MLB Betting News and Trends For Thursday 8/2/18

National League
Rockies (57-49) @ Cardinals (55-52)
Senzatela is 2-2, 4.13 in his four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 2-2, 0-2 away
5-inning record: 2-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-4

Mikolas is 3-0, 3.67 in his last five starts (over 4-1). Team in his starts: 14-7, 6-4 home
5-inning record: 12-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-21

Rockies won five of their last seven games; six of last nine Colorado games stayed under. St Louis won five of its last seven home games; their last three games went over.

Marlins (46-63) @ Phillies (59-48)
Lopez is 1-2, 5.09 in his last three starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3, 1-1 away.
5-inning record: 2-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-5

Pivetta is 1-2, 7.40 in his last four starts; over is 7-0-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 11-10, 6-5 home.
5-inning record: 8-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-21

Marlins are 7-6 in their last 13 games,; they’re 6-10 in road series openers- over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Phillies lost four of their last five games; they’re 11-6 in home series openers. Last four Philly games stayed under the total.

Reds (48-60) @ Nationals (54-53)
Mahle is 0-2, 16.00 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 11-10, 6-5 away
5-inning record: 5-14-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-21

Scherzer is 4-0, 3.21 in his last four starts (over 4-0). Team in his starts: 16-6, 8-3 home.
5-inning record: 12-8-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-22

Reds lost their last three road games; they’re 8-9 in road series openers. Over is 9-1 in their last ten road games. Washington won six of last eight home games; they’re 9-8 in home series openers- over is 6-2 in Nationals’ last eight home games.

Braves (57-47) @ Mets (44-61)
Sanchez is 1-1, 4.42 in his last three starts; under is 6-3-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 8-5, 5-2 road
5-inning record: 6-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-13

Vargas is 0-3, 8.10 in his last four starts; under is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 2-8, 1-2 home.
5-inning record: 2-8 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-10

Atlanta won its last three games; they’re 11-8 in road series openers, they’re 17-16 vs lefty starters. Under is 4-1 in their last five games. Mets lost four of their last five games; they’re 2-7 in last nine home series openers. Under is 3-1 in their last four games.

Padres (42-68) @ Cubs (62-45)
Erlin is 0-2, 15.43 in two starts, last of which was May 21 (over 2-0). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-1 away.
5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Montgomery is 0-2, 5.57 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 5-6, 3-2 home
5-inning record: 4-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11

Padres lost their last seven games; they’re 2-11 in last 13 road series openers, 10-22 vs lefty starters- over is 5-1-1 in their last seven games. Cubs split their last 14 games; they’re 9-9 in home series openers, 18-7 vs lefty starters. Over is 9-2 in their last 11 home games.

Brewers (63-48) @ Dodgers (60-49)
Chacin is 4-0, 2.93 in his last five starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 16-7, 9-5 road
5-inning record: 12-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-23

Kershaw is 3-1, 3.06 in his last five starts; his last three starts stayed under. Team in his starts: 7-8, 3-5 home.
5-inning record: 9-4-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-15

Brewers won seven of their last ten games; they’re 12-13 vs lefty starters- over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Los Angeles lost four of its last five games, scoring total of 8 runs; five of last seven Dodger games stayed under the total.

Giants (55-54) @ Diamondbacks (60-49)
Bumgarner is 1-1, 3.50 in his last three starts (under 7-3). Team in his starts: 4-6, 0-4 road
5-inning record: 5-3-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-10

Greinke is 7-0, 1.36 in his last eight starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 14-8, 7-4 home.
5-inning record: 15-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22

Giants won their last three games; they’re 4-1 in last five road series openers. Under is 13-2-1 in their last 16 road games. Arizona won four of its last five games; they’re 0-5 in last five home series openers. Five of their last six games went over.

American League
Angels (54-55) @ Rays (55-53)
Heaney is 2-0, 3.25 in his last four starts; under is 11-3-1 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 9-10, 2-7 away
5-inning record: 5-9-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-19

Bullpen game for the Rays Team in his starts: home.
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Angels lost their last three games; over is 6-1 in their last seven games. Tampa Bay lost three of its last five games; Rays’ last five games all went over.

Royals (34-73) @ White Sox (37-70)
Keller is 2-2, 5.46 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 4-6, 1-4 away
5-inning record: 4-3-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10

Lopez is 0-4, 8.72 in his last four starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 6-15, 3-6 home.
5-inning record: 8-12-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21

Royals lost nine of last 14 road games; over is 4-2 in their last six games. White Sox lost six of their last seven games, six of Chicago’s last seven games went over the total.

New York (68-38) @ Red Sox (75-34)
Sabathia is 0-1, 6.46 in his last three starts; under is 7-1-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-8, 3-4 away
5-inning record: 11-6-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19

Johnson is 1-1, 2.40 in six starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 4-2, 2-1 home.
5-inning record: 4-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-6

New York won four of its last six games; they’re 2-5 in last seven road series openers. Four of their last five road games stayed under. Boston won four of its last five games; they’re 13-4 in home series openers. Under is 7-1 in their last eight home games.

Orioles (33-75) @ Rangers (46-63)
Cashner is 1-1, 4.13 in his last four starts; over is 2-0-1 in his last three. Team in his starts: 6-14, 3-6 away
5-inning record: 6-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20

Gallardo is 2-0, 0.00 (11.1 IP) in his last two starts (over 6-1). Team in his starts: 6-1, 3-0 home.
5-inning record: 5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-7

Orioles won five of their last seven games (over 5-1-1), scoring 47 runs in last five games. O’s are 5-12 in road series openers. Texas won four of its last five games; they’re 5-12 in home series openers. Over is 6-1 in their last seven home games.

Blue Jays (48-59) @ Mariners (63-45)
Team in his starts: 7-7, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 5-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Hernandez is 0-3, 9.95 in his last three starts (under 9-6 in his last 15). Team in his starts: 10-11, 5-6 home
5-inning record: 9-11-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-21

Toronto lost seven of its last nine games; they’re 10-8 in road series openers- over is 8-3 in their last 11 road games. Seattle is 5-10 in its last 15 games; they’re 13-5 in home series openers- under is 11-4 in its last 15 home games.

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Los Angeles Angels vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Rays Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

The Tampa Bay Rays have recovered nicely from an embarrassing weekend in Baltimore and can finish off a three-game sweep of the visiting Los Angeles Angels on Thursday afternoon. The Rays gave up 37 runs while losing three straight to the major league-worst Orioles, but a day off Monday appeared to be refreshing as they have scored 17 times in two straight wins over the Angels.

Outfielder Tommy Pham (0-for-3, one run) made his debut Wednesday after being acquired from St. Louis on Tuesday, while rookie Jake Bauers homered for the third straight game as Tampa Bay improved to 19-4 at home since June 11. "I was contemplating giving him a day (off Thursday)," Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters of Bauers. "But we'll pick another day to give him." Joey Wendle takes a six-game hitting streak into the series finale against Angels left-hander Andrew Heaney and reliever Hunter Wood will open the contest for the Rays. Los Angeles has lost three straight, allowing 25 runs in the process, but Albert Pujols and Kole Calhoun have hit safely in seven straight contests and All-Star Mike Trout is 9-for-25 during the same stretch despite going hitless Wednesday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (6-6, 3.64 ERA) vs. Rays RH Hunter Wood (0-0, 3.38)

Heaney is unbeaten in his last four outings (2-0) and has strung together five consecutive quality starts and seven in his past eight appearances. The 27-year-old Oklahoma State product, who is 0-4 with a 5.22 ERA on the road, registered a 2.88 mark with 35 strikeouts and eight walks across 34 1/3 innings during July. Heaney gave up four runs - none earned - along with three hits and five walks to suffer a loss on May 19 in his first career meeting with the Rays.

Wood gave up two runs on four hits with four strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings of relief in his last trip to the mound Sunday against Baltimore. The 24-year-old Arkansas native has permitted one run on five hits with seven strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings in three starts this year and newly-acquired left-hander Jalen Beeks is expected to make an early appearance as well. Wood faces the Angels for the first time in his career and owns a 2.70 ERA in five appearances at home in 2018.

WALK-OFFS

1. Trout recorded his 99th walk Wednesday and needs one for his third season with at least 100 in his career.

2. The Rays designated SS Adeiny Hechavarria for assignment Wednesday to make room on the roster for Pham.

3. Pujols needs three doubles to tie Honus Wagner (640) for ninth on major league baseball's all-time list.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Angels 4
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Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd August 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/02/2018

After a torrid July, the Colorado Rockies started August with a rare setback and look to return to their winning ways on Thursday when they close a four-game set against the host St. Louis Cardinals. The Rockies dropped a 6-3 decision on Wednesday after going 17-6 in July and stand one game off the pace in the National League West.

Catcher Yadier Molina (two RBIs), Marcell Ozuna (one RBI) and Harrison Bader (two runs scored) each went 3-for-5 on Wednesday as St. Louis had 13 hits overall. Ozuna has been experiencing a lukewarm campaign but has heated up recently and is 12-of-35 with three homers and eight RBIs over the past eight contests. Colorado All-Star center fielder Charlie Blackmon was hitless in four at-bats on Wednesday to see the end of a 13-game hitting streak. Rockies All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado is 5-for-14 with a homer and five RBIs in the series and is two blasts away his fourth straight 30-homer campaign.

TV: 1:15 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Antonio Senzatela (4-3, 5.01 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Miles Mikolas (11-3, 2.83)

Senzatela is 2-2 with a 4.13 ERA in four starts since returning to the majors in early July. The 23-year-old defeated the Oakland Athletics in his last turn as he gave up one run and five hits over 5 2/3 innings. Senzatela is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two career starts against the Cardinals with the loss coming in St. Louis on July 24, 2017 when he allowed four runs and six hits over four innings.

Mikolas has won three straight decisions and is unbeaten over his last five outings. The 29-year-old gave up two runs and six hits over six innings while beating the Chicago Cubs in his last start and has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his past seven turns. Mikolas is making his first career start against Colorado, and allowed four runs (three earned) and four hits in 1 2/3 innings over two relief appearances in 2012 when he was a member of the San Diego Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cardinals SS Paul DeJong is 1-for-18 with eight strikeouts over the past four games.

2. Rockies 2B DJ LeMahieu (oblique) participated in a simulated game thrown by LHP Chris Rusin (foot) on Wednesday and is expected to be activated off the 10-day disabled list prior to Thursday's game.

3. St. Louis 2B Kolten Wong (knee) is slated to make a rehab appearance at Class A Peoria on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Cardinals 4
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Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

One-time star Alex Gordon is coming off a season-best four RBIs and looks for another strong game when the Kansas City Royals attempt to finish a three-game sweep of the host Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Gordon spoke about the possibility of retirement after the 2019 campaign prior to Wednesday's game before going 2-for-4 with a homer in a 10-5 victory.

Gordon is 4-for-8 in the series but his offense has gone into a major tailspin since signing a four-year, $72 million contract following the 2015 season and he is batting just .243 with eight homers and 24 RBIs this season. "I think I dealt with this mentally the last time I signed a contract," the 34-year-old Gordon told reporters. "It depends on how I feel in one year and two months. Who knows? I may want to play longer, or I may just want to be with my family. It's the family decision that I think about most. (Retirement) crosses your mind." Leury Garcia drove in three runs on Wednesday and has eight RBIs over the past five games but couldn't prevent the White Sox from losing for the sixth time in seven games. Chicago's Matt Davidson didn't play Wednesday despite being a lava-like 16-for-37 with eight homers, 14 RBIs and 11 runs scored against Kansas City this season.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Brad Keller (4-4, 3.43 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Reynaldo Lopez (4-9, 4.57)

Keller has won back-to-back starts as he enters his 11th turn as a member of the rotation. The 23-year-old rookie gave up four runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings while beating the New York Yankees in his last turn. Keller is 0-1 with a 9.53 ERA in four appearances against the White Sox this season and was shelled for five runs and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings in his lone start against them in a 9-6 loss on July 13.

Lopez is 0-4 with an 8.72 ERA and eight homers allowed over his last four turns. The 24-year-old served up a career-worst five homers and allowed a career-high eight runs to go with seven hits over 4 1/3 innings while losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in his last outing. Lopez is 2-1 with a 3.90 ERA in five career starts with the Royals and the loss came on July 14 when he gave up five runs and nine hits over 7 2/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Royals SS Alcides Escobar was 0-for-3 on Wednesday and is 2-for-26 over his last eight appearances.

2. Chicago RF Avisail Garcia was hitless in four at-bats on Wednesday and is 1-for-12 over the past three games.

3. Kansas City RF Brett Phillips, who was recently acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers, is 3-for-9 with one homer, one double and three RBIs in the series.

PREDICTION: Royals 9, White Sox 4
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

The Washington Nationals stood pat at the trade deadline due in large part to principal team owner Mark D. Lerner believing that the team already had the pieces in place to turn around their fortunes. After completing an abbreviated two-game sweep to move over .500 again, the Nationals (54-53) look to continue their momentum on Thursday when they open a four-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds (48-60).

"At the end of the day, my family and (general manager) Mike Rizzo decided that we just couldn't give up on this team," Lerner wrote in an open letter to Nationals fans on Wednesday. "We couldn't look ourselves in the mirror knowing that we had simply thrown in the towel on a team full of talent and heart." Bryce Harper had an RBI single in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the New York Mets and is 12-for-36 with six extra-base hits and 11 RBIs in 11 games since the All-Star break. While Washington brought out the brooms, National League Central cellar-dwelling Cincinnati was on the wrong end of a sweep following Wednesday's 7-4 setback to Detroit. Eugenio Suarez joined three Reds with two hits and a run scored in that contest, but is 0-for-10 with four strikeouts in his career versus Thursday starter Max Scherzer.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tyler Mahle (7-8, 4.53 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Max Scherzer (15-4, 2.30)

Mahle was roughed up right out of the blocks in his last start on Thursday, surrendering two homers for the second straight outing and three runs total in one inning of work in a no-decision versus Philadelphia. "I'm missing spots," the 23-year-old rookie said. "It happened so fast. I didn't go to my breaking ball soon enough. When I did, I got swings and misses, but they were sitting on the fastball." Mahle owns an 0-2 mark in his last three outings after allowing 16 runs on 20 hits -- including five homers -- while seeing his ERA elevate by nearly one run.

Scherzer has answered four losing decisions with four wins in as many starts, highlighted by allowing an unearned run on three hits while striking out 11 in eight innings of a 9-1 romp at Miami on Friday. The three-time Cy Young Award winner has permitted 10 runs on 23 hits in 28 frames during his winning streak. Scherzer improved to 3-1 in his career versus Cincinnati after fanning 10 over six strong innings of a 2-0 win on Opening Day.

WALK-OFFS

1. Washington outscored Cincinnati 21-12 to win its first three contests of the season.

2. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett has answered a five-game hitting streak by going 0-for-7 in his last two outings.

3. Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon belted a two-run homer on Wednesday to hit safely in 14 of his last 15 contests.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Reds 1
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Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Phillies Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

The Philadelphia Phillies had a strong showing on the road against the best team in the majors and now return home to try their hand at one of the worst when they host the Miami Marlins in the opener of a four-game series Thursday night. The Phillies split two games at the Boston Red Sox, dropping an extra-inning affair Monday before picking up a 3-1 win the next night.

Maikel Franco had two hits, two walks and two runs scored to help back a dominant performance by Jake Arrieta as Philadelphia snapped a four-game slide. The Phillies enter the set clinging to a half-game lead in the National League East over the Atlanta Braves, whose matchup with the Marlins on Wednesday was rained out. Miami, which took two of three at home against Philadelphia prior to the All-Star break, dropped its last two games to the Braves while giving up 16 combined runs. Rookie Trevor Richards will try to give the Marlins a better showing on the mound when he starts the series opener opposite fellow right-hander Nick Pivetta for the Phillies.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-5, 4.06 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (6-9, 4.85)

Richards allowed one run and 10 hits across 18 2/3 innings over his last three starts, beginning with six scoreless frames in a win over the Phillies on July 14. He has not yielded a home run in each of his last four outings and served up only one long ball in a span of nine starts. The Drury University product surrendered three runs over four innings in a no-decision at Philadelphia on April 8.

Pivetta has 28 strikeouts and three walks in 18 innings over his last three starts but he has given up 14 runs (12 earned) in that stretch. He blanked the Marlins over 5 2/3 frames while fanning nine batters earlier this season at home. J.T. Realmuto is 3-for-6 with three doubles against the 25-year-old Pivetta, who has 80 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Franco has three straight two-hit games and recorded multiple hits in six of his last nine contests.

2. Philadelphia is 18-21 against division opponents - 4-5 versus Miami - and 41-27 against all other opponents.

3. Miami's rainout in Atlanta will be made up as part of a doubleheader Aug. 13.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Marlins 3
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New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Yankees vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

After struggling against the worst team in the majors, the New York Yankees take aim at the best when they visit Boston to open a four-game showdown against the Red Sox on Thursday night. New York had its three-game winning streak snapped by Baltimore on Wednesday and enters the series 5 1/2 games behind Boston in a matchup between baseball's top two teams.

The Yankees will catch a break after Boston ace Chris Sale, scheduled to start the series opener, was placed on the disabled list Tuesday due to shoulder inflammation. The Red Sox own the best home record in the majors (38-15) but are 7-4 since the All-Star break, have dropped five of nine to New York this season and scored only three runs in a two-game split versus Philadelphia. The Yankees fortified their bullpen with the acquisition of Zach Britton and added starting pitchers J.A. Happ and Lance Lynn in an attempt to overtake Boston and avoid the wild-card game. "I want to be where they're sitting right now," New York general manager Brian Cashman said of the Red Sox. "I'm watching them; they made obviously a lot of improvements as well. All these teams have been improving obviously right in front of us. They're the team we're chasing; they're the team we want to pass."

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, YES (New York), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees LH CC Sabathia (6-4, 3.53 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (1-3, 3.45)

Sabathia went 4 2/3 innings against Kansas City on Saturday, leaving after striking out eight while allowing two runs on six hits in his first outing in two weeks. The 38-year-old did not pitch well in his last two starts before the All-Star break, giving up nine runs over 10 2/3 innings at Cleveland and Baltimore. Sabathia struggled against the Red Sox in May but tossed seven innings of one-run ball to beat them on June 29.

Although he rarely pitches deep into games, failing to go beyond 5 2/3 innings in his last five starts dating to June 28, Johnson has not allowed more than two runs in any outing during than span. He blanked the Twins on four hits over 5 2/3 innings last time out and limited Detroit to two unearned runs over five innings in his previous turn. Johnson has made three scoreless relief appearances this season against the Yankees.

WALK-OFFS

1. Yankees 2B Gleyber Torres went deep twice Wednesday, including his major league-best seventh three-run homer.

2. Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts was hit on the right hand by a pitch Tuesday. X-rays were negative.

3. Happ is dealing with hand, foot and mouth disease but is still scheduled to start Saturday's game.

PREDICTION: Yankees 6, Red Sox 3
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Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Braves vs. Mets Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

It has been quite the week for the New York Mets and for all the wrong reasons entering the start of a four-game home series Thursday against the Atlanta Braves. The Mets decided to stand pat at Tuesday's trade deadline, citing the strength of their starting pitching, only to allow a franchise-record 25 runs to Washington just hours later before losing 5-3 in Wednesday's series finale, and now outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is slated to undergo season-ending heel surgery Thursday.

It's been this bizarre for the Mets: infielder Jose Reyes became the first player in major-league history to allow multiple homers as a pitcher in one game (pitching the eighth inning in mop-up duty Tuesday) and then in his team's next outing hit two homers - finishing 2-for-3 after entering Wednesday's loss as an injury replacement. New York finished with just six hits Wednesday and ranks near the bottom of the National League in hitting at .228 on the season. Atlanta's series finale Wednesday against Miami was rained out, and the Braves head to New York riding a three-game winning streak during which they have scored 20 runs on 33 hits. First baseman Freddie Freeman, who is among NL leaders in hitting at .316, is batting .413 in 12 games against the Mets this season with 11 RBIs and a 1.081 OPS.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (7-7, 3.04 ERA) vs. Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-6, 8.36)

Foltynewicz experienced the high of pitching in the All-Star game in July but endured four consecutive rough outings to end the month, surrendering at least six hits in each start while posting a 6.94 ERA with six homers allowed in 23 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old struck out eight against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday but gave up four runs on six hits with three walks in losing his second consecutive outing. Foltynewicz got a no-decision June 12 against the Mets, pitching five scoreless innings with two hits allowed and six strikeouts.

Nobody won more games in the majors last season than Vargas, who captured 18 victories last season with Kansas City before enduring a disastrous 2018. The 35-year-old gave up seven runs on nine hits June 19 against Colorado, then landed on the disabled list with a right calf injury suffered during conditioning sprints. Vargas - who gave up three runs over 4 1/3 innings Friday at Pittsburgh - permitted six runs against the Braves on May 3 but held Atlanta to two hits across five shutout innings May 30 to pick up his last victory.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets OF Brandon Nimmo has hit a career-high 13 homers this season, but only one in his past 35 games.

2. The Braves announced newly-acquired RHP Kevin Gausman will make his first Atlanta start at some point during the Mets series.

3. Atlanta has dominated the Mets this season, winning 9-of-12 matchups and outscoring New York 67-37.

PREDICTION: Braves 6, Mets 2
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Baltimore Orioles vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Rangers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

The Texas Rangers have stumbled at home throughout the season, a trend that continued coming out of the All-Star break when they dropped six of seven at Globe Life Park. The Rangers followed that up by winning four of five on the road, including a sweep of Houston, and return home to open a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night.

The Orioles own the worst record in the majors and stripped down their roster with a string of moves leading up to the trade deadline, but they have scored 47 runs while winning four of their last five. "It shows that we kind of turned the page a little bit since the All-Star break," said left fielder Trey Mancini, who homered among three hits in Wednesday's 7-5 win at Yankee Stadium. "I just noticed a difference in energy, and we all are starting to hit and play as a team a lot better. I don't know what the reason is, but it's been pretty fun." Like Baltimore, the Rangers turned the page toward the future by making a bevy of moves before the deadline, dealing away, among others, left-hander Cole Hamels and closer Keone Kela. The teams closed out the first half by playing three one-run games in Baltimore, with the Orioles winning the final two by scores of 1-0 and 6-5.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, MASN2 (Baltimore), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (3-9, 4.33 ERA) vs. Rangers RH Yovani Gallardo (5-1, 6.26)

Cashner ended a winless drought of more than two months in his last start against Tampa Bay on Friday, limiting the Rays to two runs and five hits over six innings. The 31-year-old was 0-4 in his previous nine turns even though he has registered five quality starts during that span. Cashner, who was 11-11 in 28 starts with the Rangers in 2017, has split 10 career decisions and posted a 2.72 ERA at Globe Life Park.

Gallardo, who was cut loose by Cincinnati in April after three relief appearances, has thrived since he was promoted from Triple-A Round Rock in mid-June. He is 5-1 over his last six starts and has not allowed a run while giving up only five hits over 11 1/3 innings in his last two turns, blanking division leaders Cleveland and Houston. Mark Trumbo has been a nemesis for Gallardo with six hits in 11 at-bats.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mancini is 10-for-25 with two homers and four RBIs over the last six games.

2. Rangers SS Elvis Andrus has hit safely in 12 consecutive games

3. Orioles INF Jonathan Villar, acquired from Milwaukee on Tuesday, is expected to join the team for the series opener.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Orioles 3
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San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Padres vs. Cubs Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

If the Chicago Cubs are going to build a cushion in the tight National League Central race, the next week would be a prime time to do so. The Cubs begin a stretch of seven straight games against last-place teams when they open a four-game set against the visiting San Diego Padres on Thursday.

The Cubs have scuffled a bit coming out of the All-Star break, splitting their past 14 games and watching their division lead - once 3 1/2 games - evaporate. They have a chance to replenish that margin with four against struggling San Diego followed by a three-game set at Kansas City. The Padres have lost seven straight and 14 of their last 16 and have the worst record in the NL by a wide margin. The Cubs scored 23 runs while sweeping the Padres in a three-game series in San Diego from July 13-15.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Robbie Erlin (1-3, 3.47 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (3-4, 4.03)

Erlin will make a spot start in place of the injured Luis Perdomo, and he'll hope for better results than his previous two starts this season. The 27-year-old has posted a 2.05 ERA in 27 relief appearances, but has been tagged for 12 runs (11 earned) in seven innings across his two starts. Erlin has given up two runs in 4 2/3 innings across three relief appearances against the Cubs.

Montgomery kept his spot in the rotation - at least for the time being - despite the addition of Cole Hamels. The 29-year-old is coming off his rockiest outing since taking over a starting role, though, as he gave up five runs and 12 hits in five innings of a loss at St. Louis last time out. Montgomery is 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA in four games (two starts) against San Diego.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs INF/OF Ben Zobrist (12-for-22) and C Willson Contreras (8-for-22) are riding six-game hitting streaks.

2. Padres 1B Eric Hosmer is 10-for-29 during a season-best eight-game hitting streak.

3. Chicago has homered in a season-high six consecutive games.

PREDICTION: Cubs 6, Padres 4
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Milwaukee Brewers vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 2nd August 2018 by Gracenote
Brewers vs. Dodgers Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/02/2018

Turning the calendar did nothing to slow down Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal, who homered twice Wednesday after batting .364 in July. Now tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks atop the National League West, the Dodgers aim for a split of their four-game series against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

Rich Hill tossed six strong innings and Grandal belted a walk-off blast in the 10th inning as the Dodgers snapped a three-game losing streak with Wednesday's 6-4 victory. Brian Dozier, who was acquired Tuesday from the Minnesota Twins, made his Dodgers debut and went 3-for-4 with a solo homer while hitting fifth and playing second base. Milwaukee fell to 5-2 on its eight-game road trip as newly acquired infielder Jonathan Schoop started at second base and went 0-for-5 with three strikeouts. Lorenzo Cain had three hits but Christian Yelich's 15-game hitting streak came to an end as the Brewers fell one game back of the first-place Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Jhoulys Chacin (10-3, 3.45 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Clayton Kershaw (4-5, 2.52)

Chacin tossed seven innings of one-run ball in last Saturday's 7-1 victory over San Francisco after becoming the first pitcher in Brewers history to allow two or fewer hits without walking a batter in consecutive starts. The 30-year-old native of Venezuela, who walked one versus the Giants, has not allowed more than one earned run in any of his last three outings. Chacin is 11-8 with a 4.03 ERA in 25 career games (24 starts) against Los Angeles, including 5-4 with a 4.08 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) at Dodger Stadium.

Kershaw turned in a dominant outing Friday against Atlanta, allowing one run over a season-high 7 2/3 innings in a 4-1 victory. "That was vintage Kershaw," manager Dave Roberts told reporters. "That was as good as I remember him since last year. The off-balance swings, the depth of the slider, the velocity held." The three-time Cy Young award winner owns a 5-5 record and 2.85 ERA in 13 career starts versus Milwaukee but has struggled to contain Yelich (7-for-14 with a home run).

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers 3B Justin Turner (groin) is expected to be activated from the disabled list prior to Thursday's game.

2. The Brewers optioned Tyler Saladino to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Schoop.

3. Dodgers OF Matt Kemp ended a 0-for-26 slump with a leadoff single in the 10th inning Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 5, Brewers 2
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San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions

by Gracenote on 08/01/2018

Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zack Greinke is enjoying quite the hot streak heading into a contest against a team that he has dominated in his career. Boasting a 6-0 mark with a 1.16 ERA in his last seven starts, Greinke carries a 12-2 career record against the San Francisco Giants (55-54) to the mound on Thursday as the Diamondbacks (60-49) host their National League West rivals in the opener of a four-game series.

A.J. Pollock belted his second homer in three outings in Arizona's 6-0 romp over Texas on Tuesday to bat .313 with six extra-base hits in 45 at-bats since the All-Star break. The 30-year-old, however, has struggled mightily against San Francisco this season, going 3-for-23 with 12 strikeouts. While the Diamondbacks have emerged victorious in four of their last five contests, the Giants extended their winning streak to three games by outlasting San Diego in back-to-back extra-inning tilts. Brandon Crawford singled in the go-ahead run with two outs in the 10th inning of a 3-2 triumph on Tuesday to give him 10 hits in his last eight outings.

TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants LH Madison Bumgarner (3-4, 3.06 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Greinke (12-5, 2.96)

Bumgarner suffered his first loss since July 2 on Friday after yielding three runs on six hits in eight innings of a 3-1 setback against Milwaukee. The 29-year-old fell to 0-4 in his last five encounters with Arizona despite allowing just two runs in six innings of a 3-2 loss on June 5. Bumgarner owns a 9-11 career record with a 2.60 ERA versus the Diamondbacks, although he has made himself at home at Chase Field with a 6-3 mark and 2.86 ERA.

Greinke has struck out 48 against just five walks in his last seven starts to lower his ERA by nearly a full run. The 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner enters the series opener on a high after allowing one run on six hits in seven innings of a 6-2 triumph at San Diego on Friday. Greinke permitted one run on three hits in seven strong innings of a 3-1 victory versus San Francisco on April 19.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Francisco OF Andrew McCutchen is 5-for-12 with a homer and two RBIs in his last three games after going 1-for-14 in his previous four.

2. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt is 18-for-43 with three homers, nine RBIs and eight runs scored versus the Giants this season.

3. San Francisco 3B Evan Longoria is just 5-for-29 against Arizona in 2018.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 2, Giants 1
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 08-02-2018 in MLB

MLB Previews 1st August 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 08/02/2018

Felix Hernandez is the Seattle Mariners' franchise leader in wins, ERA, strikeouts, innings and starts, but he may be pitching for his spot in the rotation Thursday against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays. Hernandez saw his ERA soar to 5.58 after giving up seven runs over 2 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, and the former Cy Young Award winner is clinging to a role with the playoff contender.

"As of now, we'll stay with the rotation. That could change," manager Scott Servais told reporters earlier in the week when asked about Hernandez. "But as of now, that's where we're at." Seattle could use a throwback performance from their one-time ace after dropping their last two games to American League West-leading Houston, including Wednesday's 8-3 setback. The Mariners have lost 13 of 20 overall to fall into a virtual tie for the second wild card with the hard-charging Oakland Athletics. The rebuilding Blue Jays were outscored 24-6 in losing three straight at Oakland to begin the week and may need to utilize a bullpen day to get through the opener in Seattle.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: TBA vs. Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (8-9, 5.58 ERA)

Toronto traded away a starter and two relievers at the deadline and was forced to burn through several bullpen arms in Oakland that might've been options to start this one, including righthander Brandon Cumpton, who threw 46 pitches in relief Tuesday. Sportsnet reported Wednesday that the team may look outside the organization for a fill-in starter. Hard-throwing reliever Ken Giles, acquired Monday in a trade with Houston, is expected to join the club in Seattle.

Hernandez allowed three earned runs or fewer in six straight starts before Saturday's blowup, but he lasted longer than five innings just twice in that span. He has been much better at home, sporting a 4.06 ERA and limiting opponents to a .245 average in 11 Safeco Field outings. The 32-year-old is 7-6 with a 4.02 ERA in 16 career starts versus Toronto.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays 2B Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (ankle, knee) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and RHP Danny Barnes (knee) was activated from the DL.

2. Seattle optioned OF Ben Gamel and RHP Chasen Bradford to clear spots for newly-acquired OF Cameron Maybin and RHP Adam Warren.

3. Toronto OF Randal Grichuk is 9-for-28 with five doubles and a homer over his last seven games.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Blue Jays 4
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