Tuesday 7/31/18 thread for free handicapping service plays and expert predictions for MLB, WNBA and CFL games.
National League
Giants (54-54) @ Padres (42-67)
Rodriguez is 2-0, 1.67 in his last five starts (under 4-1). Team in his starts: 7-2, 3-1 away
5-inning record: 5-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9
Richard is 0-4, 7.88 in his last six starts; his last three all went over. Team in his starts: 10-12, 4.5 home.
5-inning record: 6-14-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-22
Giants lost six of their last nine games; they’re 19-22 vs lefty starters. Under is 12-2-1 in their last 15 road games. San Diego lost its last six games; over is 6-0-1 in Padres’ last seven home games.
Mets (44-59) @ Nationals (52-53)
Matz is 1-3, 4.88 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 10-10, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 7-11-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20
Roark is 1-5, 6.55 in his last six starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 6-14, 2-7 home.
5-inning record: 5-13-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-20
Mets are 7-5 in last 12 games, 10-6 in road series openers. Over is 8-5-2 in their last 15 road games. Washington is 5-7 in its last 12 games, 8-8 in home series openers. Over is 5-1 in Nationals’ last six home games.
Cubs (61-44) @ Pirates (55-52)
Lester is 1-1, 6.23 in his last four starts; over is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 17-4, 8-2 away
5-inning record: 12-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-21
Taillon is 2-1, 1.96 in his last four starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 11-10, 5-5 home.
5-inning record: 11-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21
Cubs split their last 12 games; they’re 11-6 in road series openers (1-4 in last five). Under is 5-1 in their last six games. Pittsburgh is 13-3 in its last 16 games, 11-7 in home series openers. 12-16 vs lefty starters. Under is 3-1-1 in their last five games.
Marlins (46-62) @ Braves (56-47)
Straily is 1-0, 2.92 in his last four starts; his last three went over. Team in his starts: 8-8, 4-4 away.
5-inning record: 6-7-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16
20-year old Allard is making his MLB debut; he is 6-4, 2.80 in 18 AAA starts. Team in his starts: 0-0 home
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0
Marlins are 7-5 in their last 12 games, 11-18 vs lefty starters; over is 5-3 in their last eight games. Atlanta lost four of its last six games; under is 7-1 in their last eight home games.
Rockies (57-48) @ Cardinals (54-52)
Gray is 2-0, 3.20 in his last four starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-9, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 9-8-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19
Flaherty is 1-1, 2.40 in his last three starts; his last four starts went over. Team in his starts: 6-10, 4-3 home
5-inning record: 9-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-16
Rockies won four of their last five games,; six of last seven Colorado games stayed under. St Louis won four of its last five home games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games.
Brewers (62-47) @ Dodgers (59-48)
Miley is 1-1, 2.42 in his five starts (over 3-2). Team in his starts: 3-2, 1-1 road
5-inning record: 2-2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4
Buehler is 1-1, 5.40 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 7-4, 4-2 home.
5-inning record: 6-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11
Brewers won six of their last eight games; over is 4-2 in their last six games. Los Angeles won three of its last five games; they’re 22-16 vs lefty starters— last four Dodger games stayed under the total.
American League
Orioles (32-74) @ New York (67-37)
Ramirez is 1-3, 4.63 in five starts (under 3-2). Team in his starts: 2-3, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 1-3-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-5
Tanaka is 1-0, 2.19 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 11-5, 3-2 home.
5-inning record: 10-2-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16
Orioles won four of their last five games (over 4-1), scoring 37 runs in last three. Baltimore is 5-11 in road series openers. New York won six of last eight home games; they’re 11-6 in home series openers. Over is 4-1-1 in their last six home games.
Angels (54-53) @ Rays (53-53)
Skaggs is 5-2, 2.16 in his last eight starts (under 5-3). Team in his starts: 11-8, 7-3 away
5-inning record: 10-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-19
Stanek is 0-2, 2.45 in 14 “starts” (22 IP). Under is 9-4-1. Team in his starts: 5-9, 5-3 home.
5-inning record: 6-7-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-14
Angels won four of their last five games; they’re 3-9 in last 12 road series openers. Over is 4-1 in their last five games. Tampa Bay lost its last three games; they’re 10-6 in home series openers, 17-12 vs lefty starters. Rays’ last three games all went over.
Royals (32-73) @ White Sox (37-68)
Duffy is 2-1, 2.81 in his last four starts; over is 4-2 in his last six starts. Team in his starts: 8-14, 6-7 away
5-inning record: 9-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-22
Shields is 1-3, 7.72 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 7-15, 6-7 home.
5-inning record: 7-14-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-22
Royals lost nine of last 12 road games, are 4-13 in road series openers. Over is 3-1 in their last four games. White Sox lost four of their last five games, are 6-10 in home series openers. 7-17 vs lefty starters. Chicago’s last five games went over the total.
Indians (57-48) @ Twins (49-56)
Bauer is 1-0, 2.08 in his last four starts; under is 9-2 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 13-9, 5-6 away
5-inning record: 11-6-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-22
Gibson is 3-1, 2.86 in his last four starts; over is 5-3 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 10-11, 5-5 home.
5-inning record: 9-10-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-21
Indians won three of last five games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 road games. Minnesota lost three of its last four games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games.
Blue Jays (48-57) @ A’s (62-46)
Gaviglio is 0-0, 4.50 in his last three starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 6-7, 2-4 away
5-inning record: 5-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-13
Cahill is 1-0, 3.97 in his last six starts (over 6-4-1). Team in his starts: 6-5, 3-2 home
5-inning record: 6-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11
Toronto lost five of its last seven games; over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. A’s lost three of their last four games; four of their last six games stayed under.
Astros (67-41) @ Mariners (63-43)
Morton is 1-1, 4.37 in his last four starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 12-8, 4-4 away
5-inning record: 13-4-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-20
Leake is 0-2, 6.64 in his last four starts; over is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 14-7, 7-4 home.
5-inning record: 9-6-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-21
Astros lost their last five games; under is 11-1 in their last 12 road games. Correa/Altuve are on the DL. Seattle is 5-8 in its last 13 games; under is 10-3 in its last 13 home games.
Interleague
Phillies (58-48) @ Red Sox (75-33)
Arrieta is 3-0, 3.86 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five road starts. Team in his starts: 11-9, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 11-6-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20
Pomeranz is 0-3, 9.53 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 4-5, 2-2 home
5-inning record: 2-6-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-9
Phillies lost their last four games, scoring total of 7 runs; they’re 13-11 vs lefty starters. Boston is 14-2 in its last 16 home games; under is 6-1 in its last seven home games.
Reds (48-58) @ Tigers (45-62)
Bailey is 0-2, 8.85 in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 1-12, 1-4 away
5-inning record: 1-11-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-13
Boyd is 1-3, 6.43 in his last four starts; under is 10-6 in his last 16. Team in his starts: 9-11, 6-3 home
5-inning record: 5-12-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20
Reds won five of their last seven games; they’re 8-8 in road series openers. 13-14 vs lefty starters. Cincy’s last eight road games went over. Detroit lost five of last seven home games; they’re 0-7 in last seven home series openers. Over is 3-1 in their last four games.
Rangers (46-62) @ Diamondbacks (59-49)
Colon is 0-4, 6.31 in his last four starts; under is 9-5-1 in his last 15. Team in his starts: 8-11, 4-6 away
5-inning record: 6-10-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-19
Godley is 2-0, 3.97 in his last four starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 12-9, 5-3 home
5-inning record: 11-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-21
Rangers won their last four games; over is 10-2 in their last 12 games. Arizona won six of its last nine games; Snakes’ last five games all went over.
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San Francisco Giants vs. San Diego Padres Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Giants vs. Padres Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/31/2018
The San Francisco Giants have emerged from a funk and look for their third straight victory when they visit the San Diego Padres on Tuesday afternoon for the finale of their two-game set. San Francisco lost six of seven games before posting back-to-back wins, including Monday's series-opening 5-3 victory in 12 innings.
The Giants once again reached the .500 mark with Monday's victory but badly need to improve on their 22-32 road record if they wish to be a viable National League wild-card contender. Gorkys Hernandez served as the hero in the series opener by leading off the 12th with a blast to left field, his 13th homer of the campaign. San Diego continues to sink in the NL West as it has suffered six straight defeats and 13 in its last 15 contests. Eric Hosmer has recorded back-to-back two-hit performances but is batting a dreadful .182 this month.
TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), FS San Diego
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Dereck Rodriguez (5-1, 2.75 ERA) vs. Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-10, 5.05)
Rodriguez has won four consecutive decisions since last losing on June 9. The 26-year-old rookie has allowed fewer than three runs in each of his last six outings after giving up two runs over six innings in a no-decision against Milwaukee in his last turn. Rodriguez yielded just one run and four hits over seven frames in a no-decision against the Padres on June 24.
Richard has dropped both starts since the All-Star break as he was roughed up for 13 runs in just eight innings. The 34-year-old is 0-4 over his last six starts after winning his previous four outings and six of seven decisions. Richard is 1-1 with a 7.20 ERA in three starts versus the Giants this year and owns a 7-8 record and 4.50 ERA in 23 career meetings (20 starts).
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants placed RHP Johnny Cueto (elbow) and 3B Pablo Sandoval (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list, activated 2B Joe Panik (groin) from the DL and recalled INF Kelby Tomlinson from Triple-A Sacramento.
2. San Diego 1B Wil Myers struck out four times over six hitless at-bats in the opener and has fanned 30 times in his last 15 contests.
3. San Francisco C Buster Posey went 2-for-6 with an RBI on Monday and is 9-for-18 with five RBIs and four runs scored over his last four games.
PREDICTION: Giants 4, Padres 2
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New York Mets vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 30th July 2018 by Gracenote
Mets vs. Nationals Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/30/2018
The Washington Nationals and the New York Mets could look different by the time the National League East rivals square off for the opener of a two-game series in Washington on Tuesday. Both clubs could be active in front of Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline, and some of the biggest pieces on the market reside on the teams.
The Nationals were thought to be using last weekend's series against Miami as an indicator of whether they were still in the race in the NL East and won the first two games but managed a total of one run in falling on Saturday and Sunday to enter the week one game under .500 at 52-53. "We've put ourselves in this position. They have to do what they've got to do," Washington outfielder Adam Eaton told reporters of the front office. "But the guys that are in this clubhouse every day, and whether they're here or not, we're going to all be pulling in the same direction and doing what we have to do in order to win ballgames." New York could bring back the biggest haul if it decided to make ace right-hander Jacob deGrom available, but another starting pitcher - righty Zack Wheeler - is the name getting tossed around the most as a potential trade candidate out of the Mets' rotation. New York will send lefty Steven Matz to the mound in Tuesday's opener while the Nationals counter with righty Tanner Roark.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), MASN 2 (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets LH Steven Matz (5-8, 3.79 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Tanner Roark (4-12, 4.55)
Matz snapped a three-start losing streak last time out while holding the Pittsburgh Pirates to four runs on three hits and a pair of walks in six innings. The 27-year-old served up a pair of home runs in that outing but struck out a season-high nine. Matz is making his fourth start against Washington this season and looking for his first win after going 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA in the first three chances.
Roark snapped a string of seven consecutive outings without a win (0-6) when he breezed through eight scoreless innings at Milwaukee on Wednesday. The Illinois native, who had allowed at least four runs in five of his previous six turns, scattered three hits and walked one while striking out a career-high 11 to pick up his first win since June 6. Roark's last loss came before the All-Star break at New York, when he was reached for four runs on eight hits and a pair of walks in five innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Nationals LHP Sean Doolittle underwent an MRI on Monday to determine the status of a stress reaction in his left foot.
2. New York SS Amed Rosario is 0-for-13 over his last three games, dropping his batting average to .241.
3. Washington SS Trea Turner apologized Sunday for insensitive tweets made as a teenager that resurfaced after the game.
PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Mets 2
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Baltimore Orioles vs. New York Yankees Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 30th July 2018 by Gracenote
Orioles vs. Yankees Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/30/2018
The New York Yankees bid to keep their focus on the immediate task at hand on Tuesday when they wrap up their homestand with the opener of an abbreviated two-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees (67-37), who will begin a four-game set at rival Boston on Thursday, head into their series with the Orioles (32-74) after scoring 23 runs en route to taking three of four from Kansas City.
Aaron Hicks improved to 7-for-10 with four runs scored in the series after belting a two-run homer and falling a triple shy of the cycle in Sunday's 6-3 win over the Royals. The 28-year-old is 7-for-21 against Baltimore this season and fellow outfielder Brett Gardner is 13-for-41 with six extra-base hits (five doubles, one homer) versus the Orioles. While New York has aspirations of keeping pace with the red-hot Red Sox, cellar-dwelling Baltimore has won three of four games in the Bronx this year and even vented some frustration for its lost season by erupting for 37 runs en route to winning three straight against Tampa Bay over the weekend. Adam Jones, who is 11-for-30 versus Tuesday starter Masahiro Tanaka, had three hits during Sunday's 11-5 victory and is batting .417 during a nine-game hitting streak.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), YES (New York)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Yefry Ramirez (1-3, 3.49 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (8-2, 4.09)
Ramirez heads into a tilt with his former organization with a bit of momentum after posting his first major-league win on Tuesday. The 24-year-old Dominican, who was acquired from the Yankees for international signing bonus money last summer, allowed three solo homers on four hits with six strikeouts over five innings of a 7-6 triumph over Boston. Ramirez struggled against the Yankees in his last encounter on July 9, permitting four runs on nine hits over four frames to pick up the loss.
Tanaka improved to 6-0 with a 3.47 ERA in his last 12 starts on Tuesday after scattering three hits and striking out nine in a complete-game 4-0 win over Tampa Bay. The 29-year-old owns a 2.29 ERA in three starts (19 2/3 innings), although he permitted three runs across 4 1/3 innings of no-decision versus Baltimore earlier this month. Tanaka picked up the win against the Orioles on June 2 despite surrendering three homers and four runs total in 5 1/3 frames of an 8-5 triumph.
WALK-OFFS
1. Baltimore 2B Jonathan Schoop, who was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday, has launched seven homers in his past nine games.
2. New York 2B Gleyber Torres is just 3-for-16 with five strikeouts since returning from the disabled list.
3. Orioles 1B Chris Davis, who is just 5-for-27 versus the Yankees this season, had three homers, five RBIs and eight runs scored in the series against the Rays.
PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Orioles 2
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Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 30th July 2018 by Gracenote
Cubs vs. Pirates Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/30/2018
The Pittsburgh Pirates have climbed to the fringes of the National League playoff race, and they have a chance to put another dent in the deficit. Winners of 15 of their last 19, the Pirates host the first-place Chicago Cubs for two critical games starting Tuesday.
The Cubs are clinging to a 1 1/2-game lead over second-place Milwaukee in the NL Central entering the week, but the Pirates have clawed within seven games of the lead. Pittsburgh's Gregory Polanco will try to keep up his hot streak, as he is 8-for-13 over the past three games. The Cubs have a 5-4 lead in the season series and took two of three in their previous trip to Pittsburgh from May 28-30. A couple Cubs will be excited to face Jameson Taillon for the first time this season as Javier Baez is 6-for-10 with a homer and Anthony Rizzo is 8-for-13 with two homers against the right-hander.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NBCS Chicago, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (12-3, 3.06 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Jameson Taillon (7-8, 3.73)
After dropping a clunker coming out of the All-Star break, Lester got back on track last time out when he held Arizona to one run over six innings. The 34-year-old struck out seven and didn't issue a walk after giving up 14 free passes over his previous four outings. Lester is 7-5 with a 3.39 ERA in 15 starts against the Pirates, including a 2-0 mark in three meetings this season.
Taillon took a tough-luck loss last time out, but he posted his 11th consecutive start allowing three or fewer earned runs. The 26-year-old held Cleveland to two runs over seven innings in the 4-0 defeat last Wednesday for his fourth quality start in his past six outings. Taillon is 2-3 with a 5.06 ERA in five starts against the Cubs.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rizzo has homered in three of his past four games since ending a 25-game drought.
2. Pirates SS Jordy Mercer is 9-for-25 during an eight-game hitting streak.
3. Cubs INF David Bote has multiple hits in three of his past five contests.
PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Pirates 3
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Los Angeles Angels vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 30th July 2018 by Gracenote
Angels vs. Rays Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/30/2018
The Tampa Bay Rays were quite generous on the mound over the weekend, and the end result saw the team outscored 37-12 during a three-game losing skid. After a day off, the Rays (53-53) look to tighten up defensively on Tuesday when they host the opener of a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels (54-53).
"It's one series, we'll bounce back. ... Feels good to have an off-day. Kind of get these butt whuppins out of our head. Be ready to put it on the next team we go against," Tampa Bay's Mallex Smith told reporters after Sunday's 11-5 setback to Baltimore. C.J. Cron belted a pair of solo homers in that contest, but is just 3-for-17 this season against an Angels team with which he spent his first four seasons in the majors. Los Angeles' offense was clicking to the tune of 38 runs during the team's four-game winning streak before allowing seven in the first inning en route to dropping an 8-5 setback to Seattle on Sunday. Justin Upton launched a two-run homer in that contest and is 10-for-18 with five RBIs and as many runs scored in his last four games.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (8-6, 2.62 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-3, 2.43)
Skaggs improved to 5-2 with a 1.44 ERA in his last eight outings on Wednesday after allowing one earned run on four hits over six innings of an 11-3 triumph versus the Chicago White Sox. The 27-year-old struck out a season-high nine batters in that encounter and fanned seven while permitting one run over six frames of a hard-luck loss to the Rays on May 17. Cron belted a solo homer versus Skaggs, who owns an 0-1 mark with a 4.50 ERA in two career outings versus Tampa Bay.
Stanek surrendered a pair of homers to Baltimore on Saturday to fall to 0-2 with a 2.38 ERA in 15 starts this season. The 27-year-old is expected to work just two innings at most before giving way to the bullpen, with left-hander Ryan Yarbrough and right-hander Austin Pruitt likely long-relief options. Stanek struggled in his lone appearance versus the Angels in 2018, permitting a two-run homer to Mike Trout on May 19 before exiting without retiring a batter.
WALK-OFFS
1. Trout is 9-for-29 with four homers, nine RBIs and 14 walks in 10 contests since the All-Star break.
2. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier is 6-for-16 with two homers, three RBIs and four runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.
3. Los Angeles INF David Fletcher is 15-for-35 with eight runs scored in his last nine contests.
PREDICTION: Angels 6, Rays 2
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Cincinnati Reds vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 30th July 2018 by Gracenote
Reds vs. Tigers Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/30/2018
The Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of their fifth consecutive losing season and sit in last place in the National League Central, making them one of the more interesting teams ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. The Reds will sort out who remains on the roster when they visit the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday for the opener of a two-game interleague series.
Cincinnati put the trade rumors aside long enough to win three straight over NL East-leading Philadelphia over the weekend but is active on the market with right-hander Matt Harvey a leading candidate to be dealt. The Reds are winners of five of their last seven games while dodging the rumors and are beginning a nine-game road trip with the visit to Detroit. The Tigers are undergoing a rebuild as well and used a starter - left-hander Francisco Liriano - in relief Sunday in order to showcase him for opposing scouts. Right-hander Homer Bailey's contract, injury history and recent performance ensure that he will stay with Cincinnati through the deadline, and he will take the mound Tuesday opposite Detroit lefty Matthew Boyd.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Detroit
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (1-7, 6.29 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Matthew Boyd (5-9, 4.53)
Bailey turned in his fourth quality start of the season and first since April 15 when he came off the disabled list last Tuesday and limited the St. Louis Cardinals to two runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings. The 32-year-old, who struck out eight in that no decision, has not reached 100 innings since 2014 and is due $23 million next season with a mutual option for $25 million in 2020. Bailey is making his second career start against Detroit and is 6-8 with a 5.92 ERA in 19 career interleague starts.
Boyd is coming off back-to-back solid outings, during which he allowed a total of three runs in 11 innings against the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals. The 27-year-old earned his first win since June 7 by holding the Royals to two runs Wednesday and struck out seven without walking a batter. Boyd did not have his best stuff at Cincinnati on June 19, when he was ripped for five runs on six hits and three walks in four innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Reds 1B Joey Votto did not record an extra-base hit in any of his last 10 games.
2. Tigers RHP Warwick Saupold was outrighted to Triple-A Toledo after clearing waivers Monday.
3. Detroit RF Nick Castellanos is 5-for-38 over the last 10 games, dropping his average from .308 to .292.
PREDICTION: Reds 6, Tigers 5
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Philadelphia Phillies vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Phillies vs. Red Sox Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/31/2018
The Boston Red Sox worked overtime to register their major league-best 75th victory of the season and picked up veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler for a pair of minor leaguers in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. The Red Sox look to have another productive day when they host the slumping Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday for the finale of their two-game interleague series.
Blake Swihart extended his hitting streak to 10 contests (12-for-28) with a walk-off double in the 13th inning on Monday as Boston extended its winning streak to four contests and increased its lead in the American League East to six games. Drew Pomeranz, who could lose his spot in the rotation if he does not turn things around, gets the start for the Red Sox on Tuesday against Jake Arrieta, who is 1-1 in a pair of interleague starts in 2018. Philadelphia leads the National League East by one-half game over Atlanta after losing four in a row and totaling just seven runs during the slide. Rhys Hoskins recorded a pair of doubles in the series opener for the Phillies and has registered seven homers and 13 RBIs over his last 10 contests.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Philadelphia, NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Jake Arrieta (8-6, 3.45 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Drew Pomeranz (1-4, 6.91)
Arrieta is unbeaten in five starts, including a win last time out as he held the Los Angeles Dodgers to three runs - two earned - and five hits with six strikeouts over six innings. The 32-year-old TCU product avoided a loss in his first start following the All-Star break on July 20, when he gave up five runs over 3 1/3 frames against San Diego. Mitch Moreland is 3-for-8 with a homer versus Arrieta, who is 1-4 with a 5.27 ERA in eight career appearances (seven starts) against Boston.
Pomeranz struggled in his first start following a stint of almost two months on the disabled list, allowing four runs and four hits (two homers) in 4 2/3 innings. The 29-year-old Ole Miss product is winless in his last six starts, completing more than five frames just once in that stretch, and owns a 7.85 ERA and .355 opponents' batting average at home in four outings. Asdrubal Cabrera is 2-for-4 with a double against Pomeranz, who is 0-2 with a 3.60 ERA in four career meetings with the Phillies.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cabrera recorded a double and a single on Monday and is 2-for-14 in three games since being acquired from the New York Mets.
2. Red Sox starting pitchers have allowed just 11 earned runs over 70 1/3 innings (1.41 ERA) in their last 12 contests.
3. Kinsler, who will fill in for All-Star 2B Dustin Pedroia (knee), is batting .239 with 13 homers and 32 RBis in 91 games this season.
PREDICTION: Phillies 5, Red Sox 3
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Miami Marlins vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 30th July 2018 by Gracenote
Marlins vs. Braves Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/30/2018
There have been plenty of trade rumors surrounding the Atlanta Braves and a perceived need for a third baseman, but Johan Camargo continues showing there is no need for a deal at that position entering the middle contest of a three-game home series Tuesday against the Miami Marlins. Camargo finished 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles in Monday's 5-3 victory, and since the start of June is batting .278 with nine doubles, seven homers and 30 RBIs in 46 games.
Monday featured the continuation of Freddie Freeman's assault on Miami pitching, as the Braves first baseman belted his sixth homer of the season against the Marlins and comes into Tuesday hitting .450 in 10 games against them in 2018. The Marlins did hit their first homer since July 24 (also against the Braves) as right fielder Brian Anderson belted a two-run shot in the first inning, but fell for the seventh time in 10 games against Atlanta this season. Miami third baseman Martin Prado finished with two hits Monday, and since coming off the disabled list July 5 the veteran is hitting .333 with 10 RBIs in 18 games. Catcher J.T. Realmuto went 1-for-5 with a double in the series opener to extend his hitting streak to six games for the Marlins, driving in seven runs during that stretch.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), FS Southeast (Atlanta)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins RH Dan Straily (4-4, 4.07 ERA) vs. Braves LH Kolby Allard (NR)
Straily makes his sixth start of July and hopes to cap a solid month, one in which he has posted a 2.84 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP while holding opponents to a .205 batting average. The 29-year-old has won just once this month, getting a no-decision Thursday against Washington after allowing three runs on five hits with six strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings. Straily won back-to-back starts against Atlanta on May 11 and May 18, allowing two earned runs with 11 strikeouts across 12 innings.
Ranked as Atlanta's No. 8 prospect by MLB Pipeline and No. 93 in all of the majors, Allard makes his major-league debut after excelling at Triple-A Gwinnett as a 20-year-old. Atlanta's first-round pick in 2015, Allard posted a 1.21 WHIP at Gwinnett in 18 starts, walking only 33 hitters in 109 1/3 innings. Allard drew a no-decision in his last start in the minors on July 22, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits in five innings with six strikeouts.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Marlins, who are 15-24 against the NL East this season, play 37 of their final 54 games against division competition.
2. Atlanta LF Ronald Acuna hit his 10th homer of the season in the fifth inning, becoming the seventh player in franchise history to hit double-digit homers as a 20-year-old.
3. After Monday's game, the Braves traded three minor-league players for Cincinnati OF Adam Duvall.
PREDICTION: Braves 4, Marlins 3
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Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 30th July 2018 by Gracenote
Royals vs. White Sox Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/30/2018
The Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox are in similar positions in the American League Central standings but are at opposite ends of the rebuilding process. The two losing clubs will square off after the trade deadline Tuesday when the White Sox host the Royals in the opener of a three-game series.
Kansas City is at the end of a window of contention that saw them ascend all the way to a World Series crown in 2015 but could be staring at another long rebuild while sitting 41 games below .500. "I'm embarrassed the way our major-league team has performed, OK?" Royals general manager Dayton Moore said during an interview on MLB Network radio. "I didn't necessarily expect us to be in the playoffs this year, but I didn't expect us to be on pace to lose 100-plus games. That's embarrassing to me personally, it's embarrassing to our organization. (Owner) Mr. Glass doesn't expect that, either, and so we've got to do a better job of that." The White Sox are well into their own rebuild and have several talented young players on the major league roster and more in the pipeline. One of the few holdovers from the 2015 World Series team, left-hander Danny Duffy, will take the mound for Kansas City on Tuesday opposite Chicago veteran righty James Shields.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, WGN (Chicago)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (6-9, 4.70 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (4-12, 4.53)
Duffy would be an attractive trade chip for a contending team, but Moore expressed a desire to hang onto the lefty in an effort to contend sooner rather than later. The 29-year-old yielded a total of one run during a three-start stretch from July 9-20 but fell off that pace while serving up seven runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings against Detroit on Wednesday. Duffy breezed through seven scoreless innings while yielding four hits and striking out eight in a win at Chicago on July 14.
Shields, one of the few veterans on the White Sox, could be dealt prior to Tuesday's contest but is not helping his value with performances like Wednesday at Los Angeles. The 36-year-old was ripped for six runs on seven hits - three home runs - in four innings against the Angels. Shields' last win came at home over Kansas City on July 13, when he surrendered four runs (two earned) on five hits over 6 2/3 innings.
WALK-OFFS
1. Royals SS/3B Alcides Escobar went 0-for-11 over the last three games, dropping his batting average to .197.
2. The White Sox acquired LHP Caleb Frare from the New York Yankees on Sunday in exchange for international bonus pool money.
3. Chicago C Omar Narvaez recorded his first career triple on Sunday while finishing a double shy of the cycle.
PREDICTION: White Sox 4, Royals 1
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Cleveland Indians vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Indians vs. Twins Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/31/2018
The Minnesota Twins hope to continue their success against the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians on Tuesday, when they host the middle contest of their three-game home set, despite being in selling mode at the non-waiver trade deadline. The Twins have won seven of their 10 meetings with Cleveland this season after recording a walk-off 5-4 victory in the series opener on the same day they dealt two productive veteran pitchers.
The Twins acquired four prospects in separate trades as right-handed starter Lance Lynn was sent to the New York Yankees and left-handed reliever Zach Duke was shipped to Seattle on Monday before they climbed within eight games of the Indians in the division. Kyle Gibson, who has allowed three runs over 12 2/3 innings in two starts against Cleveland this year, will try to help Minnesota move closer when he starts opposite Trevor Bauer on Tuesday. The Indians, who lead the majors with 147 runs this month, could be prominent Tuesday at the trade deadline as they look for an outfielder and perhaps some more pitching help. The big positive out of the series opener was All-Star Jose Ramirez, who broke out of a slump with a pair of homers to tie Boston's J.D. Martinez for the major-league lead with 32.
TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland), FS North (Minnesota)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Trevor Bauer (9-6, 2.32 ERA) vs. Twins RH Kyle Gibson (5-7, 3.42)
Bauer registered his ninth quality start in 10 outings on Wednesday, when he limited Pittsburgh to two hits and struck out 10 over seven scoreless innings. The 27-year-old UCLA product is 2-0 with a 1.87 ERA in four starts this month but lost his only meeting with Minnesota on June 2, when he yielded seven runs - three earned - over 5 2/3 frames. Eddie Rosario is 12-for-30 with two homers versus Bauer, who is 4-7 with a 4.84 ERA in 17 career games (16 starts) against the Twins.
Gibson held Boston to one run on four hits and two walks over eight innings of a 2-1 victory on Thursday. It was the third win in four starts for the 30-year-old native of Indiana and he has worked at least seven frames in six of his last nine turns. Edwin Encarnacion (7-for-22, four homers), Yan Gomes (12-for-27, two) and Jason Kipnis (12-for-27, one) have hit well against Gibson, who is 3-6 with 5.21 ERA in 15 career games versus Cleveland.
WALK-OFFS
1. Ramirez has hit five homers against the Twins this season while SS Francisco Lindor and Encarnacion have belted four apiece.
2. Minnesota SS Jorge Polanco is 9-for-27 during his seven-game hitting streak and has notched four RBIs in his last three contests.
3. Cleveland 1B Yonder Alonso is 11-for-34 with five homers and 11 RBIs in 10 games since the All-Star break.
PREDICTION: Indians 5, Twins 2
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Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
Rockies vs. Cardinals Preview and Predictions
by Gracenote on 07/31/2018
Marcell Ozuna is displaying the power that has been missing most of the season and aims to homer for a fourth straight game when the St. Louis Cardinals host the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday for the second contest of their four-game series. Ozuna hit his first career walk-off blast in the 10th inning of the opener as the Cardinals posted a 5-4 victory.
Ozuna has gone deep just 13 times this season after belting a career-best 37 shots for Miami last year. The 27-year-old has recorded just 24 extra-base hits to go with a lackluster .396 slugging percentage after registering 69 and .548, respectively, in 2017. St. Louis, which has won four of its last six games, overcame a 4-0 deficit as the Rockies lost for only the sixth time in 25 contests. National League home-run leader Nolan Arenado (28) hit his fifth career grand slam for the Colorado, giving him five homers over his last nine games.
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), FS Midwest (St. Louis)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Jon Gray (8-7, 5.16 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (4-5, 3.28)
Gray has returned from a brief demotion to Triple-A Albuquerque to produce back-to-back solid starts, giving up two runs and six hits over 14 1/3 innings. The 26-year-old defeated Seattle in the first outing and then allowed just two runs and one hit over seven frames in a no-decision against Houston in his last turn. Gray is 0-1 with an 11.88 ERA in two career starts against the Cardinals and has struggled with Ozuna (4-for-7) and Matt Carpenter (3-for-6, three RBIs).
Flaherty registered eight strikeouts over five innings in a loss to Cincinnati in his last turn as he gave up three runs and four hits. The 22-year-old has worked five or fewer frames in four straight turns and eight of his last 11. Flaherty has struck out 104 batters in 85 innings and is holding opposing batters to a .209 average.
WALK-OFFS
1. Carpenter went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in the series opener and is batting .333 with 10 homers and 19 RBIs this month.
2. Colorado All-Star SS Trevor Story was limited to pinch-hitting duties in the opener but will be back in the starting lineup on Tuesday.
3. St. Louis placed RHP Luke Gregerson (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list, optioned LHP Tyler Webb to Triple-A Memphis, added LHP Chasen Shreve - who was acquired from New York Yankees - to the roster and activated RHP Carlos Martinez (oblique) from the DL, but the latter left Monday's start after 4 2/3 innings due to shoulder soreness.
PREDICTION: Rockies 6, Cardinals 5
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Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/31/2018
The Texas Rangers look to conclude their five-game road trip with a perfect record when they visit the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday for the finale of their two-game interleague series. Texas surrendered 41 runs while being swept in a four-game home set by Oakland but outscored host Houston 22-8 while winning three straight and posted a 9-5 victory over Arizona in Monday's series opener.
Shin-Soo Choo homered twice and drove in four runs while Rougned Odor also went deep for the Rangers, who scored nine times over the final five innings. Choo's multi-homer performance was the 10th of his career and allowed him to reach the 20-blast plateau for the sixth time in the major leagues. Arizona returned to the desert after registering a three-game sweep in San Diego but kicked off its nine-game homestand with its fourth loss in five contests at Chase Field. Steven Souza Jr. belted a three-run homer on Monday while Eduardo Escobar recorded two hits and two RBIs, making him 4-for-8 over his first two games after being acquired from Minnesota.
TV: 9:40 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Arizona
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers RH Bartolo Colon (5-9, 5.02 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Zack Godley (11-6, 4.73)
Colon makes his fifth attempt at becoming the all-time winningest pitcher from Latin America as he fell to 0-4 with a 5.96 ERA in four turns this month when he surrendered six runs and nine hits over seven innings against Oakland on Thursday. The 45-year-old Dominican, who hasn't won since June 30, is tied with Nicaragua's Dennis Martinez with 245 major-league victories. Colon is 1-2 with a 3.94 ERA in five career starts versus Arizona.
Godley saw his unbeaten streak reach five appearances (four starts) on Thursday despite yielding four runs and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings against the Cubs in Chicago. The 28-year-old native of South Carolina has been keeping the ball in the park, as he has not allowed a homer in five starts and one relief outing this month. Godley, who has posted a 3.88 ERA at home as opposed to a 5.46 mark on the road this year, will be facing Texas for the first time in his career.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Rangers traded RHP Keone Kela to Pittsburgh for minor league LHP Taylor Hearn and a prospect to be named.
2. With a victory on Tuesday, Colon also will tie Houston's Justin Verlander for the most interleague wins (32) in major-league history.
3. Arizona 3B Jake Lamb will have his injured left shoulder examined by an orthopedic surgeon in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Diamondbacks 4
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Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 07-31-2018 in MLB
MLB Previews 31st July 2018 by Gracenote
by Gracenote on 07/31/2018
The Oakland Athletics failed to take advantage of Coors Field over the weekend but bounced back offensively in Monday's series-opening victory. Oakland hopes to extend its home winning streak to four contests when it hosts the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series.
After scoring 51 runs during a six-game winning streak, the Athletics registered only four while being swept of a three-game set in Colorado but rediscovered their swing on Monday as they rolled to a 10-1 victory over Toronto. Jonathan Lucroy drove in three runs while Jed Lowrie and Khris Davis each recorded two RBIs as Oakland reached double digits in runs for the third time in its last five wins. Toronto managed only five hits en route to its fifth loss in seven contests, although three were for extra bases. Aledmys Diaz kept the Blue Jays from being shut out on Monday as he led off the ninth inning with his second homer in as many games, which extended his RBI streak to three contests.
TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), NBCS California (Oakland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Sam Gaviglio (2-3, 4.65 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Trevor Cahill (2-2, 3.43)
Gaviglio is hoping to snap a winless streak that reached 11 starts on Wednesday, when he came away with a no-decision against Minnesota after giving up three runs and six hits in five innings. The 28-year-old native of Oregon has not notched a victory since winning in Philadelphia on May 25 after allowing three runs and three hits over six frames in his second turn of the season. Gaviglio made his first start of 2018 versus the Athletics, settling for a no-decision after scattering six hits over 5 1/3 scoreless innings on May 19, and suffered a loss in his first career outing versus Oakland on July 6, 2017, when he was tagged for seven runs and nine hits in 4 2/3 frames while with Seattle.
Cahill recorded his first victory since his season debut on April 17 despite surrendering five runs on seven hits and three walks in five innings at Texas on Thursday. The 30-year-old Californian has posted a sparkling 0.80 ERA in five turns at home this year against a 6.44 mark in six outings on the road. Cahill has struggled in five career starts against Toronto, going 1-3 with a 6.83 ERA.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Blue Jays activated Marco Estrada (gluteus) from the 10-day disabled list on Monday and designated fellow RHP Oliver Drake for assignment.
2. Oakland recalled Ryan Dull from Triple-A Nashville on Monday and optioned fellow RHP Frankie Montas to the Sounds.
3. Toronto acquired RHPs Ken Giles, David Paulino and Hector Perez from Houston on Monday for RHP Roberto Osuna, who currently is serving a 75-game suspension under the MLB-MLBPA Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy.
PREDICTION: Athletics 8, Blue Jays 4
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