 (-13.3 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
GRAY is 5-14 (-10.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 42-39 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 14-6 (+7.8 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-13 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 14-5 (+8.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 18-11 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 26-23 (+6.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 89-49 (+31.3 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 584-401 (+76.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
STRATTON is 11-5 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
STRATTON is 12-1 (+13.8 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRATTON is 11-2 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
STRATTON is 9-0 (+10.8 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 64-61 (+18.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 44-40 (+12.5 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-20 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 5-4 (+1.1 Units) against COLORADO this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

JON GRAY vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
GRAY is 0-2 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 5.24 and a WHIP of 1.612.
His team's record is 1-4 (-3.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.5 units)

CHRIS STRATTON vs. COLORADO since 1997
STRATTON is 1-0 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 2.333.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

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WASHINGTON (41 - 37) at PHILADELPHIA (42 - 36) - 7:05 PM
TANNER ROARK (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 41-37 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-14 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 844-885 (+22.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 73-49 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 58-34 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 142-157 (-41.3 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 3-3 (+0.9 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)

TANNER ROARK vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
ROARK is 5-7 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.268.
His team's record is 7-10 (-7.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 8-8. (-0.9 units)

AARON NOLA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
NOLA is 2-4 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.350.
His team's record is 3-8 (-5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-7. (-3.2 units)

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MILWAUKEE (46 - 33) at CINCINNATI (34 - 46) - 7:10 PM
JUNIOR GUERRA (R) vs. ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 46-33 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 16-5 (+11.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
MILWAUKEE is 22-16 (+7.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 14-8 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 32-15 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 38-24 (+14.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-12 (+10.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
CINCINNATI is 411-439 (-97.8 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 5-1 (+3.7 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
3 of 6 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.3 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

JUNIOR GUERRA vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
GUERRA is 1-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.98 and a WHIP of 1.200.
His team's record is 3-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 2-2 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 4.44 and a WHIP of 1.069.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.1 units)

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OAKLAND (43 - 38) at DETROIT (36 - 45) - 1:10 PM
SEAN MANAEA (L) vs. MICHAEL FULMER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 379-472 (-94.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
DETROIT is 23-20 (+9.8 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
DETROIT is 22-18 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
OAKLAND is 43-38 (+5.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
OAKLAND is 23-18 (+7.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 54-40 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 30-22 (+7.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
OAKLAND is 25-11 (+11.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against DETROIT this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

SEAN MANAEA vs. DETROIT since 1997
MANAEA is 0-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.50 and a WHIP of 1.833.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

MICHAEL FULMER vs. OAKLAND since 1997
FULMER is 2-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 0.57 and a WHIP of 0.893.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

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MINNESOTA (34 - 42) at CHI WHITE SOX (28 - 51) - 2:10 PM
JAKE ODORIZZI (R) vs. LUCAS GIOLITO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 12-17 (-10.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-21 (+15.1 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 370-379 (+50.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 46-40 (+14.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 9-30 (-19.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 5-6 (+0.7 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.6 Units)

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
ODORIZZI is 1-2 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 4.13 and a WHIP of 1.377.
His team's record is 1-4 (-4.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-3. (-1.3 units)

LUCAS GIOLITO vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
GIOLITO is 1-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.42 and a WHIP of 1.309.
His team's record is 1-2 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

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SEATTLE (50 - 31) at BALTIMORE (23 - 56) - 3:05 PM
MIKE LEAKE (R) vs. JIMMY YACABONIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 169-211 (-58.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday since 1997.
SEATTLE is 50-31 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 25-17 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SEATTLE is 16-9 (+7.9 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
SEATTLE is 35-19 (+17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 71-57 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 56-34 (+18.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
LEAKE is 12-4 (+10.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 23-56 (-31.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 11-27 (-15.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 11-26 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 1-10 (-10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in June games this season.
BALTIMORE is 13-37 (-23.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 15-40 (-24.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
BALTIMORE is 6-22 (-17.4 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.
BALTIMORE is 9-33 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)

MIKE LEAKE vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
LEAKE is 0-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 15.75 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)

JIMMY YACABONIS vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

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LA ANGELS (41 - 40) at BOSTON (54 - 27) - 7:10 PM
JAIME BARRIA (R) vs. BRIAN JOHNSON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 6-13 (-10.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 17-22 (-9.7 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
LA ANGELS are 8-19 (-10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
BOSTON is 54-27 (+13.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BOSTON is 42-18 (+13.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
LA ANGELS are 566-540 (+44.3 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 104-80 (+33.4 Units) against the money line in road games in June games since 1997.
BOSTON is 22-28 (-15.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 579-440 (-67.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.
BOSTON is 445-405 (-78.8 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
BOSTON is 227-231 (-66.1 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 5-0 (+5.7 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
4 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.0 Units)

JAIME BARRIA vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.

BRIAN JOHNSON vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

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HOUSTON (54 - 28) at TAMPA BAY (39 - 40) - 7:10 PM
LANCE MCCULLERS JR. (R) vs. RYAN STANEK (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 39-40 (+4.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 9-3 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in home games in June games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 24-13 (+14.4 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
TAMPA BAY is 12-4 (+11.9 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
HOUSTON is 166-96 (+21.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 85-45 (+27.6 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 21-3 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 58-32 (+18.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 122-55 (+41.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 22-6 (+14.1 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 1-2 (+0.2 Units) against HOUSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

LANCE MCCULLERS JR. vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
MCCULLERS JR. is 0-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-2 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

RYAN STANEK vs. HOUSTON since 1997
STANEK is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
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