MLB Betting News and Trends For Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Tuesday’s games
National League
Pirates (7-2) @ Cubs (5-4)
Nova is 0-1, 6.10 in two starts this season (over 2-0).

Chatwood allowed one run in six IP (92 PT) in his first ’18 start; his last four starts stayed under the total.

Pirates won seven of their first nine games (over 6-3). This is Cubs’ home opener; they won three of last four games. Under is 5-0-1 in their last six games.

Reds (2-7) @ Phillies (4-5)
Bailey is 0-2, 5.59 in two starts this season (under 2-0).

Nola is 0-0, 2.53 in two starts this year (over 1-1).

Reds lost seven of their first nine games (over 5-4). Philly is 4-5 in its first nine games; their last four games went over.

Braves (6-4) @ Nationals (5-5)
Foltynewicz is 1-0, 3.38 in two starts this year (over 0-0-2).

Strasburg is 1-1, 5.11 in two starts this year (over 2-0).

Braves won four of their last six games; over is 4-3-3 in their games this season. Washington lost five of its last six games; over is 5-2-2 in their last nine games.

Brewers (6-5) @ Cardinals (4-6)
Suter is 1-1, 7.20 in two starts this year (over 1-1).

Martinez is 1-1, 3.55 in two starts this season (over 1-1).

Brewers lost four of their last six games (under 4-1-1). St Louis is 4-6 in its first ten games; three of their last five games stayed under.

Mets (8-1) @ Marlins (3-7)
deGrom is 2-0, 2.31 in two starts this season (over 2-0).

Smith is 0-1, 4.32 in two starts this season (under 2-0).

Mets won their last six games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Miami lost five of its last six games; over is 5-5 in their games.

Padres (3-8) @ Rockies (6-5)
Lucchesi is 0-0, 2.79 in his first two MLB starts (over 1-1).

Anderson is 0-0, 7.56 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-1).

Padres lost eight of their first 11 games; five of their last six games stayed under. Colorado won six of its last nine games; four of its last six games stayed under.

Diamondbacks (8-2) @ Giants (4-5)
Corbin 2-0, 1.42 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-1).

Tyler Beede makes his MLB debut here; he was 6-7, 4.79 in 19 AAA starts last year. He is 24 years old; he played college ball at Vanderbilt.

Arizona won six of its last seven games; under is 5-1 in their last six. Giants won three of their last five games; five of their last seven games went over.

American League
Tigers (4-5) @ Indians (5-5)
Boyd allowed one run in six IP (88 PT) inches first ’18 start, a 1-0 loss to the Royals.

Tomlin allowed eight runs in three IP (77 PT) in his first ’18 start, a 13-2 loss to the Angels.

Tigers won four of its last six games (under 5-1). Cleveland won three of its last four games; their last five games stayed under.

Blue Jays (7-4) @ Orioles (4-7)
Sanchez is 0-1, 5.40 is two starts this season (under 2-0).

Cashner is 1-1, 4.91 in two starts this season (under 2-0).

Toronto won seven of its last nine games; under is 7-4 in their games. Baltimore won three of its last five games; three of their last four games went over.

New York (5-5) @ Boston (8-1)
Severino is 2-0, 1.35 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-1).

Sale is 0-0, 0.82 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-1).

New York lost three of its last four games; six of their last seven games went over. Red Sox won their last eight games; under is 5-3 in those eight games.

Angels (8-3) @ Rangers (4-8)
Skaggs is 1-0, 1.64 in two starts this season (under 2-0).

Perez allowed three runs in 5.1 IP (10 hits, 76 PT) in his first ’18 start, a 6-3 win in Oakland.

Angels won eight of their last ten games; over is 7-4 in their games. Texas lost five of its last six home games; under is 5-3 in their last seven games.

Rays (2-8) @ White Sox (3-6)
Snell is 0-1, 5.00 in two starts this season (over 1-1).

Fulmer allowed three runs in five IP (73 PT) in his first ’18 start, a 4-3 win in Toronto.

Tampa Bay lost eight of its last nine games; over is 5-1 in their last six. White Sox lost six of its last seven games; under is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Astros (9-2) @ Twins (4-4)
Keuchel is 0-1, 4.09 in his first two ’18 starts (under 2-0).

Odorizzi is 0-0, 2.61 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-1).

Astros won eight of their last nine games; under is 6-1 in their last seven. Minnesota won four of its last seven games (under 5-3).

Mariners (4-4) @ Royals (3-5)
Hernandez is 1-1, 7.71 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-1).

Skoglund was 1-2, 10.29 in five starts last year (under 3-1-1).

Mariners split their first eight games; six of their last seven games went over. Royals lost five of their last eight games; six of their last seven games stayed under.

Interleague
A’s (4-7) @ Dodgers (3-6)
Manaea is 1-1, 1.15 in his first two ’18 starts (under 2-0).

Ryu allowed three runs in 3.2 IP (75 PT) in his first ’18 start; under is 7-3-1 in his last 11 starts.

A’s lost three of their last four games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Dodgers lost four of their last five games; under is 6-3 in their games this season.

Umpires
Atl-Wsh: Under is 6-4 in last ten O’Nora games.
Cin-Phil: Five of last seven Morales games went over.
NY-Mia: Five of last six Reyburn games stayed under.
Mil-StL: Three of last four Lentz games went over.
SD-Colo: Underdogs won six of last eight TGibson games.
Az-SF: Under is 8-3 in last eleven Nauert games.

TB-Chi: Eight of last ten Cederstrom games went over.
Det-Clev: Last three Diaz games stayed under total.
Tor-Balt: Three of last four Hudson games went over.
LAA-Tex: Four of last six Tichenor games went over.
Hst-Minn: Under is 10-2-1 in last 13 Estabrook games.
Sea-KC: Four of last five Knight games went over.

______________________________

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Tampa Bay Rays are starting to warm up with the bats and look to win two in a row for the first time this season when they visit the Chicago White Sox Tuesday afternoon for the middle contest of a three-game series. The Rays coughed up a five-run lead Sunday in a demoralizing loss at Boston despite a season-high 11 hits and topped that with 14 one day later in a much-needed 5-4 win to open the series.

"I think the guys have held their heads up really well, given the stretch," Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash told reporters after his team snapped an eight-game losing streak. "I don't see guys moping around. They're frustrated, and that's OK. Sometimes tough stretches can build amongst a team. Hopefully, it's done that and we can get on a roll. But before we can do that we had to win one ballgame and we did that (Monday)." Left-hander Blake Snell gets the call on the mound for the Rays on Tuesday against righty Carson Fulmer, who will try to end Chicago's four-game losing streak. The White Sox have lost their first four home contests of the season for the first time since 1987 after leaving the tying and winning runs at second and third with none out in the ninth inning Monday. Outfielder Nicky Delmonico belted a homer in the loss to the Rays and is 4-for-10 in his last three games while slugger Jose Abreu is just 1-for-16 during the losing streak for Chicago.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS Sun (Tampa Bay), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Blake Snell (0-1, 5.00 ERA) vs. White Sox RH Carson Fulmer (0-0, 5.40)

Snell could not match his season debut as he was knocked out after 3 1/3 innings by the New York Yankees after giving up five runs on four hits (two homers) and three walks Wednesday. The 25-year-old Washington native did not gain a decision in his first start of the year, limiting Toronto to three hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings on March 30. Tim Anderson is 1-for-4 with a double versus against Snell, who has not allowed an earned run in 9 1/3 innings of work against the White Sox.

Fulmer did not get a decision in his 2018 debut last Wednesday when he surrendered three runs on five hits and a walk with five strikeouts over five innings at Toronto. The 24-year-old Florida native went 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA over seven appearances (five starts) last year, including a 3-0 mark and 1.64 ERA in September. Fulmer, the eighth overall pick in the 2015 draft, yielded one run on one hit over two innings of relief to earn the victory against Tampa Bay on Sept. 2 in Chicago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay CF Kevin Kiermaier suffered a bone bruise in his right foot when he fouled the ball off it Sunday, but is only expected to miss a few days.

2. Chicago DH Matt Davidson, who has a team-high four homers along with eight RBIs, should be back in the lineup after resting Monday.

3. Rays OF Mallex Smith went 4-for-4 in Monday's victory after coming into the contest just 3-for-16 on the season.

PREDICTION: Rays 4, White Sox 3

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs' home opener is always a special occasion on the North Side, but Mother Nature decided the hoopla would come one day later than scheduled. The Cubs make their debut at Wrigley Field on Tuesday afternoon as they open a three-game series against the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates after a snowstorm took center stage Monday, but they'll do so without Anthony Rizzo as the first baseman appears headed to the 10-day disabled list for the first time with back tightness.

The Pirates are the early front-runners in the National League Central, having won seven of their first nine contests. Pittsburgh is benefiting from a balanced lineup - six everyday starters are batting over .300, and its bullpen is well-rested entering the series after James Taillon tossed a one-hit shutout against Cincinnati on Sunday. The Cubs also are coming off a shutout, having blanked Milwaukee 3-0 on Sunday to take three of four in the series. Chicago's offense has been spotty in the early going, but the team managed to get through a season-opening nine-game road trip with a winning record and its pitching has been excellent of late, allowing two or fewer runs in four of the last five games.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh, ABC 7 (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (0-1, 6.10 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-1, 1.50)

After a decent showing on Opening Day at Detroit, Nova had a tough second outing Wednesday against Minnesota. He allowed five runs and five hits over 5 1/3 innings, as things fell apart during a snowy sixth inning. The 31-year-old Dominican is 2-1 with a 4.09 ERA in four career starts against the Cubs.

Chatwood was excellent in his Cubs debut, holding Cincinnati to one run and four hits with six strikeouts over six innings. The only thing missing was run support, as the 28-year-old suffered a tough-luck loss in a 1-0 defeat. Chatwood has posted a 1.50 ERA without recording a decision in two career starts against the Pirates.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs are the only team in the majors that has yet to play a home game.

2. The Pirates have scored 58 runs in nine contests - a total they didn't reach last season until their 17th game.

3. Rizzo has missed three straight games with tightness in his lower back, so the move would be retroactive to Friday.

PREDICTION: Pirates 5, Cubs 4

Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Cleveland Indians are still working on their offensive woes, but they can move over .500 for the first time this season when they host the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night for the second of a four-game series. The Indians managed just four hits, including Bradley Zimmer's two-run blast, while reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber struck out 13 in a 2-0 victory over the Tigers on Monday to extend their win streak to three.

Cleveland, which finished with the best record in the American League last season, are batting just .158 as a team in the first 10 games while its four key hitters - Jose Ramirez (.086), Jason Kipnis (.108), Edwin Encarnacion (.171) and Francisco Lindor (.175) - are all struggling. Left-hander Matt Boyd hopes to keep it that way when he takes the mound for the Tigers on Tuesday and the Indians will counter with veteran righty Josh Tomlin, who was pounded in his first start. Detroit has been up and down with the bats, scoring at least six runs five times and getting shut out in three other games with the only other outing being a 1-0 victory. Miguel Cabrera boasts 45 homers and 151 RBIs - both the most against any team in the majors - and is batting .333 lifetime against the Indians, but is 2-for-16 in his last five games after going hitless in four at-bats Monday.

TV: 6:10 p.m. ET, FS Detroit, SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Tigers LH Matt Boyd (0-1, 1.50 ERA) vs. Indians RH Josh Tomlin (0-1, 24.00)

Boyd was a hard-luck loser in his 2017 debut, allowing one run on four hits over six innings without walking a batter last Tuesday against Kansas City in a 1-0 setback. The 27-year-old Oregon State product was 6-11 with a 5.27 ERA in 26 appearances (25 starts) last season, but pitched very well at Progressive Field (1-1, 1.26). Lindor is 6-for-14 with a home run versus Boyd, who is 1-2 with a 1.91 ERA in five career outings (four starts) against the Indians.

Tomlin gave up four homers in his season debut last Tuesday, yielding eight runs overall - six in the first inning - and eight hits over three frames against the Los Angeles Angels. The 33-year-old Texas Tech product was outstanding after the All-Star break last year when he went 5-0 to finish with double-figure victories for the third time. Nicholas Castellanos (10-for-29, homer) and Cabrera (10-for-27, two homers) have hit well against Tomlin, who is 7-6 with a 5.19 ERA lifetime versus the Tigers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Castellanos has hit safely in seven of nine games this season and is batting .324 overall.

2. Cleveland RHP Cody Allen and LHP Andrew Miller have not allowed a run over 9 2/3 innings combined with three saves.

3. Tigers SS Jose Iglesias is off to a rough start with just two hits in 29 at-bats, one RBI and six strikeouts.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Tigers 4

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Toronto Blue Jays aim to clinch their third straight series win when they continue a three-game set against the host Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. After dropping their first two games of the season, the Blue Jays have won seven of nine, claiming series against the Chicago White Sox and Texas before opening the set at Camden Yards with a 7-1 victory.

Steve Pearce slugged an early two-run homer and Josh Donaldson hit a ninth-inning grand slam for Toronto, which has scored at least seven runs in each of its last four wins. It was cold and misty during the game and the attendance was announced as 7,915, the lowest paid crowd in the history of Camden Yards. The Orioles had enjoyed a wild weekend in Yankee Stadium by winning three of four - two in extra innings - before falling to 1-3 at home with Monday's loss. First baseman Chris Davis returned to the lineup after missing Sunday's game with an illness but went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts to fall to 3-for-34 on the season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Sportsnet (Toronto), MASN2 (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Aaron Sanchez (0-1, 5.40 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (1-1, 4.09)

Sanchez followed a rocky outing in his season debut with a quality start in a no-decision against the White Sox on Wednesday. He gave up three runs and six hits while striking out seven in six innings of a game the Blue Jays eventually lost. Jonathan Schoop is 9-for-22 with a home run and Davis is 8-for-22 with four blasts against the 25-year-old Sanchez, who is 5-3 with a 4.33 ERA versus Baltimore in his career.

Like Sanchez, Cashner bounced back in his second start of the season and won his first career outing at Yankee Stadium after yielding one run over six innings. The 31-year-old Texan has allowed just eight hits in 11 frames so far this year, but half of them have been home runs. Cashner owns a 2.77 ERA in two career starts against the Blue Jays, both of which have taken place in Toronto.

WALK-OFFS

1. Blue Jays 1B Justin Smoak has recorded five multi-hit efforts in his last nine games.

2. Orioles SS Manny Machado produced the team's lone run on Monday with a solo shot and is 9-for-19 with three homers and six RBIs over a four-game stretch.

3. Toronto DH Kendrys Morales left the series opener with a hamstring strain, but MGR John Gibbons stated he does not think the slugger will require a stint on the disabled list.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Orioles 5

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
The 1-2 combination of Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg is a big reason why the Washington Nationals are the overwhelming favorites to win another National League East title. After Scherzer stifled Atlanta with a complete-game shutout in the series opener, Strasburg aims for his 11th career victory against the Braves when the Nationals host the middle contest of a three-game set Tuesday night.

The Braves, who scored 21 runs in taking two of three contests from the Nationals last week and entered Monday leading the majors in runs scored, generated only two hits in losing for the second time in six games. Right fielder Nick Markakis did extend his hitting streak to six games with a fifth-inning single and is batting .375 in that span for Atlanta. Washington leads the majors with 15 stolen bases, getting one from - of all people - Scherzer in the seventh inning Monday. Right fielder Bryce Harper, who started the week leading the majors with six homers, walked three times Monday and top the majors with 16 bases on balls - three ahead of Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS South (Atlanta), MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (1-0, 2.61 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (1-1, 3.65)

Foltynewicz has authored solid back-to-back outings to begin his season, including a victory over the Nationals on Wednesday in which he struck out eight and allowed only one run over 5 1/3 innings. He started his season with a no-decision against Philadelphia on March 30, striking out seven in five innings while surrendering two earned runs. The 26-year-old struggled last season against the Nationals, going 1-2 with a 6.64 ERA, and has a 3-2 mark with a 5.06 ERA in seven career starts against Washington.

Strasburg looks to rebound after losing in his second start of the season, giving up four runs on five hits (including two homers) in six innings Thursday against the New York Mets. The 29-year-old struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings to beat Cincinnati in his season debut, and has walked only three hitters while striking out 13 in 12 1/3 frames in 2018. He makes his 28th career start against Atlanta, carrying a 4.06 ERA lifetime against the Braves after going 2-1 with a 5.16 ERA a season ago.

WALK-OFFS

1. Scherzer came through in a big way for the Nationals on Monday, considering Washington's bullpen had allowed seven earned runs with five walks in 13 2/3 innings in the previous three games.

2. Atlanta, which at 6-4 is off to its best start since 2015 (7-3), has surrendered just nine runs in its past five games and has a staff ERA of 3.14 overall this season.

3. Washington OF Adam Eaton, who is hampered by a left ankle injury, did not play Monday after going 0-for-6 in Sunday's loss to the Mets.

PREDICTION: Nationals 3, Braves 2

Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Philadelphia Phillies returned from an uneven season-opening road trip to find their offense rarin' to go. After erupting for 34 runs en route to winning three of the first four contests of their six-game homestand, the Phillies look to even their record on Tuesday when they continue a three-game series versus the visiting Cincinnati Reds.

Rhys Hoskins is batting a blistering .429 to begin the young season, as he hit safely for the eighth time in nine games with a two-run homer in Monday's 6-5 triumph over Cincinnati. While Hoskins has gone deep 20 times in 59 contests in the majors, highly-touted prospect Scott Kingery belted his first career homer and Nick Williams' pinch-hit blast in the eighth inning provided the difference in the series opener for Philadelphia (4-5). Joey Votto recorded his third multi-hit performance in four outings for Cincinnati (2-7), which has been outscored 34-17 while losing four of its first five contests on its seven-game road trip. However, the 2010 National League MVP is hitless in eight career at-bats versus Tuesday starter Aaron Nola.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Philadelphia Plus

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (0-2, 4.22 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Aaron Nola (0-0, 2.61)

After falling victim to a lack of run support in his first outing, Bailey was done in by a four-run fifth inning in a 5-2 setback at Pittsburgh on Thursday. The 31-year-old permitted five runs on seven hits - including one homer - and issued three walks for the second straight trip to the mound. Carlos Santana is just 2-for-10 with five strikeouts against Bailey, who owns a 1-4 career mark versus the Phillies - including 0-3 with a 5.66 ERA in seven career appearances at Citizens Bank Park.

Nola struggled with his command in his last outing, surrendering four walks while also seeing Yoenis Cespedes deposit a curveball over the wall for a two-run homer against the New York Mets on Wednesday. The 24-year-old limited the damage to just those two runs over five innings in his second straight no-decision. Adam Duvall is 3-for-6 with a homer in his career versus Nola, who has limited the remainder member of the Reds' roster (7-for-46) while splitting a pair of decisions.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia 3B Maikel Franco is 7-for-15 with two homers, 11 RBIs and four runs scored during his four-game hitting streak.

2. Cincinnati C Tucker Barnhart has scored all three of his runs this season in the last three contests.

3. Reds 2B Scooter Gennett is 5-for-12 with one homer and five RBIs against the Phillies since the start of last season.

PREDICTION: Phillies 4, Reds 2

New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
Signed to a three-year, $39 million contract in January, Jay Bruce has paid immediate dividends to begin the young season with a seven-game hitting streak. The three-time All-Star aims to continue his good fortune as the New York Mets vie for their seventh straight victory in Tuesday's middle contest of a three-game road series versus the Miami Marlins.

Bruce has followed his career-high 36-homer performance in 2017 by going 9-for-28 with five RBIs during his hitting streak, including a run-scoring single in the third inning of Monday's 4-2 triumph. Asdrubal Cabrera has done Bruce one better with an eight-game hitting streak, collecting 12 hits and six runs scored in that span. While National League-East leading New York (8-1) has matched its best start in team history and owns a perfect 4-0 mark on the road, cellar-dwelling Miami (3-7) is just 2-5 at home and has been outscored 43-14 en route to losing five of its last six overall. Derek Dietrich has hit safely in nine of 10 outings and extended his hitting streak to five games with an RBI single in the series opener, but he is just 3-for-16 with nine strikeouts versus Tuesday starter Jacob deGrom.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, SNY (New York), FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mets RH Jacob deGrom (2-0, 1.54 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Caleb Smith (0-1, 4.32)

DeGrom allowed one earned run on four hits for the second straight start on Thursday in an 8-2 victory at Washington. The 29-year-old Florida native has split eight decisions with a 3.77 ERA in 12 career meetings with Marlins, although he authored a 13-strikeout performance in his lone start at Marlins Park last season. While Justin Bour (6-for-12, one homer) has fared well versus deGrom, the right-hander has flustered the remainder of the Marlins' roster (15-for-76, 24 strikeouts).

Smith's control was erratic at best as he issued six walks (one intentionally) to drive up his pitch count in Thursday's 5-0 setback to Philadelphia. The 26-year-old, who has issued 19 free passes in 27 innings during his career, allowed three runs on just two hits over 77 pitches before departing after three innings against the Phillies. Smith has struck out 12 in 8 1/3 frames heading into his first career start versus the Mets.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami rookie 3B Brian Anderson has hit safely in nine of 10 games this season.

2. New York LF Yoenis Cespedes is 3-for-26 with 14 strikeouts in his last six contests.

3. Marlins CF Lewis Brinson, who is mired in an 0-for-18 slump, is expected to return to the starting lineup on Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Mets 5, Marlins 2

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

9th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Boston Red Sox edged out the rival New York Yankees for the American League East title last season and started 2018 in a similar fashion, rolling to wins in eight of the first nine games. The Red Sox will test themselves against their rivals for the first time this season when they host the Yankees on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series.

Boston is leaning on its pitching staff in the early going but watched the offense come alive with a six-run rally in the eighth inning on Sunday to secure an 8-7 win along with a sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays and is beginning to see more production from slugger J.D. Martinez, who will get his first taste of the rivalry after signing in the offseason. "It should be awesome," Martinez told mlb.com. "Obviously, I can't speak from experience, but from what I see on TV, it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun." The move to sign Martinez was in part a response to the Yankees adding reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton, who is off to a slow start with his new club, but the veterans with New York are looking forward to introducing the rest of the team to the rivalry. "It's always a great atmosphere up there," Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner said, according to mlb.com. "We've got a lot of young guys who experienced that for the first time last year or will for the first time this year. It's an exciting place to play. They've got a really good team this year, and I'm sure we'll be battling those guys for 19 games."

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Severino (2-0, 1.38 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Chris Sale (0-0, 0.82)

Severino breezed through 5 2/3 scoreless innings at Toronto on Opening Day and surrendered two runs over 7 1/3 frames against Tampa Bay to earn his second win on Wednesday. The 24-year-old struck out 14 and yielded a total of six hits in those two turns. Severino went 2-1 with a 3.33 ERA in four starts against Boston last season and was particularly effective at Fenway Park, posting a 0.64 ERA in two outings.

Sale struck out 15 and walked three in his first two starts but had some trouble keeping his pitch count down and totaled just 11 innings without factoring in either decision. The Florida native made his first two starts in his home state at Tampa Bay and Miami and is returning to Boston, where he posted a 7-3 record with a 3.16 ERA in 13 starts last season. Sale went 0-3 in five starts against New York last season despite posting a 2.65 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 34 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Stanton went 0-for-7 with five strikeouts on Sunday and is 3-for-30 with 17 k's in the last seven games.

2. Boston SS Xander Bogaerts (ankle) was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Monday.

3. New York took the season series 11-8 last season.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 3, Yankees 2

Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Los Angeles Angels landed Zack Cozart via free agency and re-signed Justin Upton during the offseason in an effort to fortify the top of their batting order, and the early returns suggest the vision to protect Mike Trout was right on target. The Angels attempt to record their sixth win in seven tries on Tuesday, when they continue their three-game road series against the Texas Rangers.

Los Angeles finished 22nd in runs scored and ranked 28th in team batting average in 2017 as Trout missed 48 games, giving the team plenty of motivation to make a late August trade for Upton and sign Cozart in December. Due in part to the contributions of Cozart (run scored in five straight games) and Upton (team-leading nine RBIs), the Angels lead the majors with 68 runs scored and pace the American League in batting average (.270) despite a slow start from two-time AL MVP Trout. While Los Angeles is 8-3 after 11 games for the first time in 31 years, the Rangers are 2-6 at home and have yet to win consecutive games after falling 8-3 in Monday's series opener. To make matters worse, Texas watched second baseman Rougned Odor leave in the first inning with a left hamstring strain.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS West (Los Angeles), FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Tyler Skaggs (1-0, 1.64 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (1-0, 5.06)

Skaggs struck out five over 4 2/3 innings but needed 103 pitches to do so in Wednesday's no-decision at home against Cleveland, which reached him for two runs on five hits and two walks. The 26-year-old was dominant in his season debut on March 30, permitting only three singles while striking out five over 6 1/3 scoreless frames in a win at Oakland. Elvis Andrus is 7-for-16 with a homer against Skaggs, who went 0-1 with a 7.79 ERA in four starts versus the Rangers last season.

Perez received some early run support and managed to do just enough to get the victory Thursday at Oakland, allowing three runs and 10 hits in 5 1/3 innings while recording only one strikeout. The 27-year-old Venezuelan has been much more successful at home throughout his career (26-19, 4.18 ERA) than on the road (16-23, 4.73). Perez went 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA in three starts versus the Angels last season, getting both wins over a 10-day span from Aug. 24-Sept.3.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre notched his 3,060th career hit in the opener, tying Craig Biggio for 22nd place on the all-time list.

2. Los Angeles 1B/DH Albert Pujols' solo shot Monday moved him within two RBIs of tying Jimmie Foxx (1,925) for seventh place on the all-time list.

3. Texas has dropped each of its four series openers but is 3-0 in the second game of each series.

PREDICTION: Angels 6, Rangers 3

Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Houston Astros' dynamic lineup has struggled to provide offense since their explosive start, but their ability to keep the other team from scoring has proven to be enough more often than not. Buoyed by the stingiest pitching staff in the majors, the Astros set their sights on a fourth straight victory Tuesday, when they continue their three-game series against the host Minnesota Twins.

After averaging 6.3 runs while winning five of its first six contests, Houston has crossed the plate only 11 times in the five games since, but the defending World Series champion has managed to pull out a victory four times over that stretch. Justin Verlander tossed seven strong innings Monday as the Astros posted their second shutout in three outings with a series-opening 2-0 triumph - the seventh time Houston has surrendered fewer than three runs. The Twins have been about as cold at the plate as the weather in Target Field has been during the three games they have played at home, batting .228 while playing every contest in sub-40 degree temperatures. Joe Mauer has been one of the few hitters unaffected by the chilly conditions, as he is 4-for-9 with a pair of doubles and three walks so far in Minnesota.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), FS North (Minnesota)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (0-1, 3.27 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (0-0, 2.61)

Keuchel struggled with his command (61-of-104 pitches for strikes) over five innings and was let down by his defense (two errors) in a no-decision Wednesday versus Baltimore, allowing two runs - one earned - on five hits and four walks. The 2015 American League Cy Young Award winner is off to a much different start this season than in 2017, during which he opened 9-0 with a 1.94 ERA in 12 turns. Brian Dozier (5-for-11) and Logan Morrison (4-for-11) have homered against Keuchel, who hasn't pitched in Minnesota since 2014.

Odorizzi also had trouble finding the strike zone Wednesday at Pittsburgh, throwing only 48 of his 87 pitches for strikes while not factoring in the decision after giving up three runs on five hits and three walks in 4 1/3 frames. The former Tampa Bay Ray was much sharper in his season debut on Opening Day, working six scoreless innings in Baltimore. Odorizzi has struggled against Brian McCann (13-for-28, three homers) but otherwise has dominated the Astros, going 2-0 with a 0.47 ERA in three starts.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Astros have won 11 of the last 14 meetings.

2. Of Minnesota's 66 hits this season, 32 have gone for extra bases.

3. Houston is hitting .194 and has struck out 53 times during its five-game offensive slump.

PREDICTION: Twins 3, Astros 2

Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
The Milwaukee Brewers have had issues in the back end of their bullpen since losing their All-Star closer to injury, but it appears the St. Louis Cardinals aren't in the clear after adding an All-Star closer to their relief corps. After both teams' bullpens had a tough time during the late innings in the series opener, they'll try to give themselves a little more breathing room when the series continues Tuesday in St. Louis.

Milwaukee's Matt Albers, filling in for injured closer Corey Knebel, blew a save opportunity in the ninth inning but got credit for the win after Greg Holland walked in the go-ahead run in the 10th in his St. Louis debut. It was a much-needed win for the Brewers, who had lost four of their previous five games - including three via shutout. Cardinals ace Carlos Martinez will try to beat the Brewers for the second time in six days. While Martinez has enjoyed great success against Milwaukee, several players have hit him well - Jonathan Villar is 9-for-26, Domingo Santana is 7-for-20 and Travis Shaw is 4-for-12 while all three have homered against the right-hander.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Brewers LH Brent Suter (1-1, 6.30 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Carlos Martinez (1-1, 2.84)

Suter allowed far too much hard contact last time out, as the Chicago Cubs knocked him around for five runs - four earned - and eight hits in five innings. The 28-year-old was tough on lefties last year, holding them to a .192 average, and they are 1-for-10 with three strikeouts against him this season. Suter is 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA in six career games (two starts) versus St. Louis.

After a rough outing on Opening Day, Martinez bounced back to dominate the Brewers in his last turn. The 26-year-old Dominican struck out 10 while allowing four hits and two walks over 8 1/3 scoreless innings Wednesday at Milwaukee. That was not surprising as Martinez is 6-4 with a 1.98 ERA in 24 career games (13 starts) against the Brewers.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers CF Lorenzo Cain and Cardinals 1B Jose Martinez left Monday's game after their feet got tangled on a close play at first base in the ninth inning. Cain left the field favoring his left leg, while Martinez appeared to injure his right ankle.

2. Cardinals C Yadier Molina is 4-for-7 with two homers versus Suter.

3. St. Louis LF Marcell Ozuna went 2-for-5 with two RBIs on Monday and is 14-for-35 during his eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Cardinals 6, Brewers 2

Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals Preview and Predictions 04-10-2018

10th April 2018 by Gracenote
Eric Skoglund has a tough act to follow when he makes his season debut for the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. The 25-year-old left-hander takes the ball for the second contest of a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, who managed only one hit in the opener.

Jakob Junis worked seven strong innings in Monday's 10-0 win, but the dominance has been spread throughout the Royals' staff. Kansas City starters have not allowed a run in four of the last five games, posting a 1.04 ERA and holding opponents to a .128 average over that span. The Mariners were coming off their best offensive showing thus far in an 11-4 rout of Minnesota on Sunday, but they had only two at-bats with runners in scoring position during the series opener. Robinson Cano (seven games) and Jean Segura (six) both went hitless to snap their hitting streaks.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), FS Kansas City

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners RH Felix Hernandez (1-1, 7.71 ERA) vs. Royals LH Eric Skoglund (2017: 1-2, 9.50)

Hernandez gave the Mariners a strong effort on Opening Day, but his second start of the season was a disaster. The 32-year-old former ace was rocked for eight runs in four innings at San Francisco, allowing three home runs in pitcher-friendly AT&T Park. Hernandez is 5-6 with a 3.05 ERA in 14 career starts against Kansas City.

Skoglund won the final spot in the rotation this spring, but the Royals haven't needed a fifth starter until now. He wowed in his major-league debut last May, throwing 6 1/3 scoreless innings to beat Detroit, but he didn't pitch past the third frame in any of his other four starts. Skoglund averaged nearly a strikeout per inning in the minors but had some trouble finding the strike zone after his recall last season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Kansas City has posted three shutouts in its first eight games - the most in club history - to become the first team to accomplish the feat since Oakland in 2015.

2. Mariners CF Dee Gordon recorded one of the Mariners' two hits on Monday, extending his hitting streak to eight games.

3. Royals 2B Whit Merrifield went 2-for-5 in the opener and has reached safely in 18 straight home contests.

PREDICTION: Mariners 7, Royals 5