MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 6/27/18

Wednesday’s games
National League
Pirates (37-42) @ Mets (32-45)
Nova is 2-0, 0.92 in his last three starts; under is 5-0-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 7-7
5-inning record: 7-2-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Wheeler is 0-2, 5.79 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 4-10.
5-inning record: 3-9-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-14

Pittsburgh lost six of its last seven games; over is 4-1 in their last five road games. Mets are 8-26 in their last 34 games; under is 8-3 in their last 11 home games.

Diamondbacks (45-34) @ Marlins (32-48)
Ray is making his first start since April 29; he is 0-0, 4.32 in his last four starts. Team in his starts: 4-2.
5-inning record: 3-1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-6

Chen is 1-1, 7.71 in his last four starts; over is 4-0-1 in his last five. Team in his starts: 5-6.
5-inning record: 6-5. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-11

Arizona is 9-2 in its last 11 road games; over is 6-4-2 in their last 12 road games. Marlins are 9-6 in their last 15 games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.

Reds (33-46) @ Braves (45-33)
Castillo is 1-4, 6.84 in his last five starts; under is 5-2-3 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 6-8
5-inning record: 7-9. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

Newcomb is 3-1, 2.30 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 9-6
5-inning record: 9-4-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Reds won eight of their last nine games; under is 6-1 in their last seven road games. Atlanta lost four of its last six games; five of Braves’ last seven games went over the total.

Cubs (43-34) @ Dodgers (42-36)
Hendricks is 1-4, 5.19 in his last five starts; under is 8-2-1 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 5-10
5-inning record: 4-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-15

Wood is 2-0, 2.31 in his last two starts (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 8-7
5-inning record: 4-7-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-15

Cubs lost six of their last seven road games; under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. Dodgers are 10-4 in their last 14 games; under is 9-3 in their last 12 games.

Rockies (38-41) @ Giants (41-39)
Freeland is 3-1, 4.06 in his last five starts; under is 9-2 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 8-7
5-inning record: 8-4-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Bumgarner is 1-2, 3.20 in four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 1-3
5-inning record: 2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-4

Colorado lost six of its last eight road games; over is 16-4 in their last 20 games. Giants won six of their last seven games; over is 5-3-1 in their last nine home games.

American League
A’s (42-38) @ Tigers (36-44)
Manaea is 2-0, 2.66 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-7.
5-inning record: 6-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-16

Fiers is 0-2, 9.75 in his last three starts; over is 4-2 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-7.
5-inning record: 3-9-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-15

A’s won eight of their last ten games; over is 11-2 in their last 13 games. Detroit lost its last seven games; under is 6-3 in their last nine home games.

Mariners (49-31) @ Orioles (23-55)
LeBlanc is 3-0, 5.13 in his last five starts (under 7-2-1). Team in his starts: 7-3
5-inning record: 6-2-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-10

Cobb is 1-4, 6.55 in his last six starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 3-10
5-inning record: 3-9-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-13

Seattle lost six of its last nine games; over is 7-5-2 in their last 14 road games. Orioles lost their last three games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six home games.

Angels (41-39) @ Red Sox (53-27)
Heaney is 2-1, 3.00 in his last four starts; under is 8-0-1 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 5-8
5-inning record: 3-6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-13

Porcello is 3-1, 3.66 in his last five starts; over is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 10-6
5-inning record: 6-7-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Angels lost their last four games; under is 3-1-1 in their last five games. Boston won four of its last five games; under is 7-1-2 in their last ten home games.

Blue Jays (37-42) @ Astros (53-28)
Estrada is 2-1, 1.75 in his last four starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 7-8.
5-inning record: 5-6-4. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Keuchel is 1-0, 1.50 in his last two starts; over is 5-1-1 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-9.
5-inning record: 5-8-3. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Blue Jays won seven of their last 11 games; under is 5-3 in their last eight road games. Houston is 16-3 in its last 19 games; under is 6-1 in their last seven games.

Twins (34-41) @ White Sox (27-51)
Gibson is 1-2, 1.93 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-8
5-inning record: 7-7-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-15

Shields is 1-5, 5.97 in his last six starts; under is 6-1-1 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 5-11
5-inning record: 5-10-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

Minnesota lost four of its last five games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. White Sox lost nine of their last 12 games; Chicago’s last six games went over the total.

Interleague
New York (52-25) @ Philadelphia (41-36)
Cessa is making his first ’18 start; he is 4-7, 4.41 in 31 MLB games (14 starts) and allowed two runs in six IP in four MLB relief stints this year. Team in his starts: 0-0
5-inning record: 0-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Eflin is 4-0, 2.28 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 6-3
5-inning record: 7-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9

New York won six of its last nine games; under is 11-2-1 in their last 14 games. Philly lost its last three games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 home games.

Padres (36-46) @ Rangers (35-46)
Richard is 4-0, 3.12 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 9-7
5-inning record: 5-10-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-16

Minor is 1-0, 2.08 in his last two starts; under is 3-0-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 7-7
5-inning record: 4-8-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-14

Padres lost seven of its last nine games; under is 10-3 in their last 13 road games. Texas won eight of its last ten games; over is 7-4 in their last 11 home games.

Royals (26-55) @ Brewers (46-32)
Duffy is 1-1, 3.32 in his last three starts; over is 9-4 in his last 13 starts. Team in his starts: 5-11
5-inning record: 5-9-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-16

Suter is 3-0, 2.84 in his last three starts; his last seven starts went over. Team in his starts: 8-6
5-inning record: 7-6-1. Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-14

Royals are 3-18 in their last 21 games; under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Milwaukee is 4-5 in its last nine games; under is 8-4 in their last 12 games.

Indians (43-35) @ Cardinals (42-36)
Bieber is 2-0, 2.45 in three starts (over 2-1). Team in his starts: 3-0
5-inning record: 3-0. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-3

Flaherty is 2-0, 0.98 in his last three starts; under is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 5-5
5-inning record: 7-1-2. Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-10

Indians won seven of their last nine games; under is 7-2 in their last nine road games. St Louis is 6-8 in its last 14 games; under is 6-3 in their last nine home games.

Umpires
Pitt-NY: Under is 4-1-1 in last six Bucknor games.
Az-Mia: Under is 11-2-1 in Bellino games this year.
Cin-Atl: Underdogs are 9-6 in Torres games this year.
Chi-LA: Over is 9-3-1 in last 13 Tichenor games.
Col-SF: Under is 6-2 in last eight Miller games.

A’s-Det: Over is 8-4 in last dozen Barskdale games.
Sea-Balt: Over is 3-1-1 in last five Cederstrom games.
LA-Bos: Last three Morales games stayed under.
Min-Chi: Underdogs are 9-4 in last 13 Hoberg games.
Tor-Hst: Four of last five TGibson games went over.

NY-Phil: Under is 12-3 in Eddings games this year.
KC-Mil: Three of last four Gibson games went over.
SD-Tex: Favorites won last ten Welke games.
Clev-StL: Over is 9-3-1 in last 13 Vanover games.

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Preview: Reds at Braves
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

One of the biggest reasons the Cincinnati Reds are playing so well entering Wednesday’s series finale at the Atlanta Braves is their starting pitching, which has put together an impressive run of late. Matt Harvey authored the latest strong performance by a Reds starter in helping deliver Cincinnati's eighth victory in its past nine games by allowing one run in 6 2/3 innings in Tuesday’s 5-3 victory, and in that stretch Reds starters are 7-0 with a 3.38 ERA.

The second basemen for both teams, who figure to represent the National League in next month’s All-Star game, continue their strong first halves. Cincinnati’s Scooter Gennett, who entered Tuesday leading the National League in hitting, finished 2-for-3 with two walks and three runs scored and brings a .334 average into the series finale. Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies extended his hitting streak to eight games and is batting .459 during that span after going 2-for-4 on Tuesday. The Braves have struggled to drive home baserunners through the first five games of their six-game homestand, hitting just .230 with runners in scoring position and leaving 51 runners on base in losing three of five.

TV: 12:10 p.m. ET, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS South (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (5-8, 5.70 ERA) vs. Braves LH Sean Newcomb (8-2, 2.59)

Castillo snapped a four-start losing streak Friday against the Cubs, giving up three runs on four hits with one walk and five strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings for his first victory since May 24. The 25-year-old came into Tuesday leading the National League in homers allowed (18) and second in earned runs (53), but posted a 2.78 ERA while going 3-0 in a four-start stretch before his losing streak. Castillo lost in his only career appearance against Atlanta, giving up two runs with eight strikeouts in four innings on Aug. 20 last season.

Newcomb looks to bolster his All-Star hopes and he has rebounded from his second loss of the season June 10 with two solid performances. He shut out San Diego for six innings with seven strikeouts and one walk on June 16 and followed up Friday against Baltimore by allowing one run on five hits in seven innings in a no-decision, the eighth time in 15 starts Newcomb has allowed one earned run or fewer. The 25-year-old, who ranked fourth in the NL in wins and sixth in ERA through Monday’s games, gave up four runs in six innings in a no-decision against the Reds on April 26.

WALK-OFFS

1. Atlanta relievers issued just 29 walks in 97 2/3 innings in May, but they've walked 35 in 81 2/3 innings so far in June.

2. Cincinnati LHP Amir Garrett, who was unavailable Monday after pitching four times in the previous five games, left Tuesday’s game after taking a line drive off his left leg (X-rays were negative).

3. Atlanta is hoping to activate closer Arodys Vizcaino (right shoulder inflammation) from the disabled list Sunday at St. Louis, according to published reports.

PREDICTION: Braves 3, Reds 2
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Preview: Royals at Brewers
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The Milwaukee Brewers' pitching staff has joined the masses in dominating the Kansas City Royals' meager lineup. The Brewers will try to improve to 4-0 this season against the visiting Royals when the teams complete a two-game interleague series Wednesday afternoon.

Freddy Peralta allowed one hit and struck out 10 in seven scoreless innings to lead Milwaukee to a 5-1 win in the opener, giving them a 16-5 advantage on the scoreboard through the first three meetings between the teams. Adalberto Mondesi's solo homer in the eighth allowed the Royals to avoid the shutout loss, but they've been held to three runs or fewer in eight consecutive games. Christian Yelich, Jesus Aguilar and Ryan Braun each homered to lead Milwaukee, which is 39-11 in games when it hits at least one home run. Brent Suter will try to take advantage of Kansas City's prolonged slump when he matches up with Danny Duffy in a battle of southpaws Wednesday.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FB-Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Danny Duffy (3-7, 5.18 ERA) vs. Brewers LH Brent Suter (8-4, 4.15)

Since seeing his ERA soar to 6.88 after a rocky effort against the New York Yankees on May 19, Duffy has gone 2-1 with a 2.87 ERA in six starts. Two of the last three have been of the scoreless variety, including six dominant innings at Houston on Friday. The 29-year-old, who is making his first career start against Milwaukee, is 6-4 with a 3.18 ERA lifetime in interleague action.

Suter won three straight starts and six of his last seven after limiting the St. Louis Cardinals to two runs over seven innings Thursday. That marked the second straight time he completed seven frames after failing to finish even six in his first 12 starts. The Harvard University product is 9-3 with a 3.71 ERA in his career at Miller Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers CF Lorenzo Cain (groin) was placed on the 10-day disabled list.

2. Aguilar has six homers in his last nine games.

3. Royals C Salvador Perez is 0-for-8 with four strikeouts over the past two contests to drop his average to .214.

PREDICTION: Brewers 5, Royals 3
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Preview: Blue Jays at Astros
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

Alex Bregman aims to continue his power-filled month when the Houston Astros conclude their three-game series on against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday. Bregman is 6-for-9 with two homers in the set and matched his career high of four hits on Tuesday as Houston rolled to a 7-0 victory.

Bregman has recorded eight homers and 24 RBIs in June and shared the hero's role with Jake Marisnick as the part-time starter made a stellar defensive catch and later belted a two-run homer. "The biggest thing is not to use it as an excuse," the .187-hitting Marisnick said in a postgame television interview of his platoon role. "Using that as motivation, 'Hey, I want to be an everyday player.' Stay positive with yourself is the biggest thing." Toronto recorded just five hits while being blanked on Tuesday as the lineup combined for 15 strikeouts, including three apiece for Curtis Granderson and Teoscar Hernandez. The Blue Jays had their three-game road winning streak halted, falling to 3-3 on a seven-game trip that concludes Wednesday.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, Sportsnet (Toronto), AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Blue Jays RH Marco Estrada (4-7, 4.48 ERA) vs. Astros LH Dallas Keuchel (4-8, 3.90)

Estrada was a hard-luck loser in his last outing as he gave up two runs and three hits over seven innings against the Los Angeles Angels. The 34-year-old has put together four consecutive solid efforts, going 2-1 with a 1.75 ERA during the stretch. Estrada is 2-0 with a 2.96 ERA in 12 career appearances (six starts) against Houston and has experienced issues with Brian McCann (10-for-33).

Keuchel settled for a no-decision against Kansas City in his last turn, when he scattered six hits over six scoreless innings. The 30-year-old hasn't allowed an earned run over 12 innings in his last two turns after giving up 16 in as many frames over his previous three outings. Keuchel is 3-0 with a 3.62 ERA in four career starts against the Blue Jays and has dominated Steve Pearce (2-for-17, homer, 10 strikeouts) and Justin Smoak (1-for-9).

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF George Springer is 1-for-10 in the series and 4-for-45 over his last 11 games.

2. Toronto 3B Josh Donaldson (calf) suffered a setback Tuesday prior to a scheduled rehab game and will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

3. Houston SS Carlos Correa (back) was held out of Tuesday's contest but is expected back for the finale.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Blue Jays 3
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Preview: Yankees at Phillies
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The New York Yankees aim to pick up speed heading into their anticipated weekend series against Boston when they bid for a sweep of their three-game interleague series versus the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. The Yankees (52-25) were on the wrong end of the brooms by Tampa Bay before bouncing back with a pair of emphatic victories over the Phillies (41-36) at Citizens Bank Park.

Luis Severino became the majors' first 12-game winner and Aaron Hicks belted a leadoff homer and denied Rhys Hoskins' bid for extra bases with a leaping catch in center field during Tuesday's 6-0 romp. The 28-year-old Hicks has made himself at home on the road, batting .306 with seven homers and 20 RBIs in 30 games. While New York is looking for a split of its six-game trek, Philadelphia is bidding to snap a three-game skid by taking the finale of this set after winning each of its four previous series. Scott Kingery had a pair of singles to extend his hitting streak to seven games heading into Wednesday's game against Luis Cessa, who is being presented the spot start as a means to give veteran CC Sabathia extra rest heading into Friday's series opener against the Red Sox.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, YES (Yankees), NBCS Philadelphia

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Luis Cessa (0-0, 3.00 ERA) vs. Phillies RH Zach Eflin (5-2, 3.44)

Cessa will make his first start of the season after tossing two innings of scoreless relief in a no-decision versus Tampa Bay on Friday. The 26-year-old was making his first appearance with the Yankees since being sidelined for over two months with a strained oblique. Manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Cessa is expected to be "in that 70-80 pitch range" heading into his 15th career major-league start on Wednesday.

Eflin improved to 4-0 with a 2.28 ERA in his last four starts after allowing two runs in five innings in Friday's 12-2 romp at Washington. The 24-year-old has kept the ball in the park in each of those outings (23 2/3 innings) while striking out 22 against just four walks. Eflin will be facing the Yankees for the first time in his career, although Giancarlo Stanton went deep in his three plate appearances versus the hurler.

WALK-OFFS

1. Stanton is 10-for-17 with four extra-base hits (three doubles, homer) and four RBIs in his last four games.

2. Hoskins is having a series he'd like to forget, going 0-for-8 with four strikeouts while also apologizing for having a verbal confrontation with a fan in the opener.

3. Yankees RHP Adam Warren has not allowed a run in each of his last eight appearances.

PREDICTION: Yankees 4, Phillies 3
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Preview: Mariners at Orioles
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The Seattle Mariners still have a chance to salvage a split of their 10-game road trip, helped by some more late-inning magic that has defined their season. After rallying for a 3-2 victory over Baltimore on Tuesday, the Mariners will look to make it three consecutive wins over the major league-worst Orioles on Wednesday night.

Kyle Seager, inserted into the cleanup spot when Nelson Cruz was a late scratch, had three RBIs with a homer and two-RBI single in the eighth inning as Seattle posted its 22nd comeback win -- tied for second in baseball. Closer Edwin Díaz nailed down his major league-leading 29th save to help the Mariners improve to 44-0 after eight innings. Baltimore has lost three in a row overall and 13 of its last 14 at Camden Yards to drop to 23-55 on the season. The Orioles took another hit when reliever Darren O'Day re-injured a hamstring injury Tuesday and is headed for a trip on the disabled list.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, ROOT Northwest (Seattle), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Mariners LH Wade LeBlanc (3-0, 3.26 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Alex Cobb (2-9, 6.56)

LeBlanc is coming off a horrendous outing at Boston in which he was roughed up for six runs and 11 hits over 4 2/3 innings but he managed to escape with a no-decision. That came six days after he limited the Red Sox to two hits over 7 2/3 scoreless innings for third win in four starts. LeBlanc lost a pair of relief appearances versus the Orioles in 2017, giving up four runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Cobb deserved a better fate last time out, having to settle for a no-decision despite holding Atlanta to one run on four hits over a season high-tying seven innings. He was tagged for 14 runs and 18 hits, including four homers, in losing his previous two starts, but has pitched at least six innings in four of his last five turns. Mike Zunino is 4-for-8 with a home run and seven RBIs against Cobb.

WALK-OFFS

1. Díaz's 29th save tied Kazuhiro Sasaki (2001) for the most in team history prior to the All-Star break.

2. Orioles RH Dylan Bundy (sprained ankle) went on the 10-day DL Tuesday and will be joined by O'Day and OF Craig Gentry (rib).

3. Cruz, the reigning AL Player of the Week, sat out Tuesday due to lower-back tightness.

PREDICTION: Mariners 4, Orioles 3
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Preview: Athletics at Tigers
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

Their rotation in tatters after a seventh pitcher landed on the disabled list, the Oakland Athletics keep finding ways to pull out improbable victories. Already assured of a winning record on their 10-game road trip, the Athletics look to build on a dramatic victory when they continue their four-game set at the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night.

Jed Lowrie homered in the top of the ninth in the series opener to lift Oakland to a 5-4 win and capped a four-hit night Tuesday with the go-ahead single in the ninth of a 9-7 victory. The Athletics received homers from Lowrie and Chad Pinder to erase a 6-0 deficit and extend their major-league record by going deep in 27 consecutive road games. While Oakland has won eight of its last 10 and is 6-2 on the road trip, the skidding Tigers have dropped a season-high seven in a row after blowing leads of three and six runs in the first two games of the series. Nicholas Castellanos is 6-for-12 over the past three games for Detroit, which has surrendered 54 runs during the current slide.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS California (Oakland), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Athletics RH Chris Bassitt (0-3, 3.86 ERA) vs. Tigers RH Mike Fiers (5-4, 4.29)

Bassitt was sent down to Triple-A Nashville on Saturday but was summoned back to Detroit after the Athletics decided to give Sean Manaea, Wednesday's schedule starter, an extra day of rest. He lost for the third time in as many starts this season, giving up five runs over 5 1/3 innings at the Chicago White Sox. Bassitt is seeking his first major-league victory since Aug. 4, 2015.

Fiers lasted only five innings Friday in Cleveland, giving up four runs and four hits, including a pair of home runs that boosted his season total to 16 blasts surrendered. He has allowed four runs in his last three starts at Comerica Park, where he is 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA this season. Fiers has made nine appearances (eight starts) versus Oakland, going 1-3 with a 4.50 ERA.

WALK-OFFS

1. Athletics RH Blake Treinen has converted 19 saves, including 15 in a row.

2. Tigers 1B John Hicks and CF Leonys Martin are 4-for-8 and 4-for-9, respectively, in the series.

3. Athletics RH Daniel Mengden went on the disabled list Tuesday with a foot sprain.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Athletics 4
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Preview: Diamondbacks at Marlins
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The National League West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks look to continue their hot streak on the road when they visit the improving Miami Marlins for the third of a four-game series Wednesday night. John Ryan Murphy knocked in three runs Tuesday as the Diamondbacks earned a 5-3 victory - their ninth in the last 11 contests away from home after starting the season 13-16 on the road.

David Peralta recorded a double and two singles Tuesday to extend his road hitting streak to nine games while Jake Lamb has hit safely in six straight contests overall (9-for-25) to support Paul Goldschmidt, who is batting .410 over the last 19 games for Arizona. Robbie Ray returns after a long stretch on the disabled list to get a start for the Diamondbacks on Wednesday and the Marlins counter with fellow left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, who has allowed opponents to bat .300 against him in 11 outings. Miami saw its three-game winning streak come to an end after leaving the bases loaded in the eighth inning and going down 1-2-3 in the ninth, following a victory in the series opener. Derek Dietrich, who is batting .402 since May 31, had a pair of hits and Brian Anderson matched him while extending the longest on-base streak of the season for a rookie in the majors to 23 games for Marlins.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS Florida (Miami)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Robbie Ray (2-0, 4.88 ERA) vs. Marlins LH Wei-Yin Chen (2-4, 6.70)

Ray returns to the rotation, following a pair of minor-league rehab outings, after missing almost two months with an oblique injury. The 26-year-old Tennessee native, who completed six innings only twice in his first six starts, gave up three earned runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings in the two rehab outings. Cameron Maybin is 2-for-2 with a walk and a pair of RBIs versus Ray, who is 1-2 with a 3.06 ERA in three career starts against Miami.

Chen followed up his second victory of the season with a rough outing, allowing seven runs on nine hits over four innings to lose at Colorado on June 22. The 32-year-old Taiwan native had beaten Baltimore six days earlier with six innings of three-run ball after suffering through an eight-game winless streak. Murphy is 3-for-9 with a homer against Chen, who has pitched one scoreless frame with one strikeout in his career against the Diamondbacks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Miami C J.T. Realmuto (wrist), who is 9-for-25 with six RBIs in his last six games, sat out the last two games and is day-to-day.

2. Arizona RHP Yoshihisa Hirano has not allowed a run in 23 straight appearances, one away from the franchise record.

3. Marlins RHP Kyle Barraclough, who earned the save Saturday and Sunday at Colorado, has not given up a hit in his last 12 outings.

PREDICTION: Marlins 6, Diamondbacks 5
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Preview: Angels at Red Sox
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

J.D. Martinez, Jackie Bradley Jr. and the Boston Red Sox have held the Los Angeles Angels under their thumb this season. Martinez and Bradley look to continue that dominance on Wednesday as the Red Sox (53-27) bid for a series victory against the Angels (41-39) at Fenway Park.

Martinez and Bradley were two of four Boston players to go deep in Tuesday's 9-1 romp, with the former improving to 11-for-22 with two homers, six RBIs and eight runs scored during his five-game hitting streak. The 30-year-old Martinez is a robust 10-for-17 with two homers against Los Angeles this season, a series in which the Red Sox have outscored (36-4) and out-hit (57-19) the Angels by significant margins. While Boston has won four of five to remain hot on the heels of the New York Yankees heading into their weekend series, Los Angeles has lost four in a row and 11 of 15 to drop to two games over .500. Two-time American League Most Valuable Player Mike Trout is 20-for-44 in his last 13 contests and has reached base safely in 16 of 17 career games at Fenway Park.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS West (Los Angeles), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Angels LH Andrew Heaney (4-5, 3.43 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Rick Porcello (9-3, 3.44)

Heaney desperately is looking for his success at home to extend itself to the road, as he improved to 4-1 with an 0.88 ERA in his last six starts at Angel Stadium on Friday after allowing one run in seven innings of a 2-1 triumph versus Toronto. Conversely, the 27-year-old owns an 0-3 mark with a 5.13 ERA in six road starts this season. Heaney fared well in his lone career appearance against Boston, yielding two runs on five hits in seven innings of a 7-3 victory on July 20, 2015.

Porcello authored a gem in his last trip to the mound, permitting just one hit and three men to reach base over seven scoreless innings in a 9-2 victory at Minnesota on Thursday. The 2016 AL Cy Young Award winner also put forth a sterling effort in his last encounter against the Angels, scattering six hits and striking out as many over six innings in a 9-0 rout on April 18. While Porcello improved to 7-7 in his career against Los Angeles, the 29-year-old hurler has struggled considerably against Ian Kinsler (11-for-22, seven RBIs) and Albert Pujols (10-for-29).

WALK-OFFS

1. Bradley is 7-for-14 with two homers and six RBIs against Los Angeles this season.

2. Kinsler has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games versus Boston.

3. Red Sox 1B Mitch Moreland has eight RBIs and nine runs scored during his eight-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Red Sox 6, Angels 2
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Preview: Pirates at Mets
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The New York Mets ended an emotional day with a dramatic streak-busting win and will try for consecutive home victories for the first time in over a month when they play the rubber match of a three-game set with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Hours after Mets general manager Sandy Alderson announced he was taking a leave of absence to address a recurrence of cancer, his team rallied for a 4-3 win in 10 innings Tuesday night.

Wilmer Flores delivered the game-winning RBI single as New York snapped a seven-game slide and won for just the second time in its last 16 home games. Flores is 3-for-6 with a home run and six RBIs in the series and has driven in 10 runs over a seven-game stretch. Pittsburgh committed three errors in Tuesday's loss as it fell for the sixth time in the last seven games while matching its low-water mark at five games below .500. The Pirates turn to their hottest pitcher in veteran Ivan Nova, who opposes fellow right-hander Zack Wheeler in the finale.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh, WPIX (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Pirates RH Ivan Nova (4-5, 3.98 ERA) vs. Mets RH Zack Wheeler (2-6, 4.85)

Nova has been excellent since coming off the disabled list earlier this month and was at his best with eight scoreless innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. He let up three hits and struck out eight in the outing, which left the 31-year-old at 2-0 with a 0.92 ERA in three June starts. Jose Bautista is 9-for-29 with a home run and eight walks against Nova, who has a 2.82 ERA in four career encounters (three starts) with the Mets.

Wheeler tied a season high with seven innings his last time out against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he was reached for four runs in a 5-2 loss to remain winless over a span of 10 starts. He has 15 strikeouts and eight hits allowed in 13 innings over his last two outings. The former first-round pick made one prior start against the Pirates last year on the road, allowing three runs in six frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Mets OF Brandon Nimmo (finger) was not in the starting lineup for the second straight game but pinch hit in the seventh.

2. Pirates RF Gregory Polanco homered in the first two games of the series and his solo blast Tuesday night was also his 500th career hit.

3. New York OF Michael Conforto has three homers, four doubles and 11 walks over his last 14 contests.

PREDICTION: Pirates 4, Mets 3
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Preview: Padres at Rangers
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The San Diego Padres have won just two of their last 10 games but try to win the three-game series against the host Texas Rangers with a triumph on Wednesday. San Diego was blanked through seven innings on Tuesday but woke to score three eighth-inning runs en route to a 3-2 victory.

Hunter Renfroe delivered a tiebreaking double in the eighth to give San Diego a much-appreciated comeback victory. "We needed it a lot," first baseman Eric Hosmer told reporters afterward. "Offensively, we haven't been firing on all cylinders, so it was big to come from behind, kind of steal this one." Texas' Shin-Soo Choo singled with two outs in the ninth inning to stretch his streak of reaching safely to 39 games, seven shy of the franchise single-season mark held by Julio Franco (1993). "After fourth at-bat, strikeout, I wish we just finish the game," Choo told reporters after he closed within this season's best such streak of 40 games, set by Philadelphia's Odubel Herrera. "That's a nice, clean game, 2-0. I'm not really expecting the fifth at-bat."

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Clayton Richard (7-6, 4.23 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (5-4, 5.06)

Richard has won four consecutive outings and is 6-1 with a 2.98 ERA over his last eight. The 34-year-old has given up two or fewer runs in six of the eight starts during the stretch while lowering his ERA from 5.72 to 4.23. Richard owns a 4.40 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) versus the Rangers.

Minor defeated Minnesota in his last outing as he gave up one run and three hits over six innings. The 30-year-old was just 1-3 over his previous seven outings before putting together one of his best efforts of the campaign. Minor is 1-3 with a 5.55 ERA in five career appearances (four starts) against the Padres.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rangers 1B Ronald Guzman (concussion) was placed on the seven-day disabled list after being injured Monday while OF-1B Ryan Rua was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock.

2. San Diego LHP Brad Hand posted his National League-leading 22nd save on Tuesday after blowing his previous two opportunities.

3. Texas' Nomar Mazara (hamstring) went 3-for-5 as the DH one night after departing early with the injury.

PREDICTION: Rangers 4, Padres 3
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Preview: Twins at White Sox
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The Chicago White Sox vie for their first three-game winning streak since late April when they host the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. Chicago, which hasn't captured three in a row since April 26-28 against Kansas City, staged a late rally to post an 8-4 victory in Tuesday's series opener.

Yolmer Sanchez played in integral role in the comeback, tying his career high of four RBIs, including a two-run single to erase a 4-3 deficit in the sixth inning and an RBI base hit in the eighth. The 25-year-old Venezuelan has gone 5-for-13 with a homer and five RBIs over his last three contests. Minnesota recorded only six hits as it suffered its fourth loss in five games - a stretch during which it has allowed at least eight runs in each of the setbacks. Ehire Adrianza posted his first multi-hit performance in 11 contests by going 2-for-3 with a homer and two RBIs while Brian Dozier also went deep for the Twins, who have scored a total of 15 runs in their last five games.

TV: 8:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (2-5, 3.25 ERA) vs. White Sox RH James Shields (2-9, 4.59)

Gibson has lost two of his last three starts despite allowing only two runs in each of the defeats, including a setback against Boston on Thursday in which he worked six innings. The 30-year-old native of Indiana has given up fewer than three runs in each of his last five turns but has just one victory to show for his efforts. Gibson is 6-2 with a 2.42 ERA in 11 career starts versus the White Sox, including a no-decision at Chicago on May 6 in which he permitted three runs and four hits over 6 2/3 frames.

Shields lasted only 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Oakland on Friday as he surrendered eight runs, although only two were earned due to the shabby defensive play behind him. The 36-year-old Californian has been victimized by the lone ball this month, serving up eight home runs in 30 2/3 frames after yielding only four in his first 69 1/3 innings this season. Shields, who owns a 2.95 home ERA as opposed to a 5.97 mark on the road, is 8-10 with a 4.54 ERA in 26 career starts against Minnesota and 0-1 with a 7.11 mark in two turns this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Twins RHP Ervin Santana (finger) is slated to begin a rehab assignment with Single-A Fort Myers on Saturday.

2. Chicago RHP Dylan Covey (hip) is expected to start in Texas on Friday after leaving Saturday's outing against Oakland.

3. Minnesota OF Jake Cave went 1-for-3 on Tuesday after being recalled from Triple-A Rochester earlier in the day.

PREDICTION: Twins 6, White Sox 2
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Preview: Indians at Cardinals
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

Matt Carpenter looks to cap off a red-hot series with the bat when his St. Louis Cardinals go after a three-game sweep of the American League Central-leading Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night. Carpenter had five hits in Tuesday’s 11-2 victory and is 8-for-9 in the series with six runs scored, two homers, two doubles and three RBIs to raise his batting average from .237 to .259.

The Cardinals have won four straight while outscoring opponents 26-6 and creeping within four contests of first place Milwaukee in the National League Central with help from Marcell Ozuna, who is 8-for-18 during a five-game hitting streak. St. Louis sends promising Jack Flaherty to the mound in search of the sweep while Cleveland turns to fellow rookie Shane Bieber, who won his last two starts in impressive fashion. The Indians were rolling along before meeting the Cardinals, outscoring opponents 54-9 during a seven-game winning streak, but were shut out in the series opener and ace right-hander Corey Kluber was pounded in Tuesday’s contest. Jason Kipnis knocked in one of the runs for Cleveland and has hit safely in eight of his last nine games to raise his average from .197 to .214.

TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), FS Midwest (St. Louis)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Shane Bieber (2-0, 2.45 ERA) vs. Cardinals RH Jack Flaherty (3-2, 2.50)

Bieber was outstanding in his third major-league start last Friday, allowing four hits and one walk over seven scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against Detroit in a 10-0 victory. The 23-year-old California native boasts 22 strikeouts and just three walks across 18 1/3 innings with the Indians, but has yielded a total of 22 hits. Bieber was 6-1 at two levels of the minors with a 1.29 ERA across 12 starts, recording 72 strikeouts and six walks over 76 2/3 innings.

Flaherty has permitted one run or fewer in six of his last eight starts, including a no-decision last Friday at Milwaukee when he pitched 6 1/3 no-hit innings before surrendering Jesus Aguilar's homer for his lone run and hit allowed while striking out a career high-tying 13 in seven frames. The 22-year-old California native gave up two runs on six hits and six walks across 18 1/3 innings while managing just one victory. Flaherty has made one interleague start in his career, holding Minnesota to one run on five hits over 5 2/3 innings May 15 in a no-decision.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cleveland 1B Yonder Alonso is 8-for-21 with six RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.

2. The Cardinals are last in the majors with 104 doubles, but boast nine in their last three contests.

3. Indians 3B Jose Ramirez went 0-for-4 on Tuesday to put an end to his 32-game on-base streak.

PREDICTION: Indians 4, Cardinals 3
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Preview: Cubs at Dodgers
Gracenote
Jun 27, 2018

The Chicago Cubs hope to continue receiving production from Javier Baez when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday for the third contest of their four-game series. The 25-year-old Puerto Rican went 4-for-5 with a pair of homers - including a grand slam during a six-run sixth inning - in Tuesday's 9-4 triumph, which ended Chicago's five-game losing streak.

Baez, who finished a triple shy of the cycle, has hit safely in seven of his last nine games and gone 8-for-20 with 10 RBIs over the first six contests of the Cubs' eight-game road trip. Chicago, which won two of three home games from Los Angeles last week, could receive a reinforcement Wednesday as closer Brandon Morrow (back) could be activated from the disabled list in time for the contest. The Dodgers squandered a 2-1 lead on Tuesday en route to having their four-game winning streak halted. Cody Bellinger has been swinging a hot bat for Los Angeles of late, going 8-for-20 with three homers and seven RBIs during his five-game hitting streak.

TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ESPN, NBCS Chicago, SportsNet LA (Los Angeles)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Kyle Hendricks (5-7, 3.73 ERA) vs. Dodgers LH Alex Wood (3-5, 4.13)

Hendricks is coming off his fourth loss in five starts, a setback at Cincinnati on Thursday in which he yielded four runs on three hits and four walks over 5 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old Californian has struggled with his control this month, issuing 13 walks over 21 2/3 frames in four turns. Hendricks, whose ERA on the road is nearly two runs higher than his mark at home (4.78/2.96), is 2-1 with a 3.15 ERA in three career regular-season starts against Los Angeles.

Wood has allowed fewer than three earned runs in each of his last three starts after being tagged for six over two innings at Colorado on June 3. The 27-year-old native of North Carolina's last outing was a road victory over the New York Mets on Friday in which he gave up two runs and six hits over six innings. Wood owns a 2-2 record and 2.93 ERA in eight career regular-season appearances (five starts) against the Cubs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Dodgers OF/SS Chris Taylor (hamstring) has gone 3-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs as a pinch hitter since suffering his injury.

2. Chicago made a bevy of moves Tuesday, placing 3B Kris Bryant (shoulder) and RHP Justin Hancock (shoulder) on the 10-day disabled list, optioning RHP Duane Underwood Jr. to Triple-A Iowa and recalling 2B David Bote and RHPs Dillon Maples and Luke Farrell from the affiliate.

3. Los Angeles RHP Walker Buehler (rib) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday with no pain and will toss another on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Dodgers 7, Cubs 3
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