MLB Betting News and Trends For Tuesday 6/19/18

Tuesday’s games
National League
Brewers (42-30) @ Pirates (36-36)
Peralta is 1-0, 3.72 in two starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 2-0
5-inning record: 1-0-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Taillon is 2-0, 2.25 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-7.
5-inning record: 6-6-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Brewers are 5-8 in their last 13 games; under is 6-2 in their last eight road games. Pittsburgh won four of its last five games; four of their last seven games went over.

Cardinals (37-33) @ Phillies (38-32)
Weaver is 0-4, 4.59 in his last six starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 6-8.
5-inning record: 7-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Velasquez is 4-3, 4.33 in his last eight starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 6-8.
5-inning record: 6-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Cardinals lost five of their last six games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. Phillies won six of their last eight games; over is 8-2 in their last ten games.

Dodgers (37-33) @ Cubs (40-28)
Hill is making his first start since May 19; he is 1-2, 6.57 in six starts this year (over 5-1). Team in his starts: 2-4. Hill has had blister problems.
5-inning record: 2-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5

Maeda is 0-1, 5.40 in his last two starts; under is 6-1-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 5-6.
5-inning record: 4-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-11

Chatwood is 0-2, 5.26 in his last six starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 6-7.
5-inning record: 6-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Montgomery is 2-1, 1.14 in four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-1.
5-inning record: 2-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Dodgers won five of their last six games; they’re 5-5 in road series openers. LA’s last four games stayed under the total. Cubs won four of last five home games; they’re 6-2 in last eight home series openers. Under is 5-1 in their last six home games.

Mets (31-38) @ Rockies (34-38)
Vargas is 1-2, 5.00 in his last four starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 2-6.
5-inning record: 2-6. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-8

Marquez is 0-2, 8.44 in his last three starts (over 3-0). Team in his starts: 5-8.
5-inning record: 5-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-13

Mets won their last three games; under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 games. Colorado lost nine of its last 11 games; over is 15-1 in their last 16 games.

Marlins (29-44) @ Giants (35-38)
Straily is 0-2, 6.27 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 5-4.
5-inning record: 3-5-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-9

Rodriguez is 1-1, 4.70 in three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 2-1.
5-inning record: 1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Miami won six of its last eight games; over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Giants lost six of their last eight games; under is 5-4 in their last nine games.

American League
Mariners (24-46) @ New York (37-33)
Gonzales is 4-0, 1.93 in his last five starts; under is 6-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 10-4.
5-inning record: 9-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-14

German is 1-2, 5.18 in his last four starts (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 4-3.
5-inning record: 1-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-7

Seattle won six of its last eight games; they’re 8-4 in road series openers. Over is 5-1 in their last six road games. New York won four of its last six games; they’re 8-4 in home series openers. Under is 12-1 in their last 13 games.

White Sox (24-47) @ Indians (38-33)
Rodon is 0-1, 5.40 in two starts this year (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 0-2.
5-inning record: 0-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-2

Clevinger is 2-0, 3.08 in his last four starts; over is 6-4 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 6-8.
5-inning record: 3-6-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14 (3 of last 3)

White Sox lost their last five games; under is 15-1-1 in their last 17 games. Cleveland lost four of its last seven games; under is 10-3 in their last 13 games.

Rays (33-39) @ Astros (49-25)
Snell is 4-1, 2.29 in his last six starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 9-6
5-inning record: 10-4-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-15

Verlander is 5-0, 2.27 in his last six starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 10-5.
5-inning record: 11-1-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Tampa Bay lost four of its last five games; six of Rays’ last seven games stayed under. Astros won their last 12 games; over is 7-0-1 in their last eight games.

Red Sox (29-44) @ Twins (22-49)
Sale is 1-3, 5.92 in his last four starts; under is 3-1-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 8-7
5-inning record: 8-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-15

Berrios is 2-0, 3.00 in his last three starts; under is 4-1-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-6
5-inning record: 6-5-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Red Sox won five of their last seven games; they’re 6-6 in road series openers. Under is 10-3 in their last 13 games. Minnesota lost four of its last six home games; they’re 5-7 in home series openers. Under is 5-1-1 in their last seven road games.

Rangers (30-44) @ Royals (22-50)
Hamels is 0-2, 4.72 in his last four starts (under 4-0). Team in his starts: 4-10
5-inning record: 4-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14

Hammel is 0-2, 4.66 in his last three starts; under is 5-0-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 4-10
5-inning record: 5-7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Rangers won their last three games; under is 6-1 in their last seven road games. Kansas City lost 13 of its last 14 games; three of KC’s last four games went over.

Interleague
Orioles (46-21) @ Nationals (38-32)
Hess is 0-2, 4.11 in his last three starts (under 5-1). Team in his starts: 2-4
5-inning record: 2-3-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-6

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

Baltimore lost nine of its last ten games; they’re 4-7 in road series openers. Under is 7-2 in their last nine road games. Nationals are 5-10 in their last 15 games; over is 6-4 in their last ten games. Washington is 5-5 in home series openers.

Braves (39-32) @ Blue Jays (38-34)
Soroka is 2-1, 4.29 in four starts this year (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 3-1
5-inning record: 2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-4

Garcia is 0-3, 6.17 in his last five starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 6-6
5-inning record: 2-9-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-12

Braves won five of its last six games; they’re 0-4 in last four road series openers. Over is 4-1-1 in their last six road games. Toronto won its last seven home games; they’re 7-5 in home series openers. Under is 7-3 in their last ten home games.

Tigers (39-32) @ Reds (38-34)
Boyd is 2-0, 3.09 in his last four starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 8-5
5-inning record: 3-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13

Romano is 1-4, 1-4, 8.13 in his last six starts (over 4-2). Team in his starts: 6-8
5-inning record: 2-7-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-14

Detroit won its last five games; they’re 4-7 in road series openers. Under is 9-1 in their last ten road games. Reds are 5-8 in their last 13 games; they’re 4-7 in home series openers. Over is 5-0-1 in their last six home games.

Diamondbacks (40-32) @ Angels (38-35)
Koch is 3-0, 5.48 in his last four starts; (under 6-4-1). Team in his starts: 7-4
5-inning record: 4-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-11

Pena is making his first MLB start; he was 1-2, 3.51 in 10 AAA games (9 starts). He’s thrown 46 innings in 38 MLB relief stints. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Arizona won eight of its last 11 games; over is 8-3-1 in their last 12 games. Angels lost seven of their last eight games; last six Angel games went over the total.

A’s (39-32) @ Padres (38-34)
Blackburn gave up eight runs in 1.1 IP in his last start, his second of this season. Team in his starts: 1-1
5-inning record: 0-1-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Lauer is 2-1, 3.45 in his last three starts; over is 3-1 in his home starts. Team in his starts: 3-7
5-inning record: 3-5-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10

A’s are 8-4 in their last dozen road games, 6-5 in road series openers. Last five Oakland games went over the total. San Diego lost three of its last four games; they’re 1-14 in last 15 series openers. Over is 8-2 in their last ten home games.

Umpires
StL-Phil: Under is 4-1-1 in last six Cederstrom games.
Mil-Pitt: Over is 7-2 in Rackley games this season.
NY-Col: Favorites won last eight Welke games.
Mia-SF: Over is 6-3-1 in last ten Fletcher games.

Chi-Clev: Home side is 2-0 in Additon games last two years.
TB-Hst: Over is 8-4 in Hoberg games this season.
Tex-KC: Under is 9-3-1 in last thirteen Dreckman games.

Az-LAA: Over is 9-3-1 in Layne games this season.

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Preview: Dodgers at Cubs (Game 1)
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

With the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs both surging recently, their three-game series at Wrigley Field this week might feel like a preview of a third consecutive National League Championship Series meeting. But Cubs manager Joe Maddon doesn’t want his team thinking that way when the series begins with a split doubleheader on Tuesday.

“I don't like to add too much weight to any given game,” Maddon told reporters. “I don't care if we're playing the Dodgers or any team that might be in [our] division. That's a trap.” The scheduled series opener was postponed Monday due to a limited power outage at Wrigley Field and rain in the forecast throughout the night, so the teams will get started with a day game and play again under the lights Tuesday night. The Cubs have won 14 of their last 20 and regained a share of the NL Central lead with Milwaukee’s loss Monday. The Dodgers have been just as hot, winning 21 of their last 28 to climb back into contention in the NL West.

TV: 1:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers RH Kenta Maeda (4-4, 3.61 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 4.12)

Maeda put together his two best starts of the season to end May but is winless in his last two turns. The 30-year-old native of Japan gave up two runs on five hits and three walks over five frames in a no-decision versus Texas on Wednesday. Maeda, who will be facing the Cubs for the first time in a regular-season game, has 69 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings this season and has held right-handed batters to a .196 average.

Chatwood is winless in his last six outings after giving up four runs on five hits and two walks over five innings in a loss at Milwaukee on Tuesday. The 28-year-old has not completed more than 5 1/3 frames in any of his last eight starts and has posted a 5.19 ERA over the last two months after producing a 2.83 mark in April. Yasmani Grandal is 6-for-11 with a homer versus Chatwood, who is 5-9 with a 4.07 ERA in 15 career appearances (14 starts) against the Dodgers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers INF-OF Enrique Hernandez is 7-for-19 with three homers during a six-game hitting streak, while 3B Justin Turner has gone 6-for-20 with a homer while hitting in five straight contests.

2. Cubs INF Javier Baez, who was hit on the left elbow by a Jack Flaherty pitch Sunday, told reporters he hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday.

3. Chicago placed LHP Brian Duensing on the bereavement list Monday and recalled LHP Rob Zastryzny from Triple-A Iowa.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Cubs 4
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Preview: Brewers at Pirates
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

While a 10-game homestand in mid-June isn't likely to define the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2018 season, the club at least needed to put together a good showing in order to remain relevant in the National League Central. The Pirates have done that so far and will attempt to move to 4-1 in their last five games in Pittsburgh on Tuesday when they continue a three-game set with the Milwaukee Brewers.

After holding a one-half game lead in the Central as recently as May 17, the Pirates dropped 18 of their next 24 to fall as many as eight games behind the Brewers before putting together a three-game winning streak - two of the victories coming at home against Cincinnati over the weekend. Pittsburgh moved within six games of Milwaukee in Monday's 1-0 series-opening victory, as Trevor Williams and two relievers tossed a two-hit shutout to beat the Brewers for the third time in four meetings this season. The Pirates' well-timed surge has dovetailed with the recent struggles of Milwaukee, which fell into a virtual first-place tie with the Chicago Cubs after suffering its third straight setback. Dating back to the start of last season, the Brewers have won only three of their 11 games in Pittsburgh.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers RH Freddy Peralta (1-0, 3.72 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (4-5, 3.94)

Peralta will make his first big-league start since settling for a no-decision May 19 at Minnesota, giving up four runs on three hits and six walks in only four frames. The outing was a stark contrast to his major-league debut six days earlier, as the 22-year-old allowed one hit and fanned 13 over 5 2/3 innings in a win at Colorado. Peralta has been sharp in five minor-league turns at Triple-A Colorado Springs since his demotion, going 1-0 with a 1.48 ERA while striking out 38 over 24 1/3 frames.

Taillon rebounded from his first loss at home since April 25 with seven strong innings in a win at Arizona on Wednesday, permitting two runs on six hits while walking a pair and fanning four. The Florida native has produced three quality starts in his last four turns, going 2-1 with a 2.73 ERA with 23 strikeouts across 26 1/3 frames over that span. Hernan Perez is 6-for-15 with three homers and eight RBIs versus Taillon, who yielded one run over five innings in a no-decision at Milwaukee on May 5.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates have blanked the Brewers in each of their last two meetings.

2. Milwaukee OF Christian Yelich is batting .382 with nine home runs and 28 RBIs in his team's wins and .143 with no homers and three RBIs in its losses.

3. With Monday's victory, the Pirates improved to 9-2 in one-run games at home.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Brewers 2
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Preview: Cardinals at Phillies
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

Odubel Herrera has answered a nearly month-long home run drought by going deep in back-to-back outings and three times over the last four games. The 26-year-old Venezuelan aims to continue his power surge as the Philadelphia Phillies bid for their first four-game winning streak since early May on Tuesday versus the visiting St. Louis Cardinals.

Herrera belted a three-run homer as part of a four-run first inning and Aaron Altherr had a two-run double in the 10th as Philadelphia (38-32) rallied for a 6-5 win on Monday. Herrera is 9-for-23 with six RBIs and five runs scored in his last five games overall and is 6-for-22 with two homers and nine RBIs versus St. Louis this season. While the Phillies are trending upward, the Cardinals (37-33) fell for the fifth time in six outings by dropping the opener of their seven-game road trip. Tommy Pham homered in the 10th inning to extend his hitting streak to 12 games - including exactly one hit in each of the last 10 - to give him momentum heading into a tilt versus Tuesday starter Vince Velasquez, against whom he is 0-for-3 in his career.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Luke Weaver (3-6, 4.52 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Vince Velasquez (5-7, 4.74)

Weaver dropped the first of four decisions over his last six starts with a hard-luck loss to Philadelphia on May 17 in which he allowed one run on four hits in seven innings. Maikel Franco and Cesar Hernandez are both 3-for-6 in their careers versus the 24-year-old, although the hurler has subdued Altherr (0-for-5). Weaver permitted four runs for the third time in his last four trips to the mound on Wednesday, taking the loss after pitching 5 1/3 innings versus San Diego.

Velasquez answered a career-high 10-run performance by carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning on Thursday against Colorado before walking away with his first win since May 17 versus St. Louis. The 26-year-old scattered five hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings against the Cardinals in that contest to improve to 1-1 in two career starts versus the club. Marcell Ozuna, who couldn't snare Altherr's hit in the air in the 10th inning, is 3-for-15 with a homer in his career against Velasquez.

WALK-OFFS

1. St. Louis 1B Matt Carpenter has homered in three of his last four games and hit safely in 10 of his last 12.

2. Philadelphia 1B Carlos Santana has scored twice in back-to-back contests after crossing the plate just once in his previous seven.

3. Cardinals C Yadier Molina has scored three times in the last two games after failing to do so in each of his previous 10.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 5, Phillies 2
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Preview: Orioles at Nationals
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

Although the offense has been mostly responsible for the Washington Nationals' recent 1-6 slide, the bullpen has played a role in two of the losses. The Nationals made a move Monday to fortify themselves in the latter area and hope facing one of the worst pitching staffs in the majors will help correct the former when they begin a three-game set at home Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles.

Washington traded three minor-leaguers to Kansas City on Monday to acquire Royals closer Kelvin Herrera, one day after three of its four relievers gave up runs in an 8-6 loss that finalized a three-game sweep in Toronto by the Blue Jays. The losing streak reached four as the Nationals went 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position during Monday's 4-2 setback against the New York Yankees in a make-up game from last month - the fourth time in seven contests Washington scored two or fewer runs. Washington took care of business last month when it visited Baltimore, however, pitching a pair of shutouts against its interleague rival while outscoring it 11-2 during a three-game sweep. The Orioles (20-50), who owns the worst record in baseball and whose 4.87 staff ERA ranks 26th in the majors, is entering this series following an off-day after ending a nine-game losing streak by beating Miami.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, MASN 2 (Baltimore), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (2-3, 4.13 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jefry Rodriguez (0-0, 0.00)

After delivering three straight quality starts, Hess struggled through the worst of his six big-league outings last Tuesday against Boston - surrendering five runs on five hits and four walks across 3 1/3 innings. The Tennessee Tech product had given up a total of two runs - both on solo shots - on 13 hits over 18 2/3 frames before his poor showing. One of his starts during that stretch came in a hard-luck loss versus Washington on May 30, when he permitted one run and four hits over six innings.

Rodriguez is set to make his first big-league start after dominating at Double-A Harrisburg over his last three turns, permitting a total of four unearned runs on four hits while striking out 21 across 16 innings over that stretch. The 24-year-old Dominican made his major-league debut in long relief against Atlanta on June 3, tossing 4 2/3 scoreless frames after Jeremy Hellickson was forced from the game after four pitches. Rodriguez is 5-3 with a 3.31 ERA in 13 starts overall at Harrisburg.

WALK-OFFS

1. Nationals rookie OF Juan Soto has reached base safely in 21 of his first 25 career games and went 6-for-11 against the Orioles last month.

2. Sunday's 10-run outburst against the Marlins was the first time in 20 contests Baltimore scored more than five runs.

3. Washington OF Michael Taylor enters the opener with a nine-game hitting streak and is batting .357 with 11 extra-base hits, 10 RBIs and 10 steals over his last 23 games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Orioles 3
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Preview: Mariners at Yankees
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

The Seattle Mariners, who own the third-best home record in the American League, will hit the road for a 10-game trek that includes the two teams ahead of them in that regard. The Mariners begin a three-game series against the New York Yankees on Tuesday before visiting Boston later in the week.

"This stretch in our schedule, everybody looked at it early on and, 'Oh, it's going to be tough. You guys haven't played anybody.' But we're just fine. You have to play the schedule," Seattle manager Scott Servais said. "We don't make it, we just play it. And we're looking forward to the trip out east." Dee Gordon and Ben Gamel are each carrying six-game hitting streaks into the opener, while Nelson Cruz has homered in five of his last nine contests for the Mariners (46-26). While Seattle had won 22 of 28 games before dropping a 9-3 decision to Boston on Sunday, New York (47-22) spent Monday losing its suspended game versus Washington before winning the rescheduled contest later in the evening. Aaron Hicks went deep for the second time in as many days and third time in five days in the 4-2 win.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (7-3, 3.42 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Domingo German (1-4, 5.23)

Gonzales owns a 4-0 mark with a 1.41 ERA in his last six starts despite settling for a no-decision after allowing three runs on seven hits in five innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. The 26-year-old fanned seven against the Angels, marking his most strikeouts in a game since he had seven versus the same club on May 5. Gonzales will be facing the Yankees for the first time in his career, although he previously has squared off against Giancarlo Stanton (1-for-2) and Didi Gregorius (0-for-1).

German entered the winner's circle for the first time this season with a career-high 10-strikeout effort Thursday versus Tampa Bay, yielding three runs on five hits in six innings for the second outing in a row. "It's been a long battle for me," the 25-year-old Dominican said through a translator. "It means a lot. Hopefully, I can relax a little more." German was taken deep on the first pitch of the game versus the Rays and has surrendered seven homers in his last six trips to the mound.

WALK-OFFS

1. Stanton had four hits in Monday's latter contest, giving him six in his last three completed games after he was held without a hit in five of his previous six.

2. Seattle activated RHP Juan Nicasio (knee) and C Chris Hermann (oblique) off the 10-day disabled list on Monday, with both players available for the series opener.

3. Mariners OF Mitch Haniger has drawn a walk in five of his last six games.

PREDICTION: Mariners 3, Yankees 2
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Preview: Braves at Blue Jays
Gracenote
Jun 18, 2018

The Toronto Blue Jays spent the weekend sweeping three contests from defending National League East champion Washington, and Tuesday take their shot at the current division leader when the Atlanta Braves arrive to open a two-game series. Right fielder Randal Grichuk stayed hot in Sunday’s 8-6 victory, belting a pair of solo homers to raise his average to .326 with five homers and 13 RBIs since returning June 1 from a sprained ligament in his right knee.

The Blue Jays have averaged 10.3 hits in winning seven of their past 10 games, scoring five or more runs five times and slugging eight homers in the sweep of Washington. They will encounter one of the hottest pitching staffs in the majors this week as Atlanta completed a 5-1 homestand with a 4-1 victory over San Diego on Sunday, pushing its division lead to a season-high 3 ½ games. Braves starters are 29-16 with a 3.24 ERA and 1.23 WHIP this season, and in their past six games Atlanta starters have posted a 2.17 ERA with 58 strikeouts and 37 hits allowed in 54 innings. Tuesday’s series opener will hold extra meaning for Braves starter Mike Soroka, as the 20-year-old from Calgary pitches in his native country for the first time as a big leaguer.

TV: 7:07 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Atlanta), TVA, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Soroka (2-1, 2.57 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Jaime Garcia (2-5, 5.71)

Soroka showed no rust coming off the disabled list Wednesday for his first start since May 12, carrying a no-hitter through six innings before leaving with one hit allowed and one walk over 6 1/3 innings to beat the New York Mets. Making his fifth major-league start in the series opener, Soroka has walked one hitter or fewer while striking out four or more in three of his first four appearances. Soroka made two minor-league starts while recovering from a right shoulder strain, giving up one run with 10 strikeouts.

Garcia has battled inconsistency since going 2-2 across his first five starts, allowing four runs or more four times while giving up just one earned run in his other three outings. The 31-year-old lost his fifth straight decision Tuesday at Tampa Bay, allowing four runs with four walks and four strikeouts in five innings. Garcia, who went 4-7 with a 4.30 ERA in 18 starts with the Braves a season ago before being dealt to Minnesota, sports a 3.00 ERA at home compared to an 8.04 mark on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta RF Nick Markakis (92) and 1B Freddie Freeman (91) began Monday leading the NL in hits.

2. The Blue Jays are 6-2 in interleague play this season while Atlanta is 3-2.

3. Toronto 1B Kendrys Morales finished with two hits Sunday and is batting .359 with six multi-hit games in his past 10 contests.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Blue Jays 3
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Preview: White Sox at Indians
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

The Cleveland Indians look to continue their latest upswing in a see-saw season when they host the struggling Chicago White Sox for the middle contest of a three-game set Tuesday night. The American League Central-leading Indians won six in a row to end May and lost eight of 14 to start June before recording victories in their last two contests after rolling to a 6-2 triumph in the series opener on Monday.

Jason Kipnis belted a solo homer and added two singles Monday, while Lonnie Chisenhall continued his hot streak by hitting safely for the ninth time in 10 games, going 14-for-31 during that stretch for Cleveland. Mike Clevinger will try to help the Indians extend their winning streak and beat the White Sox for the third time this year on Tuesday when he opposes left-hander Carlos Rodon, a former overall No. 3 draft pick. Chicago fell to a season-high 23 games under .500 (24-47) with its fifth consecutive loss Monday and has dropped 15 of its last 19 contests against Cleveland. Matt Davidson homered for the second straight outing Monday and is 7-for-16 during a four-game hitting streak for the White Sox, who own the third-worst record in the majors.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (0-1, 3.60 ERA) vs. Indians RH Mike Clevinger (5-2, 3.15)

Rodon pitched well Thursday, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks over five innings after struggling in his 2018 debut five days earlier. The 25-year-old North Carolina State product gave up four runs (two earned) on six hits across five innings at Boston on June 9 in his first start since Sept. 2 due to shoulder surgery. Francisco Lindor is 5-for-21 with a pair of homers versus Rodon, who held Cleveland to one run on six hits over 6 2/3 innings with nine strikeouts in a no-decision last year.

Clevinger boasts seven quality starts in his last nine appearances, including Thursday when he limited the White Sox to two runs (one earned) over seven innings with a season-high 11 strikeouts. The 27-year-old Floridian also beat Chicago on May 29, giving up one run on four hits and two walks across 6 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts. Jose Abreu is 4-for-14 with a pair of homers against Clevinger, who has allowed opponents to bat .283 in Cleveland as opposed to .185 on the road.

WALK-OFFS

1. Abreu, who went 1-for-4 in the series opener, needs one homer to tie Jose Valentin (136) for 11th on Chicago’s all-time list.

2. Cleveland C Yan Gomes, who was rested in Monday’s contest, is 6-for-13 with six RBIs in his last four games.

3. The White Sox bullpen boasts a 2.13 ERA in June, among the best in the majors.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, White Sox 2
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Preview: Tigers at Reds
Gracenote
Jun 18, 2018

The Detroit Tigers were not expected to do much this season, and the outlook didn't get any better last week with Miguel Cabrera going down for the season, but the team is still finding ways to win. The Tigers will try to earn their sixth consecutive victory and climb back to the .500 mark when they visit the National League-worst Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a two-game interleague series on Tuesday.

Detroit finished off a three-game sweep at the Chicago White Sox over the weekend and sits in second place in the AL Central, 2 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Indians at the start of the week. "Any team wants to be over .500," left-hander Blaine Hardy, who earned the win on Sunday, told reporters. "It's kind of that mark that lets you know you're playing good baseball. When we're within 2 1/2 games of the Indians at this point, that's a good sign, especially since we go (to Cleveland for three games next weekend). We can go in there and say we have full control over what the standings will be." First the Tigers will have to get by Cincinnati, which already owns series wins over AL Central foes Minnesota and Kansas City. The Reds, who finished up a 3-2 road trip with a win at Pittsburgh on Sunday, will send right-hander Sal Romano to the mound on Tuesday opposite Detroit lefty Matthew Boyd.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (4-4, 3.23 ERA) vs. Reds RH Sal Romano (3-7, 5.67)

Boyd allowed two or fewer runs in five of his last six starts and held Minnesota to two runs and three hits over five innings on Wednesday without factoring in the decision. The 27-year-old is limiting opponents to a .202 batting average but could not complete six innings in three of his last five turns. Boyd is facing Cincinnati for the first time and is just 1-3 with a 7.40 ERA in six career interleague games - four starts.

Romano posted his best start of the season at Kansas City last Tuesday, when he scattered one run and four hits over eight innings while striking out a pair. The Reds managed to win the game 5-1 but Romano was held out of the decision, leaving him 1-4 over his last seven outings. The 24-year-old is slightly better at home, where he owns a 2-3 record with a 5.26 ERA in seven starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez homered in each of the last two games and hit safely in eight straight.

2. Detroit RF Nick Castellanos went 4-for-8 with three home runs and seven RBIs in the last two contests.

3. Cincinnati RHP Jared Hughes allowed a run on Sunday, snapping a string of 15 straight scoreless appearances.

PREDICTION: Tigers 9, Reds 6
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Preview: Dodgers at Cubs (Game 2)
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

With the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs both surging recently, their three-game series at Wrigley Field this week might feel like a preview of a third consecutive National League Championship Series meeting. But Cubs manager Joe Maddon doesn’t want his team thinking that way when the series begins with a split doubleheader on Tuesday.

“I don't like to add too much weight to any given game,” Maddon told reporters. “I don't care if we're playing the Dodgers or any team that might be in [our] division. That's a trap.” The scheduled series opener was postponed Monday due to a limited power outage at Wrigley Field and rain in the forecast throughout the night, so the teams will get started with a day game and play again under the lights Tuesday night. The Cubs have won 14 of their last 20 and regained a share of the NL Central lead with Milwaukee’s loss Monday. The Dodgers have been just as hot, winning 21 of their last 28 to climb back into contention in the NL West.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, SportsNet Los Angeles, ABC 7 (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Dodgers LH Rich Hill (1-2, 6.20 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (2-2, 3.31)

Hill hasn’t pitched since May 19, when he left after throwing two pitches because of a blister on his throwing hand. The 38-year-old former Cub has posted only one quality start in six outings this season, and it came in his season debut April 1. Hill has faced the Cubs only one in the regular season, recording two outs in relief in 2011, but he has held his former team to one run over 11 innings across two playoff starts.

Montgomery continues to make a strong case to stay in the rotation when Yu Darvish returns from the disabled list. The 28-year-old has posted a 1.14 ERA in four starts, allowing only two hits in three of those outings and one run or fewer in all four. Montgomery is 0-0 with a 4.15 ERA in three games (one start) against the Dodgers in the regular season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers INF-OF Enrique Hernandez is 7-for-19 with three homers during a six-game hitting streak, while 3B Justin Turner has gone 6-for-20 with a homer while hitting in five straight contests.

2. Cubs INF Javier Baez, who was hit on the left elbow by a Jack Flaherty pitch Sunday, told reporters he hopes to return to the lineup Tuesday.

3. Chicago placed LHP Brian Duensing on the bereavement list Monday and recalled LHP Rob Zastryzny from Triple-A Iowa.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 6, Cubs 4
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Preview: Red Sox at Twins
Gracenote
Jun 18, 2018

The Boston Red Sox finished last in the American League in home runs in 2017 but are finding their power again in 2018 and rank second in the majors in homers behind the rival New York Yankees. The Red Sox will try to keep the power flowing when they visit the Minnesota Twins for the opener of a three-game series on Tuesday.

Boston pounded out three home runs in a 9-3 victory at Seattle on Sunday to earn a split of a four-game series and keep pace with the Yankees atop the AL East. Joining in the power barrage on Sunday was third baseman Rafael Devers, who belted a three-run homer among two hits and is providing some punch from the bottom half of the lineup while pulling out of a deep funk with hits in 11 of the last 12 games. The Twins just finished up a series win over a first-place team by taking two of three at Cleveland over the weekend and will play the next six games at home, where they own a 17-17 record. Minnesota will try to get around one of the best arms in baseball when lefty Chris Sale gets the call for the Red Sox on Tuesday opposite Twins right-hander Jose Berrios.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Chris Sale (6-4, 2.75 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jose Berrios (7-5, 3.51)

Sale was strong in his last two outings, allowing a total of two runs and eight hits over 14 innings while striking out 19 against the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore. The Florida native issued just 43 walks in 214 1/3 innings last season but is already up to 26 in 2018 after handing out four free passes at Baltimore on Wednesday. Sale won both of his starts against Minnesota last season, surrendering a total of five runs and eight hits in 12 1/3 innings while striking out 19.

Berrios is dominating opponents of late while yielding two or fewer runs in five of his last six outings. The Puerto Rico native followed up a complete-game win over the White Sox on June 7 by allowing one run across six frames at Detroit on Wednesday and owns 91 strikeouts against 15 walks on the season. Berrios lost his lone start against Boston in 2017, surrendering four runs on eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins INF Eduardo Escobar doubled three times on Sunday and leads the majors with 30.

2. Boston RHP Brandon Workman allowed a run on Sunday, snapping a string of six scoreless appearances since being recalled from the minors at the beginning of June.

3. Minnesota OF Robbie Grossman left Sunday's game due to heat illness and is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 3, Twins 1
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Preview: Rays at Astros
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

Justin Verlander attempts to pitch his team to a franchise-record 13th consecutive victory when the Houston Astros host the Tampa Bay Rays in the middle contest of their three-game set on Tuesday. Houston kept alive its streak when Alex Bregman delivered a two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 5-4 victory in the series opener.

Promising Tampa Bay starter Blake Snell will oppose Verlander after giving up just three earned runs while going 4-0 during a five-start stretch before falling to the New York Yankees in his last turn. Verlander has won his last five decisions and is a spectacular 14-2 in 20 regular-season starts since joining the Astros late last season. Tampa Bay will activate Kevin Kiermaier (thumb) prior to Tuesday's game after the center fielder missed more than two months, and the media quizzed him about having to face Verlander in his first action. "Hey, you face the best, and he's having a great year," Kiermaier told reporters. "I knew what I was getting myself into, and I didn't want to wait until Friday, to be honest. I feel like I'm fully capable right now. So I'm glad they flew me to Houston."

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (8-4, 2.58 ERA) vs. Astros RH Justin Verlander (9-2, 1.61)

Snell has allowed fewer than three runs in 12 of his 15 starts, but he wasn't in top form against the Yankees as he yielded four runs and five hits over five innings. The 25-year-old did strike out eight batters to mark the seventh time he has fanned eight or more in a game this season. Snell is 0-1 with a 7.50 ERA in three career starts against the Astros, yielding 19 hits - including four homers - in 12 innings, and has struggled with Jose Altuve (3-for-7, two homers), Bregman (3-for-6, homer) and Evan Gattis (3-for-5, homer).

Verlander allowed three runs in each of his last two outings - both victories - and has served up three homers during the stretch. The 35-year-old is limiting batters to a .160 average and owns a major league-best 0.76 WHIP while moving within three victories of 200 for his career. Verlander is 8-3 with a 3.29 ERA in 16 career starts against the Rays and has shut down Carlos Gomez (2-for-17).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros also won 12 straight games in the 1999 and 2004 seasons.

2. Tampa Bay RHP Chris Archer (abdomen) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday and will make at least two rehab starts before returning to the rotation.

3. Gattis earned American League Player of the Week honors after going 10-for-24 with four homers and 15 RBIs in six games.

PREDICTION: Astros 3, Rays 1
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Preview: Rangers at Royals
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

Shortstop Elvis Andrus is back from a broken right elbow and looks to help the Texas Rangers win their fourth consecutive contest when they visit the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Andrus, who missed more than two months with the injury, went 0-for-3 with two walks on Monday in his return to the lineup.

Adrian Beltre belted a three-run homer and Shin-Soo Choo reached base five times on a homer, double and three walks as Texas recorded a 6-3 victory in the series opener. Choo has reached safely in each of his last 32 games, the second-longest streak in the majors this season behind a 40-gamer by Philadelphia's Odubel Herrera. Kansas City continues to sink in embarrassing fashion as it has dropped seven straight contests and 13 of its last 14 to fall 28 games below .500. The Royals are a woeful 2-14 this month as they've been outscored 95-35.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Cole Hamels (3-6, 3.69 ERA) vs. Royals RH Jason Hammel (2-7, 4.89)

Hamels is winless over his last four starts, with one of the two setbacks during the drought occurring against the Royals on May 27. The 34-year-old served up home runs to Drew Butera and Salvador Perez as Kansas City reached him for five runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings. Hamels is 3-2 with a 3.51 ERA in six career starts against the Royals but hasn't allowed an earned run in 13 frames (1-0 in two starts) at Kauffman Stadium.

Hammel outdueled Hamels last month, when he allowed four hits and registered a season-high 10 strikeouts in 5 1/3 scoreless innings of 5-3 victory. The 35-year-old is 2-2 with a 2.56 ERA over his last five outings after starting the season by going 0-5 with a 6.28 ERA over nine starts. Hammel is 2-3 with a 4.07 ERA in nine career appearances (seven starts) against the Rangers and has shut down Rougned Odor (2-for-16).

WALK-OFFS

1. The Royals traded RHP Kelvin Herrera - their closer - to Washington on Monday for INF Kelvin Gutierrez, OF Blake Perkins and RHP Yohanse Morel.

2. Texas optioned C Jose Trevino to Double-A Frisco, recalled Ricardo Rodriguez from Triple-A Round Rock and designated fellow RHP Deck McGuire for assignment.

3. Kansas City is a major league-worst 10-27 at home.

PREDICTION: Rangers 7, Royals 1
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Preview: Mets at Rockies
Gracenote
Jun 19, 2018

The New York Mets face an uphill climb in the National League East standings but may have a breakout star in outfielder Brandon Nimmo. The red-hot 25-year-old has created some much-needed buzz around the Mets, who continue their four-game series against the host Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.

Nimmo homered twice and finished 4-for-6 with a career-high four RBIs in Monday’s 12-2 victory as the Mets extended their winning streak to three games. Wilmer Flores and Devin Mesoraco also homered, but the New York offense was led again by Nimmo, a Wyoming native who is 9-for-15 in his last three games and has 19 extra-base hits (seven doubles, two triples, 10 homers) and 17 RBI in his last 25 games. Colorado has lost nine of its last 11 games and fallen four games under .500 for the first time this season. The Rockies are hoping for more production from catchers Chris Iannetta, Tony Wolters and Tom Murphy, who went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts in Tuesday’s loss.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Jason Vargas (2-5, 7.39 ERA) vs. Rockies RH German Marquez (4-7, 5.13)

Since beginning the season 0-3 with a 13.86 ERA in his first three starts, Vargas has gone 2-2 and posted a 3.91 ERA in his last five games. The 35-year-old native Californian allowed three runs with five strikeouts over five innings in last Thursday’s 6-3 loss to Arizona. Chris Iannetta is 4-for-11 with a home run against Vargas, who is 2-2 with a 9.00 ERA in five career starts versus Colorado, including 1-2 with an 11.40 ERA in three outings at Coors Field.

Marquez fell to 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA in three starts this month after allowing six runs over six frames in a 9-3 loss to Philadelphia last Thursday. The 23-year-old is 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in two career starts against the Mets, including six strong innings in a victory at Citi Field on May 4. Marquez has gone 8-7 with a 5.18 ERA in 23 career games (22 starts) at Coors Field, including 1-4 with a 7.71 ERA in seven outings this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York has hit 29 home runs in its last 23 games, but 22 of them have been solo blasts.

2. Colorado has lost eight consecutive home games.

3. Mets OF Jay Bruce has missed four of the last five games with a sore hip and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Rockies 8, Mets 6
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