MLB Betting News and Trends For Wednesday 8/22/18

National League
Braves (70-55) @ Pirates (63-64)
Teheran is 1-0, 3.42 in his last four starts; under is 7-2 in his last nine. Team in his starts: 13-11, 5-5 road
5-inning record: 10-11-3 Allowed run in 1st inning: 11-24

Williams is 4-2, 0.75 in his last six starts; under is 8-1-1 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 12-12, 7-7 home
5-inning record: 8-11-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-24

Braves lost four of their last six games; under is 6-1 in their last seven games. Pittsburgh lost eight of its last 11 games, scoring 6 runs last six nights- they’ve lost three 1-0 games since Thursday. Under is 9-1 in their last ten games.

Phillies (68-57) @ Nationals (63-63)
Eflin is 2-2, 4.44 in his last four starts; under is 8-4 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 10-7, 4-5 away
5-inning record: 12-4-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-17

Strasburg is making his first start since July 20; he is 0-3, 8.78 in his last three starts. Over is 6-3 in his last nine starts. Team in his starts: 6-8, 2-6 home
5-inning record: 7-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-14

Phillies are 5-9 in their last 14 games; under is 9-3 in their last 12 road games. Washington lost six of its last nine games; seven of their last eight games went over.

Giants (62-65) @ Mets (55-70)
Kelly allowed one run in 4.1 IP (73 PT) in his first ’18 start (under 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 0-0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Syndergaard is 2-2, 4.85 in his last four starts; under is 8-3 in his last 11. Team in his starts: 11-6, 6-2 home
5-inning record: 10-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-17

Giants lost five of their last six games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten games. Mets are 9-5 in their last 14 games; under is 3-2 in their last five games.

Reds (56-70) @ Brewers (70-58)
Stephenson is 0-1, 7.94 in his to starts (over 1-1). Team in his starts: 0-2, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-2

Peralta is 1-2, 6.16 in his last four starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 7-5, 4-4 home
5-inning record: 6-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-12

Reds won four of their last five games; under is 4-2 in their last six games. Milwaukee is 5-9 in its last 14 games; six of Brewers’ last seven home games went over.

Padres (50-78) @ Rockies (68-57)
Nix is 1-1, 6.75 in his first two MLB starts (under 2-0). Team in his starts: 1-1, 0-0 away
5-inning record: 1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 1-2

Gray is 2-0, 2.98 in his last six starts (under 4-2). Team in his starts: 14-9, 6-4 home
5-inning record: 11-10-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-23

Padres lost six of their last eight games; over is 9-5 in their last 14 road games. Colorado won eight of its last ten games; seven of their last eight games stayed under the total.

Cardinals (70-57) @ Dodgers (67-60)
Flaherty is 3-0, 0.95 in his last three starts; over is 6-2 in his last eight. Team in his starts: 9-11, 4-7 away.
5-inning record: 10-10 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-20

Buehler is 2-0, 1.47 in his last three starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Team in his starts: 9-6, 5-3 home
5-inning record: 9-5-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-15

St Louis won 12 of its last 14 games; over is 12-7-1 in their last 20 home games. Dodgers are 3-8 in their last 11 games; under is 4-0-2 in their last six home games.

American League
Orioles (37-89) @ Blue Jays (57-69)
Hess is 0-4, 8.39 in his last five starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 2-10, 1-7 away
5-inning record: 3-7-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-12

Pannone is making his first MLB start; he allowed two runs in 4.1 IP in four big league relief stints. He is 0-3, 4.91 in six AAA starts this year. Team in his starts: 0-0 home.
5-inning record: 0-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-0

Baltimore lost ten of its last 12 games; under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Blue Jays are 6-10 in their last 16 games; over is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Royals (38-88) @ Rays (65-61)
Junis is 1-1, 3.22 in his last four starts (over 3-1). Team in his starts: 9-14, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 11-7-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-23

Bullpen game for the Rays Team in his starts: home.
5-inning record: Allowed run in 1st inning:

Royals are 4-15 in their last 19 games; over is 9-4 in their last 13 road games. Tampa Bay is 8-4 in its last 12 games; under is 10-1 in their last 11 games.

Indians (73-52) @ Red Sox (88-39)
Carrasco is 3-1, 1.30 in his last four starts (under 3-1). Team in his starts: 15-8, 8-3 away
5-inning record: 14-5-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-23

Johnson is 3-0, 6.62 in his last three starts (over 3-0); Boston scored 32 runs in those games. Team in his starts: 7-2, 4-1 home.
5-inning record: 7-1-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-9 (3 of last 3)

Indians won nine of their last ten games; five of Tribe’s last six games stayed under. Boston lost its last three games; under is 12-4-1 in their last 17 home games.

Twins (60-65) @ White Sox (47-78)
Gibson is 2-0, 2.57 in his last two starts; under is 7-4 in his last 11 road starts. Team in his starts: 12-13, 6-7 away.
5-inning record: 10-13-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-25

Rodon is 3-0, 1.61 in his last six starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 6-6, 3-2 home
5-inning record: 4-4-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-12

Minnesota won seven of its last nine games; they’re 17-18 vs lefty starters- over is 5-2 in their last seven games. White Sox won five of their last seven games; over is 6-2-1 in their last nine games.

Rangers (56-72) @ A’s (76-50)
Minor is 3-0, 3.38 in his last three starts; under is 8-3-1 in his last 12. Team in his starts: 11-11, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 8-10-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 9-22

Jackson is 3-0, 1.11 in his last four starts; under is 5-1 in his last six. Team in his starts: 8-2, 4-1 home.
5-inning record: 3-5-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 2-10

Texas lost six of their last seven road games; under is 6-3-1 in their last ten games. A’s are 15-4 in their last 19 games; they’re 25-19 vs lefty starters- under is 9-3-1 in their last 13 home games.

Astros (76-50) @ Mariners (72-55)
Morton is 1-1, 3.00 in his last four starts; under is 8-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 14-10, 5-5 away
5-inning record: 13-5-6 Allowed run in 1st inning: 4-24

Gonzales is 0-3, 7.94 in his last three starts; his last five starts went over. Team in his starts: 15-9, 8-3 home.
5-inning record: 14-9-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 5-24

Houston lost eight of its last 11 games; they’re 26-20 vs lefty starters- under is 9-4-1 in their last 14 games. Seattle lost eight of its last 11 home games; over is 8-2 in their last ten home games.

Interleague
Cubs (71-53) @ Tigers (52-74)
Lester is 1-2, 6.66 in his last five starts; over is 8-2 in his last ten. Team in his starts: 18-7, 9-3 away
5-inning record: 13-8-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-25

Liriano is 0-3, 10.03 in his last three starts; under is 4-1 in their last five. Team in his starts: 7-13, 4-3 home.
5-inning record: 7-9-4 Allowed run in 1st inning: 6-20

Cubs are 5-6 in their last 11 games; they’re 18-9 vs lefty starters- under is 7-0-1 in their last eight road games. Detroit lost five of its last seven games; they’re 16-16 vs lefty starters- over is 5-2-1 in their last eight games.

New York (79-46) @ Miami (50-77)
Lynn is 1-0, 3.31 in three starts for New York (under 2-1). Team in his starts: 3-0, 1-0 away
5-inning record: 3-0 Allowed run in 1st inning: 7-23

Richards is 0-2, 3.25 in his last five starts; under is 9-6-1 in his last 16. Team in his starts: 7-11, 3-5 home.
5-inning record: 7-6-5 Allowed run in 1st inning: 8-18

New York is 11-4 in its last 15 games; under is 7-2-1 in their last ten road games. Marlins are 4-10 in their last 14 games; over is 5-3 in their last eight games.

Angels (63-64) @ Diamondbacks (70-56)
Despaigne allowed five runs in four IP (78 PT) in his first Angels’ start (over 1-0). Team in his starts: 0-1, 0-1 away
5-inning record: 0-1 Allowed run in 1st inning: 0-1

Buchholz is 5-1, 2.29 in his last six starts; under is 5-2 in his last seven. Team in his starts: 7-5, 3-1 home.
5-inning record: 10-0-2 Allowed run in 1st inning: 3-12

Angels lost four of their last five games; over is 6-3 in their last nine games. Arizona won five of its last six games; four of their last five home games stayed under.

Umpires
Atl-Pitt: Over is 7-1 in last eight Rackley games.
SF-NY: Over is 8-5-1 in last 14 LBarrett games.
Phil-Wsh: Over is 7-4 in last 11 Cederstrom games.
Cin-Mil: Favorites won nine of ten Additon games.
SD-Col: Underdogs are 9-7 in last 16 Meals games.
StL-LA: Last six Fairchild games stayed under total.

Balt-Tor: Under is 12-2-2 in last 16 Bellino games.
KC-TB: Under is 5-3 in last eight Nauert games.
Clev-Bos: Under is 9-3-2 in Rehak games this year.
Chi-Min: Underdogs are 8-5 last 13 Culbreth games.
Tex-A’s: Under is 8-5-1 in last 14 Segal games.
Hst-Sea: Four of last five Visconti games went over.

Cubs-Det: Under is 10-6-2 in last 18 Marquez games.
NY-Mia: Over is 4-1-1 in last six Miller games.
LAA-Az: Over is 2-0-1 in last three Diaz games.

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Baltimore Orioles vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote

Teams have taken turns beating up on the Baltimore Orioles this season, but the Toronto Blue Jays have taken it to another level against their American League East rivals. The Blue Jays have won nine in a row against the Orioles and vie for their third consecutive series sweep of Baltimore in Wednesday afternoon's finale of a three-game set at Rogers Centre.

Toronto has outscored the Orioles 57-28 during the nine-game run -- all at home -- and has won 11 of 12 meetings overall this season. Red-hot Kendrys Morales homered for the third straight day as part of a three-hit game and Billy McKinney hit his first career blast to go with three RBIs as the Blue Jays went deep four times in Tuesday's 8-2 romp. Toronto has scored at least four runs in each of the last nine wins over Baltimore, which had dropped three in a row and 10 of its past 12 games. Rookie outfielder Cedric Mullins hit a solo homer in Tuesday's loss and is batting .333 in his first 11 career games.

TV: 12:37 p.m. ET, MASN (Baltimore), Sportsnet (Toronto)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Orioles RH David Hess (2-7, 5.95 ERA) vs. Blue Jays LH Thomas Pannone (0-0, 4.15)

Hess' winless drought is closing in on three months despite a quality start last time out, when he limited Cleveland to two runs on five hits over six innings in a 2-1 setback. The 25-year-old is 0-6 in his last 11 appearances, which included a no-decision at Toronto on June 7 in which he pitched six innings of one-run ball. Hess has surrendered 10 homers in 43 innings away from home.

Pannone will make his first major-league start and fifth career appearance after pitching in relief four times since Aug. 10, including 1 1/3 hitless innings at the New York Yankees on Sunday. The 24-year-old Rhode Island native made six starts at Triple-A Buffalo, compiling an 0-3 record and a 4.91 ERA. Pannone struck out 40 and walked seven in 36 2/3 innings, but also allowed eight home runs.

WALK-OFFS

1. Baltimore 1B/OF Chris Davis struck out in all four plate appearances Tuesday and has whiffed in 31 of 62 at-bats in August.

2. Morales is 11-for-19 with four homers and nine RBIs during a six-game hitting streak.

3. The Orioles placed DH Mark Trumbo (knee) on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday.

PREDICTION: Blue Jays 7, Orioles 5

Minnesota Twins vs. Chicago White Sox Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 22nd August 2018 by Gracenote

Former MVP Joe Mauer is approaching two major milestones as his Minnesota Twins go for a two-game sweep Wednesday afternoon, when they visit the American League Central-rival Chicago White Sox. Mauer recorded two hits in Tuesday's 5-2 victory and is one away of tying Hall-of-Famer Rod Carew (2,085) for second place on the franchise list while pulling within one run of 1,000 for his career.

Eddie Rosario knocked in the go-ahead run and Jorge Polanco followed with a two-run single in the ninth inning as the Twins won for the sixth time in eight contests while remaining 13 games behind first-place Cleveland in the AL Central. Kyle Gibson gets the start for Minnesota on Wednesday while the red-hot Carlos Rodon will go for the White Sox, who lost for just the second time in seven games. Slugger Jose Abreu underwent outpatient groin/abdomen surgery on Tuesday and will be lost for the next two weeks after going 11-for-28 with 11 RBIs over his last seven contests. Chicago's Yolmer Sanchez saw his nine-game hitting streak end on Tuesday, but Nicky Delmonico homered to extend his run to seven games.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, FS North (Minnesota), NBCS Chicago

PITCHING MATCHUP: Twins RH Kyle Gibson (7-9, 3.51 ERA) vs. White Sox LH Carlos Rodon (4-3, 2.69)

Gibson posted back-to-back quality starts against Detroit in his last two outings, allowing four runs over 14 innings with nine strikeouts and five walks. The 30-year-old native of Indiana has registered 144 strikeouts, one shy of the career high he set in 2015, and is 0-1 while giving up eight runs over 13 2/3 frames against the White Sox in 2018. Yoan Moncada is 3-for-7 versus Gibson, who is 6-3 with a 2.77 ERA against Chicago.

Rodon is unbeaten in seven starts and worked eight innings in each of his last two turns, allowing four hits in a scoreless outing against Cleveland on Aug. 10 before giving up three runs in a triumph over Detroit five days later. The 25-year-old Floridian has served up just one homer in his last six games after giving up seven in the first six turns this year. Mauer is 3-for-9 versus Rodon, who is 4-2 with a 3.50 ERA against the Twins.

WALK-OFFS

1. White Sox MGR Rick Renteria was released from a hospital in Minnesota on Tuesday morning after experiencing light-headedness and will undergo further tests in Chicago.

2. The Twins did not go deep Tuesday but have launched 15 homers in their last six games.

3. Chicago placed OF Leury Garcia (hamstring) on the 10-day disabled list and recalled OF Ryan LaMarre from Triple-A Charlotte.

PREDICTION: Twins 4, White Sox 3

Cincinnati Reds vs. Milwaukee Brewers Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 22nd August 2018 by Gracenote

Scooter Gennett helped deal his former teammates a discouraging setback and looks to follow up his strong performance when the Cincinnati Reds visit the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their three-game series. Gennett hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the ninth inning on Tuesday as the Reds handed Milwaukee a 9-7 loss.

The Brewers had a chance to move within two games of the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central, but that prospect evaporated after Gennett's homer and Mason Williams' run-scoring triple in the ninth. Gennett went 2-for-5 with three RBIs on Tuesday to end his season-long struggles against Milwaukee as the All-Star second baseman was just 4-for-30 entering the game. Phillip Ervin recorded two hits and an RBI for the Reds on Tuesday and is 7-for-17 with two homers and three RBIs during his five-game hitting streak. Milwaukee All-Star first baseman Jesus Aguilar has been red-hot, going 2-for-5 with an RBI and run scored on Tuesday to improve to 12-for-28 with one homer, seven RBIs, seven runs scored and five walks over his last eight contests.

TV: 2:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Robert Stephenson (0-1, 7.94 ERA) vs. Brewers RH Freddy Peralta (5-4, 4.48)

Stephenson has lasted a total of 5 2/3 innings in two starts since his recall and has struggled with his control by issuing nine walks. The 25-year-old walked five in four frames while losing to the New York Mets on Aug. 8 and then permitted four in only 1 2/3 innings against Cleveland. Stephenson is 1-0 with a 4.63 ERA in four career appearances (one start) versus the Brewers.

Peralta has dropped back-to-back starts, giving up 10 runs, 10 hits and eight walks in nine innings. The 22-year-old rookie lost to the Reds on July 1, when he yielded three runs and five hits over five frames. Peralta is 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA in four home starts this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Brewers 3B Travis Shaw belted his 26th homer on Tuesday and is five shy of matching the career high he set last season.

2. Cincinnati OF Scott Schebler (shoulder) is wrapping up a rehab assignment with Double-A Pensacola and is slated to return to the Reds on Thursday for the opener of a four-game set against the Cubs.

3. Milwaukee's Zach Davies (shoulder) is slated to make a rehab start for Double-A Biloxi on Wednesday, while fellow RHP Joakim Soria (groin) threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday and is expected back by the weekend.

PREDICTION: Brewers 10, Reds 6

Atlanta Braves vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote

There has been criticism levied at Dansby Swanson for his offensive struggles this season, but the Atlanta Braves shortstop is finding his rhythm with the bat at just the right time entering Wednesday's series finale at the Pittsburgh Pirates. Swanson, who has stayed in the starting lineup thanks mostly to his defensive work, recorded the first multi-homer game of his career in Tuesday's 6-1 victory and is hitting .360 with three homers and 10 RBIs during a seven-game hitting streak.

Atlanta has rebounded from a four-game home sweep by Colorado to win the first two contests of a two-city, seven-game road trip and enters Wednesday winners of 16 of its past 24 games. First baseman Freddie Freeman leads the National League in hits (155) and batting average (.321) as the Braves continue to lead Philadelphia in the NL East. Pittsburgh had allowed only one run in each of its previous five games thanks in part to outstanding work from its bullpen, but Pirates relievers saw their stretch of 16 2/3 scoreless innings end Tuesday with three runs off Michael Feliz in the seventh. Left fielder Corey Dickerson is hitting .379 during his current seven-game hitting streak, but the Pirates have scored just 15 runs while losing seven of their past nine games.

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Braves RH Julio Teheran (8-7, 4.24 ERA) vs. Pirates RH Trevor Williams (10-9, 3.53)

Teheran finally has found consistency after alternating good starts and bad ones for most of the season, putting together a four-game stretch in which he has posted a 3.42 ERA with only three homers allowed in 23 2/3 innings. The 27-year-old is 1-0 in that stretch with three consecutive no-decisions, the latest Thursday against Colorado when he gave up two runs with seven strikeouts in seven innings. Teheran is 3-1 with a 2.67 ERA in nine career appearances (eight starts) against Pittsburgh.

Williams put together a solid first half of the season but has been outstanding in five starts since the All-Star break, going 3-2 with a 0.87 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. The 26-year-old is 1-2 so far in August despite giving up only three runs over 19 innings, allowing one run on four hits with four strikeouts across seven innings Friday in a 1-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Williams has faced the Braves twice in his career (one start and one relief outing in 2017), surrendering three runs on seven hits in seven innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Braves C Kurt Suzuki, riding an eight-game hitting streak, was hit with a pitch in the lower back in the ninth and had to leave the game.

2. Pittsburgh C Francisco Cervelli finished 1-for-3 with a double Tuesday and is hitting .390 lifetime against the Braves.

3. Atlanta LHP A.J. Minter, the team's closer, did not pitch for the third consecutive game due to lower back tightness.

PREDICTION: Braves 4, Pirates 2

Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 22nd August 2018 by Gracenote

Jose Altuve didn't get a hit in his first game following a 21-game absence, but the Houston Astros returned to their winning ways. Altuve will be in the lineup for the finale of Houston's three-game series against the host Seattle Mariners on Wednesday afternoon after going 0-for-3 in Tuesday's 3-2 victory.

Houston went just 8-13 without Altuve, and Tuesday's win enabled the club to remain in a tie with Oakland for first place in the American League West. The reigning AL MVP didn't hit the ball out of the infield, but his .327 batting average ranks third in the major leagues. Seattle has lost five of its last eight contests and is 4 1/2 games back in both the division and the race for the AL's second wild card. Jean Segura has recorded two hits for the Mariners in both games of the series and has notched five multi-hit performances in his last six games, going 14-for-29 during that span.

TV: 4:10 p.m. ET, AT&T SportsNet-Southwest (Houston), ROOT Northwest (Seattle)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Charlie Morton (12-3, 2.78 ERA) vs. Mariners LH Marco Gonzales (12-8, 3.91)

Morton is winless in his last three starts despite allowing just four earned runs in 18 innings. The 34-year-old lost to the Mariners during that stretch, allowing three runs and seven hits over six innings, but is 2-1 with a 2.37 ERA in three starts against Seattle this year. Morton is 3-3 with a 3.16 ERA in seven career starts versus the Mariners and has allowed two homers by Segura (10-for-42) while shutting down Kyle Seager (2-for-16).

Gonzales received extra rest after suffering three straight setbacks in which he gave up 15 runs and 27 hits over 17 innings. The 26-year-old yielded six runs while winning five consecutive turns prior to the dismal stretch that has seen his ERA rise from 3.37 to 3.91. Gonzales lost to the Astros on April 19, when he gave up three runs and five hits over 4 2/3 frames in his first career start and second appearance against them.

WALK-OFFS

1. Astros OF George Springer (quadriceps) has missed back-to-back games and is questionable for the series finale.

2. Seattle RHP Mike Leake (illness) was scratched from Tuesday's start and LHP Ross Detwiler (six innings of relief Tuesday) was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, while RHP Chasen Bradford was optioned to Tacoma and INF Zach Vincej was designated for assignment.

3. In addition to activating Altuve, Houston recalled Framber Valdez from Fresno and optioned fellow LHP Cionel Perez and OF Kyle Tucker to the Triple-A affiliate.

PREDICTION: Astros 5, Mariners 4

Texas Rangers vs. Oakland Athletics Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 22nd August 2018 by Gracenote

The Oakland Athletics have posted a 5-0-1 series record since being swept in Colorado in late July and look to complete their second sweep in that stretch when they host the Texas Rangers on Wednesday afternoon for the finale of their three-game set. Oakland has won 42 of its last 56 contests, including 15 of its last 19 after posting its second straight shutout victory on Tuesday.

Khris Davis went deep to tie Boston's J.D. Martinez for the major-league lead with 38 homers and drove in three runs to join Martinez as the only players to reach triple digits in RBIs this year (102) as the Athletics remained tied with Houston for first place in the American League West with a 6-0 triumph. Davis has homered four times during his three-game streak and has belted nearly a quarter (nine) of his shots this season against the Rangers. Oakland has outscored Texas 56-24 while winning each of their last six meetings. The Rangers apparently embarked on their six-game trip to the Bay Area without their bats as they've registered only five hits in the back-to-back shutout losses.

TV: 3:35 p.m. ET, Facebook Watch

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Mike Minor (9-6, 4.61 ERA) vs. Athletics RH Edwin Jackson (4-2, 2.58)

Minor looks to extend his winning streak to four starts after missing a turn due to tightness in his back. The 30-year-old Tennessean was aided by his offense on Aug. 10 as he came away with the victory against the Yankees in New York despite yielding four runs and six hits over 5 2/3 innings. Minor is 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA in five career appearances (two starts) against Oakland, including a no-decision on July 24 in which he allowed a pair of solo homers among four hits over five frames.

Jackson served up two solo shots in a no-decision against Houston on Friday, allowing five overall hits in five innings. It ended a three-start winning streak for the 34-year-old journeyman, who is unbeaten in five outings since suffering back-to-back defeats against San Francisco in mid-July. Jackson, who is pitching for his 13th team, is 2-3 with a 4.56 ERA and one complete game - a shutout - in eight career starts against Texas.

WALK-OFFS

1. Davis, who has knocked in nine runs over his last four contests, is two homers away from his third consecutive season with 40 blasts and 100 RBIs.

2. Texas OF Nomar Mazara went 0-for-3 on Tuesday, ending his hitting streak at seven games.

3. Oakland sent OF Matt Joyce (lumbar) to Triple-A Nashville for a rehab assignment.

PREDICTION: Athletics 6, Rangers 4

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 22nd August 2018 by Gracenote

Washington Nationals owner Mark D. Lerner told fans in an open letter that management "gambled" on the team making a run for the postseason as its reasoning to stand pat at the trade deadline. The gamble didn't pay off in the eyes of Lerner, but the Nationals (63-63) showed some moxie in posting their third win in nine outings heading into Wednesday's tilt with the visiting Philadelphia Phillies (68-57).

"The time has come for us to make decisions that will bolster our roster for next season and beyond," Lerner said Tuesday afternoon after Washington traded offensive sparkplugs Daniel Murphy to the Chicago Cubs and Matt Adams to St. Louis. Hours later, the Nationals flexed their muscles as Andrew Stevenson and Wilmer Difo belted back-to-back homers and Ryan Zimmerman also went deep in a 10-4 rout of Philadelphia. The Phillies have lost eight of 12 overall and have been outscored 21-7 during their three-game losing skid to drop two games behind National League East-leading Atlanta. Carlos Santana had an RBI single during Philadelphia's four-run sixth inning and is 12-for-40 with four homers, 10 RBIs and nine runs scored against Washington this season.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, MLB Network, NBCS Philadelphia, MASN (Washington)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH Zach Eflin (9-4, 3.70 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Stephen Strasburg (6-7, 3.90)

Eflin will be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make his 40th career start and 18th this season. The 24-year-old overcame a sluggish start on Thursday to limit the damage to four runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings of a 9-6 victory versus the New York Mets. Eflin won his lone career encounter against Washington on June 22 after yielding two runs on six hits in five innings of a 12-2 rout.

Strasburg is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Wednesday after being sidelined since July 20 with a pinched nerve in his neck. "Credit to Stras that he got himself ready to pitch for us, and got the opportunity to go up against a team we're trying to catch," manager Dave Martinez said of the 30-year-old. "He's been working diligently to get ready and he feels good." Strasburg has manhandled the Phillies throughout his career, posting a sparkling 10-2 mark with a 2.22 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 21 career encounters.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia LF Rhys Hoskins has 10 hits -- including three homers -- and nine runs scored in his last 10 games.

2. Washington traded Murphy for Class A INF Andruw Monasterio and a player to be named or cash considerations on Tuesday and Adams for cash considerations.

3. Nationals C Matt Wieters is 6-for-12 with a homer, four RBIs and three runs scored in his last four games.

PREDICTION: Nationals 5, Phillies 2

San Francisco Giants vs. New York Mets Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote

The New York Mets will try to build off a late offensive eruption when they play the third of a four-game series with the visiting San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. After going 18 straight innings without a run, the Mets scored twice in the seventh and four times in the eighth to steal a 6-3 win Tuesday night.

Michael Conforto's three-run shot was the big blow for New York, which improved to 23-22 since July 1. Rookie Jeff McNeil finished 4-for-4 with a go-ahead RBI double for the Mets on the Tuesday while Wilmer Flores had a pair of hits to improve to 5-for-9 with two doubles in the series. Evan Longoria's two-run homer did most of the damage for the Giants and it was just their third long ball in a span of 124 innings. Longoria has a hit in three career at-bats against hard-throwing right-hander Noah Syndergaard, who starts Wednesday for New York against Casey Kelly.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), SNY (New York)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Casey Kelly (0-1, 1.69 ERA) vs. Mets RH Noah Syndergaard (8-3, 3.40)

Kelly made his first start in the majors in over two years Friday at Cincinnati, scattering nine hits while allowing one run over 4 1/3 innings. He yielded a run in 6 1/3 frames spread over two relief appearances for the Giants prior to that start. The former first-round pick was 10-9 with a 4.78 ERA in 23 starts for Triple-A Sacramento.

Syndergaard allowed three runs or fewer in 13 straight starts but has allowed exactly four in two of his last three outings. He gave up that amount and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings of a loss at Philadelphia on Friday. Buster Posey is 3-for-6 against the flamethrower from Texas, who is 1-2 with a 3.66 ERA in three career meetings with the Giants.

WALK-OFFS

1. Conforto has 12 RBIs over his last 13 games.

2. The Giants scored 16 runs in their last seven games while hitting .136 with runners in scoring position.

3. McNeil is 12-for-23 during a six-game hitting streak.

PREDICTION: Mets 7, Giants 3

Kansas City Royals vs. Tampa Bay Rays Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote

The Tampa Bay Rays are on an impressive roll on the mound and have a great chance to maintain that trend when they continue a four-game series at home with the punchless Kansas City Royals on Wednesday. The Rays extended a scoreless streak to 27 innings - tying a franchise record - before riding ace Blake Snell to a 4-1 victory Tuesday.

The staff has a 0.33 ERA over the last three games while recording 36 strikeouts for Tampa Bay, which has matched its high-water mark for the season at four games over .500. The Rays will try to move five games over for the first time behind another bullpen day Wednesday, led by opener Ryne Stanek. Jakob Junis goes for the Royals, losers of 15 of their last 19 overall and 0-5 against Tampa Bay this season. Kansas City's lone run Tuesday came on a solo shot by first baseman Ryan O'Hearn, his fourth blast in a seven-game stretch - during which the rookie has eight RBIs.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals RH Jakob Junis (6-11, 4.76 ERA) vs. Rays RH Ryne Stanek (1-3, 2.68)

Junis allowed two runs or fewer in each of his last three outings while recording 21 strikeouts across 16 1/3 innings. He plunked three batters over the past two appearances and entered Tuesday tied for second in the majors with 13 hit batters on the year. The 25-year-old is 2-0 in two career matchups (one start) with the Rays, allowing one run and fanning 10 in 6 2/3 total innings.

Stanek worked out of the bullpen in the series opener, tossing a scoreless eighth to help Tampa Bay to a 1-0 win. His last start came three days earlier at Boston, where he was charged with two runs in an inning of work. Fellow right-hander Yonny Chirinos worked six innings out of the pen in that game and is expected to handle the bulk of the innings in relief of Stanek on Wednesday.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rays LF Tommy Pham left Tuesday's game after dislocating a ring finger diving back into first base.

2. Royals RF Jorge Bonifacio was a late scratch Tuesday due to lower back tightness.

3. Tampa Bay INF Joey Wendle has five extra-base hits and six RBIs over his last six games.

PREDICTION: Rays 5, Royals 3

Chicago Cubs vs. Detroit Tigers Preview and Predictions 08-22-2018
MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote

There was all kinds of breaking news surrounding the Chicago Cubs to start the week, but one thing remained unchanged - their offensive struggles. The Cubs hope the arrival of Daniel Murphy from Washington will help kick start their offense in the finale of a two-game road set against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.

The Cubs were limited to a single solo home run for the fifth consecutive game in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to the Tigers, and they hope Murphy can add some much-needed punch to the lineup. "He's kind of exactly what we need right now," Cubs manager Joe Maddon told reporters. "Put that kind of at-bat at the top of the order and let him get his at-bats in and set a good example for the rest of the hitters." The acquisition wasn't the only news of the day for the Cubs, who also learned right-hander Yu Darvish will miss the remainder of the season with a stress reaction on his pitching elbow and scratched shortstop Addison Russell from Tuesday's lineup with right shoulder inflammation. The Tigers won for only the second time in their last seven games but improved to 33-30 at home.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, WGN (Chicago), FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (13-5, 3.72 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (3-8, 4.72)

After struggling in three consecutive starts, Lester bounced back with a strong outing Thursday at Pittsburgh. The 34-year-old matched his season high with eight strikeouts and limited the Pirates to five hits over six scoreless innings to earn his first win since July 15. Lester is 2-6 with a 6.05 ERA in 11 starts against the Tigers, but he hasn't faced them since 2015.

Liriano hasn't won since April 28, and he hasn't posted a quality start since July 4 against the Cubs. The 34-year-old is 0-3 with a 6.85 ERA over his last seven outings (six starts) and was tagged for eight runs (four earned) over 1 2/3 innings Thursday at Minnesota. Liriano is 5-5 with a 3.35 ERA in 15 starts against the Cubs with his last win coming in 2015.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Cubs are 0-for-22 with runners in scoring position during their major league-record streak of five straight games scoring only one run on a solo homer.

2. Tigers RHP Michael Fulmer (left oblique strain) could return to the rotation Friday after two dominant rehab starts with High-A Lakeland.

3. Cubs 3B Kris Bryant (left shoulder inflammation) took batting practice on the field Tuesday and is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Tigers 2

Cleveland Indians vs Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions
MLB Previews 21st August 2018 by Gracenote

The Boston Red Sox have matched their longest losing streak of the season and will be looking to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat when they host the Cleveland Indians in the third of a four-game series on Wednesday night. Boston dropped a 6-3 decision on Tuesday, marking the first time they've lost three in a row since April 21-24 at Oakland and Toronto.

Melky Cabrera homered for the third consecutive game and Yan Gomes matched his teammate by going 3-for-4 with a solo shot as the Indians improved to 9-1 over their last 10 games. Rookie Greg Allen has hit safely in all 14 games since his recall from Triple-A after collecting two hits and an RBI double in Tuesday's win. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts is 7-for-17 with four doubles and six RBIs over the past five games for Boston and is 3-for-7 lifetime against Cleveland right-hander Carlos Carrasco. The Red Sox will send lefty Brian Johnson to the mound to oppose Carrasco, who is 4-1 with a 1.33 ERA since the All-Star break.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, MLB Network, STO (Cleveland), NESN (Boston)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Carlos Carrasco (15-6, 3.33 ERA) vs. Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (4-3, 4.00)

Carrasco turned in another superb performance in his last start, blanking Baltimore on three hits over seven innings -- the third time in his last four turns he did not permit an earned run. The 31-year-old improved to 7-1 in nine appearances (eight starts) since returning from the disabled list. J.D. Martinez is 9-for-25 with two homers off Carrasco, who is 1-2 with a 6.83 ERA against the Red Sox.

Johnson ran his winning streak to three straight starts versus Tampa Bay on Friday, giving up three runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings. He had some rocky moments during his previous two victories over Toronto and the New York Yankees, allowing 10 runs on 12 hits, including five home runs, in 12 innings. It will be the first start versus Cleveland for Johnson, who is 2-1 with a 4.66 ERA at home this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians LF Michael Brantley has three straight two-hit performances and a four-game RBI streak.

2. Red Sox LF Andrew Benintendi has hit safely in six straight games.

3. Indians DH Edwin Encarnacion (hand) could come off the disabled list for the series finale.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Red Sox 3

New York Yankees vs Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions
MLB Previews 22nd August 2018 by Gracenote

Miguel Andujar has been heating up with the calendar, with the rookie batting .325 since the start of July to help the New York Yankees move 33 games above .500 for the first time since 2011. Andujar aims to keep his personal hot streak going on Wednesday as the Yankees (79-46) bid to complete a sweep of an abbreviated two-game series of the Miami Marlins (50-77) in South Florida.

Andujar drove in his seventh RBI in his last four games when he plated Kyle Higashioka with a sacrifice fly in the 12th inning of New York's 2-1 victory on Tuesday. The 23-year-old Dominican is 5-for-13 with four extra-base hits (three doubles, homer), three RBIs and as many runs scored versus Miami this season. While the Yankees have won four in a row and 11 of 15 to move within eight games of American League East-leading Boston, the Marlins have dropped 16 of 20 to make themselves comfortable in the NL East cellar. Austin Dean belted a solo homer for the second time in four outings, giving the 24-year-old four hits, four RBIs and five runs scored in that stretch.

TV:

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

PITCHING MATCHUP: Yankees RH Lance Lynn (8-8, 4.68 ERA) vs. Marlins RH Trevor Richards (3-7, 4.28)

Lynn made quite the initial impression with the Yankees after being acquired from Minnesota, going 1-0 with just one run allowed on 12 hits with 22 strikeouts ERA in three appearances (16 2/3 innings). The good feelings did not carry over to Friday's start, however, as the 31-year-old was pierced for four first-inning runs and five total over four frames of a no-decision versus Toronto. Former Yankee Starlin Castro is 14-for-38 with six RBIs in his career versus Lynn, who owns a 4-1 mark with a 3.75 ERA in eight career appearances against Miami.

Richards saw his winless stretch extend to five outings on Aug. 14 after permitting five runs on 10 hits in 4 1/3 innings of a no-decision at Atlanta. The 25-year-old surrendered a pair of homers for the second straight outing after being taken deep just once in his previous 10. Richards, who owns a 2-3 mark with a 3.27 ERA in eight appearances at home, will face the Yankees for the first time in his career.

WALK-OFFS

1. New York RF Giancarlo Stanton has hit safely in seven straight games, highlighted by two-hit performances in four of his last five outings.

2. Castro saw his eight-game hitting streak halted with an 0-for-3 performance in the series opener to drop to 2-for-11 versus his former team this season.

3. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said he was "concerned" about the troublesome knee of LHP Aroldis Chapman after the closer signaled to the dugout to come out of the series opener in the 12th inning.

PREDICTION: Yankees 5, Marlins 2

San Diego Padres vs Colorado Rockies Preview and Predictions
MLB Previews 22nd August 2018 by Gracenote

The Colorado Rockies' quest for a division title stalled in the series opener, but they attempt to get back on track when they host the San Diego Padres on Wednesday for the middle contest of their three-game set. After sweeping a four-game series in Atlanta to get within one-half game of first-place Arizona in the National League West, Colorado returned home and dropped a 4-3 decision on Tuesday.

Chris Iannetta homered while DJ LeMahieu went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the Rockies, who erased a 3-0 deficit before losing for just the second time in 10 contests. LeMahieu is riding an eight-game hitting streak during which he has gone 13-for-36 and a four-game RBI streak that has seen him drive in five runs for the Rockies, who are one-half game out for the NL's second wild card. The Padres took a three-run lead after two innings but let it slip away before Austin Hedges belted a solo homer in the sixth inning to give the club its second win in eight games. Eric Hosmer has been swinging a hot bat for San Diego, going 13-for-35 with three homers and eight RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak that has featured four multi-hit performances.

TV: 8:40 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain (Colorado)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Jacob Nix (1-1, 6.75 ERA) vs. Rockies RH Jon Gray (9-7, 4.76)

Nix's second career start did not go as well as his major-league debut, as he surrendered five runs on five hits and two walks while retiring only two batters in a loss to Arizona on Thursday. The 22-year-old Californian scattered four hits over six scoreless frames in a win over Philadelphia on Aug. 10 in his first outing. Nix has made 10 combined starts in Double- and Triple-A this season, going 3-3 with a 1.84 ERA.

Gray's unbeaten streak reached nine starts on Thursday, when he allowed three runs and five hits over seven innings in a no-decision at Atlanta. The 26-year-old native of Oklahoma has gone 3-0 with a 3.55 ERA since losing at Philadelphia on June 12. Gray has faced San Diego more than any other team in his career and has posted a 6-3 record with a 2.65 ERA and his lone shutout in 13 starts - including three this season in which he went 2-1 while registering 24 strikeouts in 18 frames.

WALK-OFFS

1. Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado, who enters Wednesday with a seven-game hitting streak, needs 13 RBIs to reach 100 for the fourth straight season.

2. San Diego INF Christian Villanueva (foot) was back in the starting lineup Tuesday after being relegated to pinch-hitting duties for two games and went 1-for-4.

3. Colorado sent LHP Mike Dunn (back/AC joint), who hasn't pitched since July 3, to Triple-A Albuquerque for a rehab assignment.

PREDICTION: Rockies 9, Padres 3