MLB Betting News and Trends For Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Tuesday’s games
National League
Rockies (10-8) @ Pirates (11-5)
Bettis is 2-0, 2.04 in three starts this year (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 3-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Williams is 3-0, 1.56 in his first three ’18 starts (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Colorado won five of its last six games; under is 7-3 in their last ten games. Pirates won five of their last eight games; over is 9-5 in their last 14 games.

Nationals (8-9) @ Mets (12-3)
Gonzalez is 1-1, 2.76 in three starts this year (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 2-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Wheeler allowed one run in seven IP (83 PT) in his first ’18 start, a 4-1 win in Miami. 5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Washington lost four of its last six games; five of their last eight games stayed under. Mets won 10 of their last 12 games; under is 5-2 in their last seven home games.

Phillies (9-6) @ Braves (9-6)
Pivetta is 1-0, 1.42 in his last two starts (under 2-0-1). 5-inning record: 2-0-1) Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Foltynewicz is 1-1, 4.02 in three starts this season (under 1-0-2). 5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Phillies won six of their last seven games; under is 4-2 in their last six games. Atlanta is 5-2 at home this season; seven of their last eight games stayed under.

Reds (3-13) @ Brewers (8-9)
Romano is 0-1, 6.46 in his first three ’18 starts (over 3-0). 5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-3

Guerra allowed one run in 5.1 IP (86 PT) in his first ’18 start, a 3-2 win in St Louis. 5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Reds lost eight of their last eight games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Milwaukee is 5-7 in its last 12 games, is 2-6 at home; under is 4-1-1 in their last six home games.

Cardinals (9-7) @ Cubs (7-7)
Wainwright is 0-2, 5.06 in his first two ’18 starts (under 2-0). 5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Chatwood is 0-2, 4.91 in two starts this season (over 1-1). 5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

St Louis won its last four games; four of their last five games stayed under. Cubs are 2-3 at home this season; under is 8-3-1 in their last dozen games.

Dodgers (5-9) @ Padres (7-10)
Wood is 0-2, 5.09 in three starts this year (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Mitchell is 0-2, 5.27 in three starts this year (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-3

Dodgers lost seven of their last 11 games; their last five games went over. Padres won five of their last eight games; nine of their last 13 games stayed under.

Giants (6-9) @ Diamondbacks (11-4)
Cueto is 1-0, 0.69 in two starts, but hasn’t pitched in 13 days (over 1-1). 5-inning record: 1-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Corbin is 2-0, 2.50 in three starts this year (over 2-1). 5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Giants lost four of their last five games; four of their last six games went over. Arizona won five of its last seven game; they’re 5-1 at home. D’backs’ last five games went over.

American League
Orioles (5-11) @ Tigers (4-9)
Cashner is 1-0, 0.69 in his last two starts (under 3-0). 5-inning record: 1-0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Liriano is 1-1, 2.13 in his first two ’18 starts (under 2-0). 5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Orioles lost five of their last six games; over is 4-1-1 in their last six road games. Detroit lost its last five games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Royals (3-10) @ Blue Jays (9-5)
Skoglund allowed five runs in 4.2 IP (84 PT) in his first ’18 start, an 8-3 loss to Seattle. 5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1

Duffy is 0-2, 6.00 in his first three ’18 starts (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 0-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-1-1

Garcia is 1-0, 3.18 in his first two ’18 starts (over 1-1). 5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Happ 2-1, 4.50 in his first three starts (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Royals lost their last five games; under is 9-2-1 in their last 12 games. Blue Jays won four of their last five games; four of their last six games stayed under the total.

Indians (8-6) vs Twins (7-4) (@ Puerto Rico)
Kluber is 1-1, 1.57 in his first three starts (under 3-0). 5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Odorizzi is 1-0, 2.21 in his first three ’18 starts (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 1-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Indians won five of their last six games; under is 7-2 in their last nine games. Minnesota hasn’t played since Thursday; they won last their last three games. Under is 7-4 in their games. This series is in Puerto Rico.

Rangers (6-12) @ Rays (4-12)
Moore is 0-3, 9.24 in his first three ’18 starts (over 2-1). 5-inning record: 0-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-3

Rays are 0-5 in bullpen games, with four one-run losses. 5-inning record: 2-2-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-5

Rangers lost six of their last eight games; under is 6-2 in their road games. Tampa Bay lost 11 of its last 14 games; over is 7-2 in their last nine games.

White Sox (4-9) @ A’s (7-10)
Gonzalez is 0-2, 9.64 in two starts this month (over 2-0). 5-inning record: 0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Cahill is making his first ’18 start; he was 4-3, 4.93 in 21 games LY (14 starts). He’s started 188 MLB games in his career. 5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

White Sox lost six of their last seven games; four of their last six road games stayed under. Oakland lost five of its last eight home games, four of their last five home games stayed under. This game will be a sellout; the 50th anniversary of the A’s first game in Oakland.

Red Sox (13-2) @ Angels (13-3)
Price is 1-1, 2.40 in three starts this year, but left his last start early with a sore hand. Under is 2-1 in his starts. 5-inning record: 0-1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Ohtani is 2-0, 1.93 in his first two MLB starts, both vs Oakland (over 1-1). 5-inning record: 2-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Boston won its last four games; four of their last five road games stayed under. Angels won their last seven games; under is 3-0-1 in their last four games.

Astros (10-7) @ Mariners (9-5)
McCullers is 1-1, 8.36 in his first three ’18 starts (over 2-1). 5-inning record: 1-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Miranda is making his first ’18 start; he was 8-7, 5.12 in 29 starts LY. 5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Houston lost four of their last six games; under is 9-2 in their last 11 games. Seattle won six of its last eight games; over is 9-5 in their games this season.

Interleague
Marlins (4-11) @ Bronx (7-7)
Garcia no-hit the Mets for six innings in his first MLB start (77 PT). 5-inning record: 1-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Tanaka is 2-1, 5.09 in his first three ’18 starts (under 2-1). 5-inning record: 2-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Marlins lost 10 of their last 12 games; over is 6-3 in their last nine. New York is 4-5 in its last nine games; over is 6-1 in their home games.

Umpires
Col-Pitt: This will be rookie ump Rehak’s 2nd MLB game behind plate.
Wsh-NY: Underdogs are 8-3 in Little’s last 11 games.
Phil-Atl: Under is 9-3 in last dozen Eddings games.
Cin-Mil: Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Wolcott games.
LA-SD: Last six Danley games stayed under total.

Tex-TB: Over is 4-0 in Marquez games this season.
Chi-A’s: Underdogs won last seven Whitson games.
Hst-Sea: Under is 5-3 in last eight Barber games.

Mia-NY: Over is 3-1-1 in last five Lentz games.

Preview: Royals at Blue Jays
Apr 17, 2018

The Toronto Blue Jays play in a stadium with a retractable roof, but that doesn't mean they're immune to harsh weather north of the border. A chunk of falling ice pierced the dome and caused the cancellation of Monday's scheduled game against the visiting Kansas City Royals, and the teams will make that up as part of a straight doubleheader on Tuesday.

The postponement on Monday marked the third straight for Toronto, which was washed out in Cleveland on Saturday and Sunday on the heels of a stretch of nine wins in 12 games. “Obviously, we’ve been playing really well, and you want that momentum going,” Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada told the Toronto Sun before finding out about Monday's postponement. "Maybe our first game out, we might be a little rusty, but I don’t think taking two days off is going to affect anybody." Veteran left-hander Jaime Garcia, who originally was slated to pitch Saturday, is expected to get the start in the first game for the Blue Jays against Eric Skoglund while J.A. Happ and Danny Duffy face off in the second game. The Royals had their game against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday postponed and may have needed the break after losing five straight contests in which they allowed a total of 29 runs as they begin a seven-game road trip.

TV: 6:37 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, Sportsnet One (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (0-2, 5.40 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH J.A. Happ (2-1, 3.94)

Duffy turned in his best effort of the young season against Seattle on Wednesday, when he yielded two runs - one earned - on four hits in 5 1/3 innings while striking out seven. The 29-year-old has yet to complete six innings through three starts despite averaging 100 pitches in the last two. Duffy did not face the Blue Jays last season and is 2-3 with a 5.93 ERA and 19 walks in 27 1/3 career innings against them, spanning six games (five starts).

Happ turned in his first quality start of 2018 when he held the Baltimore Orioles to one run on five hits while striking out nine in six innings on April 9. The 35-year-old owns 23 strikeouts and five walks in 16 total innings but also surrendered four home runs. Happ allowed two runs in 13 1/3 total innings over two starts against Kansas City last season but ended up 0-1 in those turns.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto RHP Roberto Osuna (five saves) allowed two hits and struck out five with no walks in 7 1/3 scoreless innings to start the season.

2. Kansas City is tied for last in the majors with five home runs - three from Mike Moustakas and two by Lucas Duda.

3. The Royals won four of their six matchups against the Blue Jays and were 17-15 versus the American League East last year.

PREDICTION: Royals 3, Blue Jays 2

Preview: Marlins at Yankees
Gracenote
Apr 17, 2018

Derek Jeter thought it might be awkward attending games at Yankee Stadium this week with his new team, the Miami Marlins, and he was probably right. The Yankees crushed the Marlins 12-1 in the series opener and will go for the two-game interleague sweep when they host the finale on Tuesday.

Jeter's biggest move since taking over as CEO of Miami was trading reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton to New York, and Stanton watched his new team bludgeon his old for 15 hits in the easy victory. Stanton was hit by a pitch and scored a run in the win but went 0-for-3 with a pair of strikeouts to continue a slow start while fellow slugger Aaron Judge belted his fourth home run and extended his hitting streak to 12 straight games. Miami is last in the majors in team slugging percentage and Monday marked the ninth time in the last 12 games that it was held to three or fewer runs. The Marlins will try to snap a three-game slide and even the series behind lefty Jarlin Garcia while the Yankees counter with Masahiro Tanaka.

TV: 6:35 p.m. ET, FS Florida (Miami), YES (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Marlins LH Jarlin Garcia (0-0, 1.13 ERA) vs. Yankees RH Masahiro Tanaka (2-1, 5.19)

If there is a bright spot for Miami during its slow start, it's Garcia, who took a no-hitter through six innings against the New York Mets on Wednesday. The 25-year-old Dominican spent all of his 2017 rookie campaign in the bullpen and was pulled after 77 pitches against the Mets, leaving without factoring in the decision. Garcia is not getting much support from the offense and has yet to find the win column while allowing a total of five hits in 16 innings.

Tanaka is having less trouble finding run support and earned a win at Boston on Wednesday despite getting roughed up for six runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in five innings. The Japan native served up a pair of home runs in that outing and recorded a season-low three strikeouts. Tanaka lost his lone previous start against Miami and is 7-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 13 career interleague outings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Judge's home on Monday was the 60th of his career and came in his 197th game, making him the fastest in major league history to reach 60 (Mark McGwire, 202).

2. Miami 2B Starlin Castro, who was involved in the Stanton deal, went 0-for-3 with a strikeout against his former team.

3. New York signed IF-OF Jace Peterson to a major league contract on Monday after designating him for assignment last week.

PREDICTION: Yankees 9, Marlins 2

Preview: Royals at Blue Jays

Apr 17, 2018

The Toronto Blue Jays play in a stadium with a retractable roof, but that doesn't mean they're immune to harsh weather north of the border. A chunk of falling ice pierced the dome and caused the cancellation of Monday's scheduled game against the visiting Kansas City Royals, and the teams will make that up as part of a straight doubleheader on Tuesday.

The postponement on Monday marked the third straight for Toronto, which was washed out in Cleveland on Saturday and Sunday on the heels of a stretch of nine wins in 12 games. “Obviously, we’ve been playing really well, and you want that momentum going,” Blue Jays right-hander Marco Estrada told the Toronto Sun before finding out about Monday's postponement. "Maybe our first game out, we might be a little rusty, but I don’t think taking two days off is going to affect anybody." Veteran left-hander Jaime Garcia, who originally was slated to pitch Saturday, is expected to get the start in the first game for the Blue Jays against Eric Skoglund while J.A. Happ and Danny Duffy face off in the second game. The Royals had their game against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday postponed and may have needed the break after losing five straight contests in which they allowed a total of 29 runs as they begin a seven-game road trip.

TV: 3:07 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Eric Skoglund (0-1, 9.64 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Jaime Garcia (1-0, 3.18)

Skoglund struggled in his only start of the season last Tuesday as he was tagged for five runs and six hits while hitting three batters over 4 2/3 innings of a loss to Seattle. The 25-year-old Floridian has not won since his major-league debut on May 30, when he limited Detroit to two hits over 6 1/3 scoreless frames. Skoglund, who is 0-3 with a 13.22 ERA in five starts and two relief appearances since the victory, faces the Blue Jays for the first time in his career after being moved back two days due to Sunday’s postponement.

Garcia recorded his first win with the Blue Jays in his last start on April 8 after allowing three runs, five hits and two walks with five strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings at Texas. The 31-year-old Mexican was even better in his season debut against the Chicago White Sox, giving up one run and four hits while striking out seven over six frames in a no-decision. Lucas Duda is 2-for-5 with a homer versus Garcia, who is 1-1 with a 5.68 ERA in five career starts against the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Toronto RHP Roberto Osuna (five saves) allowed two hits and struck out five with no walks in 7 1/3 scoreless innings to start the season.

2. Kansas City is tied for last in the majors with five home runs - three from Mike Moustakas and two by Duda.

3. The Royals won four of their six matchups against the Blue Jays and were 17-15 versus the American League East last year.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 6, Royals 3

Preview: Orioles at Tigers
Gracenote
Apr 16, 2018

The Detroit Tigers are suffering through growing pains and a relentless Mother Nature that is retarding their potential progress as they host the equally struggling Baltimore Orioles for a three-game series beginning Tuesday. Detroit (4-9), which has been shut out three times and held to one run on three other occasions, has already lost five dates because of postponement and hasn't played since Friday.

“You are always trying to win ballgames, but you know you have to let things play out,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire told reporters about allowing his young players to find their way. “Right now, we’re just making sure everyone gets a piece of this thing and get their feet on the ground a little bit.” Examples of Detroit youth struggling include second baseman Dixon Machado (.234 this season) and third baseman Jeimer Candelario (.200), who have a combined 173 career games under their belts. Baltimore (5-11) endured its first postponement of the season when Monday's game at Boston was called Sunday after it lost three straight to the Red Sox by a combined 20-7, leaving its starters with a 5.33 ERA. The Orioles' Andrew Cashner, though, has recorded two quality starts since a rough debut with the club and opposes Francisco Liriano, who took a no-hitter into the fifth inning in his last outing.

TV: 6:40 p.m. ET, MASN 2 (Baltimore), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH Andrew Cashner (1-1, 2.50 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (1-1, 2.13)

Cashner received a no-decision after allowing four hits and three walks while striking out six over seven shutout innings of Baltimore's 2-1 loss to Toronto on April 10. "I kind of feel like this has been my whole career," the 31-year-old Texan told reporters about run support. "... It's one of those things when you know every pitch means something. I'm not saying it doesn't sometimes, but for me, it's more that you're more invested in every pitch just because you know it's going to be a tight game all night." Cashner pitched a one-hitter, walking two and striking out 11 in his only start against Detroit, a 6-0 victory for the Padres in San Diego on April 11, 2014.

Liriano was the hard-luck loser in a 2-0 setback at Cleveland on April 9 when he yielded a two-run homer to Bradley Zimmer in the fifth inning among three hits, walked three and struck out four in six innings. The 34-year-old Dominican has settled back into his starter's role after appearing in relief in all 25 games - postseason included - while winning the World Series with Houston after the trade deadline last season. Adam Jones is 8-for-24 with three home runs versus Liriano, who is 2-5 with a 4.14 ERA in 10 starts versus Baltimore.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera is third among active players in RBIs (1,622), trailing Albert Pujols and Adrian Beltre, and fourth in hits (2,648) behind Ichiro Suzuki, Beltre and Pujols.

2. Orioles SS Manny Machado has three home runs and nine RBIs - all in the last nine games - and is 14-for-38 during that span after starting the season 6-for-27.

3. Detroit C James McCann (.189) ended an 0-for-15 drought by going 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs in Friday's 8-6 loss to the New York Yankees.

PREDICTION: Tigers 3, Orioles 2

Preview: Rockies at Pirates
Gracenote
Apr 17, 2018

The Colorado Rockies have been rolling on their seven-game road trip and look to continue the trend when they visit the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game series. Colorado took three of four in Washington before opening the set on Monday with a 6-2 triumph.

Trevor Story went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer while Charlie Blackmon also went deep and drove in two runs as the Rockies improved to 8-2 on the road since losing their first two games of the season in Arizona. Blackmon has gone deep in three straight contests, collecting seven RBIs in that span. Pittsburgh was limited to four hits as it returned home from a 4-2 road trip, and two of those hits were triples - including the second in four contests by Francisco Cervelli, who has gone 10-for-21 during his six-game hitting streak. Starling Marte added his third triple of the year, eclipsing his total in 77 games last season, while Corey Dickerson singled to extend his hitting streak to 11 contests (19-for-44).

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Rocky Mountain (Colorado), AT&T SportsNet-Pittsburgh

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rockies RH Chad Bettis (2-0, 2.04 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (3-0, 1.56)

Bettis has been superb in the early going, allowing fewer than three runs and working at least five innings in each of his first three starts. The 28-year-old Texan is coming off his best effort, a victory at Washington on Thursday in which he gave up one run and three hits over seven frames. Bettis has yet to defeat Pittsburgh in his career, going 0-2 with a 6.26 ERA in four starts and two relief appearances.

As outstanding as Bettis has been, Williams' beginning to 2018 is even more impressive as he has yielded a total of three runs while winning all three of his turns. The 25-year-old Californian worked six strong innings against the Cubs in Chicago on Thursday, allowing four hits - including a solo homer for the only run he surrendered. Williams gave up five runs and seven hits over 6 2/3 innings at Colorado on July 21 but came away with the win in his only career start versus the Rockies.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Pirates recalled Max Moroff from Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday as fellow 2B Josh Harrison (broken left hand) was placed on the 10-day disabled list and is expected to miss six weeks.

2. Each of Blackmon's seven home runs this season have come on the road.

3. Pittsburgh activated LHP Enny Romero, who was claimed off waivers from Washington on Saturday, and optioned RHP Dovydas Neverauskas to Indianapolis.

PREDICTION: Pirates 3, Rockies 1

Preview: Rangers at Rays
Gracenote
Apr 17, 2018

Mallex Smith is taking full advantage of his chance for more playing time in the first month of the season, and the speedy outfielder looks to remain hot when his Tampa Bay Rays host the Texas Rangers on Tuesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Smith registered his second four-hit performance in eight days in Monday’s series-opening 8-4 victory to raise his average to .409, including a 15-of-28 spurt over his last seven contests.

Smith played center field on Monday in place of former Gold Glove winner Kevin Kiermaier, who will miss up to three months due to right thumb surgery after being injured in Sunday’s loss to Philadelphia. Former Rays left-hander Matt Moore will try to cool off Smith when he takes the mound for the Rangers on Tuesday against impressive rookie Yonny Chirinos, who has yet to give up a run in three appearances (two starts). Texas, which was coming in off two straight wins against defending World Series champion Houston, gave up eight runs in the first four innings of Monday's contest. Nomar Mazara hit a late three-run homer for the Rangers in the series opener and is 9-for-26 over his last seven games while Joey Gallo belted his team-leading sixth shot in the setback.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Southwest (Texas), FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Matt Moore (0-3, 8.76 ERA) vs. Rays RH Yonny Chirinos (0-0, 0.00)

Moore is coming off the best of his three starts this season as he allowed three runs on seven hits and three walks in five innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. The 28-year-old Floridian, who won 39 games for Tampa Bay between 2011-16, did not get more than 12 outs in either of his first two turns as he yielded 10 runs - nine earned - in 7 1/3 total frames. Denard Span is 2-for-6 against Moore, who will face his former team for the first time since he was traded to San Francisco.

Chirinos has been one for the bright spots in a disappointing start for the Rays, allowing eight hits and two walks over 14 1/3 scoreless innings in his first three major-league games. The 24-year-old Venezuelan limited the Chicago White Sox to four hits and recorded a season-high five strikeouts over 5 1/3 frames on Wednesday. Chirinos, who went 12-5 at Triple-A Durham last year, has not received much offensive support as Tampa Bay scored a total of four runs in his three appearances.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tampa Bay 1B-DH C.J. Cron homered Monday and is 8-for-24 during his six-game hitting streak.

2. Texas SS Jurickson Profar went through concussion protocol following a collision with Smith at second base and will be evaluated Tuesday.

3. Rays 3B Matt Duffy left Monday’s game with right hamstring tightness and is considered day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Rangers 2

Preview: Nationals at Mets
Gracenote
Apr 17, 2018

Bryce Harper has tormented the New York Mets numerous times already this season while Gio Gonzalez arguably may give him a run for the role of Public Enemy No. 1 at Citi Field. Harper and Gonzalez aim to continue their respective torrid stretches on Tuesday as the Washington Nationals vie for a series victory over the host Mets.

Harper muscled a broken-bat homer in the first inning and a two-run single to highlight Washington's six-run eighth in Monday's 8-6 win to improve to 6-for-14 with three homers, six RBIs and five runs scored versus New York this season. That offensive production would be welcomed by Gonzalez, who owns a 10-1 mark with a rail-thin 1.69 ERA while limiting the Mets to a .167 batting average in 15 career starts at Citi Field. While the Nationals (8-9) improved to 5-2 on the road after posting just their fourth victory in 13 outings overall, New York (12-3) is in the midst of its first "slump" after losing two of three on the heels of a nine-game winning streak. Asdrubal Cabrera belted a two-run shot to highlight his four-hit performance in the opener to improve to 9-for-18 with two homers, four RBIs and five runs scored versus Washington this season.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals LH Gio Gonzalez (1-1, 2.20 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (1-0, 1.29)

Gonzalez pitched well in his previous outing against New York before settling for a no-decision despite allowing one run on six hits in 5 1/3 innings on April 7. The 32-year-old walked three batters in that contest and did the same five days later versus Colorado, as he was taken deep for the first time and took the loss after permitting three runs in five innings. Yoenis Cespedes is a blistering 7-for-16 with two homers in his career versus Gonzalez, who has also struggled against Juan Lagares (17-for-44) and Jose Reyes (7-for-19).

Wheeler made an impact after being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas, overcoming a solo homer in the first inning to allow just one more hit while striking out seven in seven frames during Wednesday's 4-1 victory over Miami. The 27-year-old, who credited a change in his delivery for his success, retired his final 16 batters in that contest and will get another start as left-hander Jason Vargas (hand) works his way back to the rotation. "It's very satisfying," Wheeler said. "I had a lot of trouble in the spring repeating it. It's hard to get out of that other arm slot, but it's paying off."

WALK-OFFS

1. New York 3B Todd Frazier is 9-for-19 with two homers and six RBIs during his six-game hitting streak.

2. Nationals 1B Ryan Zimmerman is 0-for-10 with four strikeouts in his last two contests overall and 0-for-14 versus the Mets this season.

3. New York RF Jay Bruce is expected to draw back into the lineup on Tuesday after sitting out two games with plantar fasciitis.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Mets 2

Preview: Indians vs. Twins
Gracenote
Apr 16, 2018

The Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins will be well-rested when they meet Tuesday night to open a two-game series at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Twins have not played since Thursday because of a snowstorm in Minneapolis and hope to extend their winning streak to four while Cleveland was rained out Saturday and Sunday after winning five of six contests.

Outfielder Eddie Rosario and Wednesday’s scheduled starting pitcher Jose Berrios will play in front of their native country’s fans this week for Minnesota, which is considered the home team on the scoreboard. Shortstop Francisco Lindor, who is 7-for-14 over his last three games, and catcher Roberto Perez of the Indians also expect to get the loudest cheers in their home country. “I don’t know how it’s going to feel. … having my nation in my head,” Perez told The Plain Dealer. “The whole stadium is going to be packed. Fans are going to wear red, white and blue clothing (Puerto Rico’s national colors). It’s going to be crazy.” Two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber will try to slow down Minnesota’s Brian Dozier (11-game hitting streak) and Joe Mauer (10-game hitting streak) while the Twins counter with fellow right-hander Jake Odorizzi on Tuesday.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Corey Kluber (1-1, 1.57 ERA) vs. Twins RH Jake Odorizzi (1-0, 2.20)

Kluber boasts three quality starts in three opportunities and produced his best outing last time out April 9 against Detroit when he yielded two hits over eight scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts. The 32-year-old Alabama native went 0-1 in his first two starts despite surrendering only four runs on nine hits over 15 innings combined while striking out 14 and walking three. Mauer is 16-for-49 with two homers versus Kluber, who is 8-5 with a 3.31 ERA in 19 career starts against Minnesota.

Odorizzi earned his first victory with the Twins last time out April 10 against Houston when he gave up one run on five hits and five walks over six innings. The 28-year-old Illinois native has limited opponents to a .207 batting average in his first three starts with 13 strikeouts over 16 1/3 innings, but has struggled with command while issuing 10 walks. Edwin Encarnacion is 5-for-30 but has a pair of homers against Odorizzi, who is 1-1 with a 3.93 ERA in four lifetime starts versus Cleveland.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 3B Jose Ramirez is 6-for-17 with two homers during a five-game hitting streak that followed a 2-for-33 start to the season.

2. Mauer, who reached 2,000 career hits in his last game, is 14-for-34 during his season-long streak and needs two walks to reach 900.

3. The Indians won 12 of the 19 meetings last year as Encarnacion hit six homers and knocked in 18 runs.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Twins 1

Preview: Phillies at Braves
Gracenote
Apr 17, 2018

The Atlanta Braves’ offense is one of the biggest surprises so far in 2018, and as they look to win a second straight home game from the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, second baseman Ozzie Albies figures to be in the midst of the action again. The 21-year-old, who came into Monday leading the majors with 14 extra-base hits, singled twice and raced home with the go-ahead run on a shallow sacrifice fly in Monday’s 2-1 triumph.

Atlanta was held to just four hits in the opener - matching the second-lowest total by the Braves through 15 games - but made the most of that production as Albies raised his average to .328 on the season. The Phillies had won six games in a row entering the series but also were stifled offensively on a cold night, collecting just six hits. Center fielder Odubel Herrera belted his first homer of the season for Philadelphia’s lone run, finishing 2-for-4 to raise his career average against the Braves in Atlanta’s new SunTrust Park to .333 with three homers and seven RBIs in 13 games. Both the Braves and Phillies sit 9-6 on the season and are tied for second place in the National League East.

TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, NBCS Philadelphia, FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Nick Pivetta (1-0, 2.70 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Foltynewicz (1-1, 2.93)

Pivetta makes his fourth start of the season and enters Tuesday with no walks and 16 strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings across his past two outings. He earned the victory on April 5 against Miami, recording 5 2/3 shutout innings with nine strikeouts, and six days later gave up two runs with seven strikeouts in seven innings against Cincinnati. The 25-year-old, who is holding right-handed hitters to a .182/.206/.242 slash line, allowed three runs over four innings against the Braves in his season debut March 30.

Foltynewicz took his first loss of the season in his last start Tuesday at Washington, giving up three runs (two earned) with two walks and three strikeouts over five innings. The 26-year-old, who went 10-13 with a 4.79 ERA a season ago after posting a 9-5 record with a 4.31 ERA in 2016, struck out seven Phillies in five innings in his season debut March 30. Foltynewicz beat the Nationals on April 4, striking out eight while allowing one run in 5 1/3 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Braves became the final team in the majors to earn a save this season Monday when RHP Arodys Vizcaino pitched a scoreless ninth.

2. Philadelphia starting pitchers continued their good work in the series opener as RHP Aaron Nola gave up two runs in six innings, giving the rotation a 2.94 ERA across the past 12 games.

3. Atlanta C Tyler Flowers (oblique), out since Opening Day, could be ready to rejoin the big league roster next week.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Phillies 3

Preview: Reds at Brewers
Gracenote
Apr 17, 2018

The boo birds made their presence felt early and often as the Milwaukee Brewers' home woes continued with a lopsided loss to the team that was mired its first worst start since the Great Depression. The Brewers (8-9) look to turn the jeers into cheers as they bid to win for just the third time in nine outings at Miller Park on Tuesday versus the Cincinnati Reds.

Adam Duvall collected three of Cincinnati's season-high 14 hits in the series opener to help his team snap an eight-game skid with Monday's 10-4 triumph over Milwaukee. The 29-year-old is 7-for-16 with three doubles and a homer in his last four contests after limping out of the blocks with just four hits in his previous 12 games for the Reds (3-13). Domingo Santana saw his six-game hitting streak come to an end for the Brewers, who have been outscored 48-20 at home this season. The 25-year-old Dominican will look to get back on track versus Tuesday starter Sal Romano, against whom his lone hit in five at-bats resulted in a home run.

TV: 7:40 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Sal Romano (0-1, 5.87 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Junior Guerra (1-0, 1.69)

Romano has stumbled out of the gate in each of his last two starts, with lengthy first innings driving up his pitch counts en route to a pair of no-decisions. The 24-year-old didn't do himself any favors by issuing four walks for the second time in three starts on Thursday, leading to his exit after allowing four runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings against St. Louis. Romano struggled to an 0-3 mark with a 7.24 ERA in three starts versus the Brewers last season.

Guerra saw the wheels come off in a hurry after serving as Milwaukee's Opening Day starter in 2017, but the 33-year-old Venezuelan insists he's healthier now and showed it with a strong outing following his recall from Triple-A Colorado Springs. Guerra allowed just one run on four hits in 5 1/3 innings of a 3-2 victory versus St. Louis. Duvall has belted two homers among his three hits versus Guerra, who owns a 1-1 record with a 6.35 ERA in four appearances against Cincinnati.

WALK-OFFS

1. Milwaukee LF Hernan Perez is 1-for-11 with four strikeouts at home this season.

2. Cincinnati CF Billy Hamilton has five hits and scored six times during his last five games.

3. Brewers 1B Jesus Aguilar is 5-for-11 with three runs scored in his last three contests as Eric Thames (groin) and Ryan Braun (back) nurse injuries.

PREDICTION: Brewers 4, Reds 2

Preview: Cardinals at Cubs
Gracenote
Apr 16, 2018

After having two consecutive games postponed by nasty weather, the Chicago Cubs might not be able to carry over any momentum from their offensive outburst in their last contest. But perhaps their inconsistent offense will get a boost from star first baseman Anthony Rizzo’s return to the lineup against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday.

The opener of the scheduled three-game series was wiped out by wet, frigid weather on Monday – the Cubs’ fourth postponement already this season. Rizzo (back) was expected to return from the disabled list then but should benefit from an extra day of rest as he looks to provide a spark to a lineup that has been boom-or-bust through 14 games but broke out late in Saturday's 14-10 win over Atlanta. The Cardinals probably weren’t thrilled about having a day off on Monday, considering they brought a four-game winning streak to the Windy City. The Cubs won 14 of the 19 meetings between the National League Central rivals last season.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS Midwest (St. Louis), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cardinals RH Adam Wainwright (0-2, 5.06 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (0-2, 4.91)

Wainwright has lost each of his first two starts but produced a quality outing Wednesday against Milwaukee, allowing three runs over seven innings. The three-time All-Star is 10-2 with a 3.79 ERA in his career at Wrigley Field, including 7 2/3 frames of two-run ball in his most recent start there in July. Addison Russell is 6-for-15 with three doubles against Wainwright, who is 14-9 with a 4.03 ERA lifetime versus the Cubs.

Chatwood struggled in his home debut with the Cubs last Tuesday, allowing five runs and nine hits over five innings in a loss to Pittsburgh. The 28-year-old did register seven strikeouts and felt good about his stuff, but the Pirates were able to make solid contact. Chatwood is 0-2 with a 7.36 ERA in four career games (one start) against St. Louis.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rizzo was 3-for-28 with seven strikeouts in six games before going on the disabled list.

2. Cardinals 2B Matt Carpenter is 1-for-14 over his last four contests and is hitting .160 on the season.

3. The Cubs are averaging 8.7 runs in their seven wins and 1.6 in their seven losses.

PREDICTION: Cubs 5, Cardinals 4

Preview: Giants at Diamondbacks
Gracenote
Apr 16, 2018

The Arizona Diamondbacks have won each of their first five series for the first time in their 21-year history, doing so by taking care of business inside the National League West. The Diamondbacks return home from a 6-3 road trip and attempt to avoid consecutive losses for the first time in 2018 on Tuesday when they host the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a three-game set.

Arizona (11-4), playing 12 of its first 15 contests against division opponents, has won nine of them to match the 2000 and 2008 clubs for the best 15-game start in franchise history. The Diamondbacks boast the NL's fourth-highest scoring offense and third-best staff ERA, although both areas took a bit of a hit Sunday when their three-game winning streak came to an end following a 7-2 setback at Dodger Stadium. The Giants dropped two of three at home during Arizona's nine-game trek and are struggling on offense again this season (46 runs, third-worst mark in the majors) after finishing second-to-last in runs scored in 2017. San Francisco fell 10-1 on Sunday to San Diego to suffer its third straight loss and has scored one run or fewer in eight of its 15 games.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Johnny Cueto (1-0, 0.69 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (2-0, 2.45)

Cueto (ankle) is expected to come off the disabled list in time to make his first start since April 4, when he held Seattle to one run on eight hits across six innings. The two-time All-Star opened the season in dominant fashion March 30 but ended up with a no-decision after yielding a single in seven scoreless frames versus the Dodgers. Cueto won both his turns against Arizona last year to improve to 11-3 with a 3.38 ERA in 15 starts versus the Diamondbacks.

Corbin failed to factor into the decision for the first time Tuesday at San Francisco, permitting three runs on five hits to along with a pair of walks and nine strikeouts in 5 1/3 frames. The 28-year-old New York native ranks second in the majors in strikeouts per nine innings (14.24), posting a 0.93 WHIP while fanning no fewer than eight in any of his three outings. Hunter Pence is 15-for-35 with four homers versus Corbin, who is 5-7 with a 3.42 ERA in 20 appearances (18 starts) versus the Giants.

WALK-OFFS

1. Diamondbacks 1B Paul Goldschmidt, who has clubbed each of his four home runs this season over the last five games, is batting .417 with eight RBIs during his six-game hitting streak.

2. San Francisco will face a left-handed starter for the 11th time this season - most in the majors.

3. Arizona has won all five of its series openers.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 5, Giants 2

Preview: White Sox at Athletics
Gracenote
Apr 17, 2018

The Oakland Athletics took advantage of a rusty Chicago White Sox team in the opener of their three-game set to give them back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Oakland looks to make it three in row when it continues the series against visiting Chicago on Tuesday.

Jed Lowrie drove in three runs and Matt Olson homered in Monday's 8-1 triumph as the Athletics returned home from a 3-5 road trip. Lowrie has recorded 10 RBIs over his last five games and hit safely in nine of his last 11 contests. Chicago was limited to six hits as it was in action for the first time since Thursday due to a snowstorm in Minnesota that wiped out its three contests over the weekend. Jose Abreu belted his fourth home run of the season in the ninth inning as the White Sox avoided being shut out but lost for the ninth time in 11 games after winning their first two of 2018.

TV: 10:05 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), NBCS California (Oakland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: White Sox RH Miguel Gonzalez (0-2, 8.68 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Trevor Cahill (2017: 4-3, 4.93)

Gonzalez will be pitching for the first time since April 9 as his scheduled turn in Minnesota on Saturday was wiped away by a snowstorm. The 33-year-old Mexican's second career stint with Chicago has gotten off to a rough start as he has surrendered 10 runs (nine earned) and 16 hits over 9 1/3 innings in his first two outings - both losses. Gonzalez has yet to defeat Oakland in his career, going 0-3 with a 4.11 ERA in five starts and one relief appearance.

Cahill will be summoned from Triple-A Nashville to begin his second tour of duty with Oakland after signing a one-year contract last month. The 30-year-old Californian, who began his career with the Athletics in 2009 but split last season between San Diego and Kansas City, surrendered five runs and four hits with seven walks and 10 strikeouts over 9 2/3 innings in two starts for the Sounds. Cahill has made nine starts and three relief appearances against Chicago in his career, going 1-3 with a 4.21 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Athletics activated Chad Pinder (knee) from the disabled list on Monday and assigned fellow INF Franklin Barreto to Nashville.

2. Chicago C Kevan Smith (ankle) is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte in the near future.

3. Oakland RHP Paul Blackburn (forearm) is slated to begin a throwing program on Friday.

PREDICTION: White Sox 8, Athletics 3