Wednesday's Streaking and Slumping Starting Pitchers
Streaking
Bronson Arroyo, Cincinnati Reds (12-6, 3.83 ERA)
Arroyo may not have a huge winning streak rolling, but the rock star wannabe is lugging a scoreless streak through his last 14 innings or work. Arroyo pitched his second straight scoreless start in a 3-0 shutout of the Chicago Cubs Friday. It was the righty’s second win in a row and fifth victory in his last seven trips to the mound. Since the All-Star break, Arroyo is 3-2 with a 3.12 ERA.
Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros (9-11, 4.34 ERA)
Rodriguez has been all over the page this season, but seems to be finding his stride late in the summer. The Astros lefty is undefeated in his last four starts, going 3-0 with a 1.62 ERA and is 6-1 since June 24. Over his last three, Way-Rod boasts a skinny 0.42 ERA and 23 strikeouts. His last outing was a no-decision in a 6-5 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in which the Houston bullpen spoiled a one-run, eight-hit effort from Rodriguez.
Slumping
Tommy Hanson, Atlanta Braves (8-8, 3.69 ERA)
Despite the Braves’ success in the NL East, Hanson has come up short in his recent starts. The young right hander hasn’t tasted victory since early July and is 0-3 in his last six outings. Hanson hasn’t pitched poorly, posting a 2.41 ERA in that span. He’s allowed only one run in each of his last three starts but hasn’t received enough from the Braves’ bats to back up those efforts. He gave up just a single run on three hits but took a no-decision in a 3-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants in his most recent start Friday.
Wednesday Tips
By Kevin Rogers
The Wednesday night baseball card showcases several key matchups in both leagues, including a pair of big showdowns inside the American League. The Yankees continue their series in the Lone Star State against the Rangers, while the Twins and White Sox battle for AL Central supremacy. We'll start in the Senior Circuit with a rematch of last season's NLCS in the City of Brotherly Love.
Dodgers at Phillies - 7:05 PM EST
Two teams on the outside looking in inside the NL Wild Card race meet for only the second time since Philadelphia eliminated Los Angeles last October to win the pennant. Both clubs have work to do if they want to make it back to the postseason, but the Phillies sit only one game out of the Wild Card spot, while the Dodgers are 5 ½ games behind.
Roy Oswalt (6-13, 3.50 ERA) still searches for his victory in a Phillies' uniform, as the righty received a no-decision in a 5-4 win at Florida last Thursday. Oswalt does make his first home start for the Phillies after allowing six earned runs in two outings against the Nationals and Marlins. The veteran had received horrible run support over the last month, but was bailed out against Florida thanks to a pair of late runs to force extra innings. Oswalt hasn't lost to the Dodgers since 2005, as he beat Los Angeles twice last season as a member of the Astros.
The Dodgers send out Chad Billingsley (9-6, 3.82 ERA), who looks to deliver his fifth straight quality start. Billingsley had his 25-inning scoreless streak snapped in L.A.'s 5-0 loss to San Diego last Thursday, but the Dodgers have cashed the 'under' in the righty's last four starts. The Dodgers have not provided Billingsley with good run support, scoring five runs his previous four outings, splitting with both the Giants and Padres. Billingsley has pitched much better on the road, owning an away ERA of 2.95, while the Dodgers are 7-4 in his 11 starts on the highway.
The Phillies have owned this series at Citizens Bank Park recently, going 9-2 since August 2008. The Dodgers have had plenty of struggles on the road, owning a 1-10 mark away from Chavez Ravine since the All-Star Break.
Yankees at Rangers - 8:05 PM EST
A potential playoff matchup takes place in Arlington as Cliff Lee looks to shut down the powerful Yankees' lineup. The Rangers are in cruise control atop the AL West, while the Yankees are still in a tight race inside the AL East with the Rays. Texas is creeping closer to its first postseason appearance since 1999, when the Rangers were eliminated coincidentally by the Bombers.
Despite a 3-3 team record since coming over from Seattle in early July, Lee (10-5, 2.44 ERA) has tossed at least eight innings in all six starts, including four complete games for the Rangers. The 'under' is a perfect 6-0 in this span, while the Rangers have won each of Lee's home starts against the A's and Angels. The former Cy Young Award winner has seen the Yankees in plenty of uniforms, as this will be his third straight start against New York with a different team since last October. Lee shut down the Bombers on June 29 as a $1.50 road underdog, compiling a complete-game, eight-hitter in a 7-4 victory. Lee's teams (Indians, Phillies, and Mariners) are 5-1 against New York since 2008, with four of those starts coming in the Bronx.
Javier Vazquez (9-8, 4.63 ERA) hasn't been very sharp lately, putting together just one quality start in his last four outings. Vazquez has allowed 14 earned runs in his previous four starts, with his lone win coming at Cleveland (he received no-decisions in victories over Rays and Angels). The Yankees are 4-1 in Vazquez's last five road starts, but only one of those outings came against a team in playoff contention at Tampa Bay. Vazquez hasn't faced the Rangers since 2008, while not taking the mound in Arlington since 2006, suffering an 8-0 loss.
Texas has performed its best in Game 2 of a series, compiling a 23-13 record, including a 12-4 mark the last 16 at home. The Yankees have cashed the 'under' in eight of their previous 11 games on the highway, while finishing 'over' the total in five of seven games this season as a road underdog.
Twins at White Sox - 8:10 PM EST
The top two clubs in the AL Central continue their pivotal series on the South Side of Chicago as the second-place team will likely miss the postseason. Minnesota grabbed three of four at Target Field right after the All-Star Break to sneak back into the race, while Chicago tries to rebound from a series loss at lowly Baltimore.
John Danks (11-8, 3.30 ERA) looks for a win for the first time in three starts after failing to pick up victories as heavy favorites against the Orioles and A's. Despite a solid ERA of 2.87 at U.S. Cellular Field, Danks has been nearly a 50/50 betting proposition at home this season, as the Sox are 6-6 in his 12 home starts. Laying a big number with Danks at home is a red flag, as Chicago is 1-5 as a favorite of least $1.35 this season. Making matters worse for the southpaw is Chicago's 1-6 mark against Minnesota in his seven starts in this series since last July.
The Twins send out left-hander Glen Perkins (6-7, 5.89 ERA in '09), who makes his first start this season, taking the place of Kevin Slowey, who had his start pushed back. After beginning the season with some struggles at Triple-A Rochester, Perkins has put together five quality starts in his last seven outings in the minors. Minnesota is 2-2 in Perkins' four career outings against Chicago, with only one start coming at U.S. Cellular Field, a 7-5 loss in 2008.
The season series has been controlled by the Twins, owning a 6-3 mark in 2010. Minnesota is 5-1 the last six meetings on the South Side, while winning 15 of the previous 19 matchups with Chicago.
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Tips and Trends
Atlanta Braves at Houston Astros
Braves (-135, O/U 7.5): Atlanta currently leads the National League East division by 1.5 games, with a season record of 64-48 SU. The Braves are also contending for the overall best record in the National League, something quite important to them considering their home dominance this season. Away from home Atlanta is a different team, as they are only 25-33 SU this year. The Braves are +7.47 and +12.98 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. Ace pitcher Tommy Hanson will make the road start today, as he is 8-8 with an ERA of 3.69 and a WHIP of 1.28 this year. Hanson has been plagued by little run support of late, something he and the rest of the Braves hope is a thing of the past. The Braves are 16-6 in their last 22 games against the National League Central. Atlanta is 2-5 in their last 7 road games against a left-handed starter. The Braves are 1-5 in their last 6 games against a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. The Braves are 4-1 in Hanson's last 5 road starts against a team with a losing record. Atlanta is 1-4 in Hanson's last 5 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. The Braves are 1-5 in Hanson's last 6 starts during game 3 of a series.
Braves are 0-5 last 5 road games against a team with a losing home record.
Under is 10-4 last 14 games overall.
Key Injuries - 2B Martin Prado (finger) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 3
Astros: Houston is in the midst of playing their best baseball of the season, a welcoming sign for the Astros faithful. It's been a long season, culminating in the trade of ace pitcher Roy Oswalt. However, Houston is playing their season out the right way, which is a pleasant surprise. Houston is 48-63 SU this season, good enough for 3rd place in the National League Central division. The Astros are +0.81 and -6.46 units both SU and on the RL respectively this season. Lefty Wandy Rodriguez has been dominant of late, sporting an ERA less than 0.50 and a WHIP of 0.80 over his past few starts. For the year, Rodriguez is 9-11 with an ERA of 4.34 and a WHIP of 1.40. The Astros are 4-0 in their last 4 games against the National League East. Houston is 13-3 in their last 16 Wednesday games overall. The Astros are 4-1 in their last 5 games against a team with a winning record. Houston is 7-0 in Rodriguez's last 7 Wednesday starts. The Astros are 7-2 in Rodriguez's last 9 starts against the National League East. The Astros are 20-8 in Rodriguez's last 28 home starts. Houston is 6-16 in Rodriguez's last 22 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. The Astros are 1-8 in Rodriguez's last 9 starts with 4 days of rest.
Astros are 6-0 last 6 home games against a team with a losing road record.
Over is 4-1 last 5 games against the National League East.
Key Injuries - SS Tommy Manzella (finger) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (Side of the Day)
Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays
Red Sox (-110, O/U 8): Boston is staying in the playing chase in the American League East despite numerous injuries to their daily lineup. Boston has persevered, and stand 6 games behind the Yankees for the year at 64-49 SU. Boston is an impressive 30-26 SU this season on the road. The Red Sox are +0.39 and -5.42 units both SU and on the RL respectively this year. Offensively, Boston has struggled to score of late, totaling 6 runs in their past 3 games combined. Pitcher Clay Buchholz will make the road start tonight, as he is 12-5 with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.23 this year. The Red Sox are 5-1 in their last 6 road games against a right-handed starter. Boston is 6-0 in Buchholz's last 6 road starts against a team with a winning record. The Red Sox are 18-3 in Buchholz's last 21 starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance. The Red Sox are 6-1 in Buchholz's last 7 starts with 4 days of rest. Boston is 13-3 in Buchholz's last 16 road starts overall. The Red Sox are 4-1 in Buchholz's last 5 starts against the American League East. Boston is 23-7 in Buchholz's last 30 starts overall.
Red Sox are 7-3 last 10 games against a team with a winning record.
Under is 4-1 last 5 games during game 2 of a series.
Key Injuries - 1B Kevin Youkilis (thumb) is out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 3
Blue Jays: If Toronto was playing in any other division, they would be right in the think of a pennant race. Instead, the Jays are 10 games back of the American League East lead and in 4th place despite a season record of 59-52 SU. Toronto has won 7 of their past 10 games, and is an impressive 25-17 SU against their division foes. Toronto is +11.07 and +25.07 units both SU and on the RL this year. Pitcher Shaun Marcum will make the home start tonight, as he is 10-5 with an ERA of 3.44 and a WHIP of 1.18 this season. The Blue Jays are 8-1 in their last 9 games during game 2 of a series. Toronto is 5-1 in their last 6 games against a right-handed starter. The Blue Jays are 11-4 in Marcum's last 15 starts on grass. Toronto is 5-2 in Marcum's last 7 home starts overall. The Blue Jays are 11-5 in Marcum's last 16 starts. Toronto is 4-1 in Marcum's last 5 starts during game 2 of a series.
Blue Jays are 11-1 last 12 games against the American League East.
Over is 8-3 last 11 games during game 2 of a series.
Key Injuries - CF Vernon Wells (toe) is doubtful.
PROJECTED SCORE: 4 (UNDER - Total of the Day)
Diamond Trends - Wednesday
By Vince Akins
Royals at Angels – The Royals are 0-10 since August 03, 2009 when Zack Greinke starts as a dog for a net profit of $1000 when playing against. The Angels are 7-0 since April 26, 2009 when Jered Weaver starts at home when the start time is earlier than 4:00 PM local time for a net profit of $725.
Braves at Astros – The Braves are 0-9 since April 28, 2010 on the road when they blew a lead in their starter's last start and lost for a net profit of $955 when playing against. The Astros are 0-9 since August 14, 2009 when Wandy Rodriguez starts as a dog after going at least 6 innings and giving up no home runs for a net profit of $900 when playing against. The Astros are 7-0 since September 04, 2009 at home after a loss in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits for a net profit of $775.
Red Sox at Blue Jays – The Red Sox are 6-0 since September 03, 2009 when Clay Buchholz starts on the road when the bullpen has allowed at least one run for two straight games for a net profit of $655.
Diamondbacks at Brewers – The Diamondbacks are 0-10 since April 30, 2009 as a road dog after a win in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits for a net profit of $1000 when playing against. The Brewers are 0-11 since May 24, 2009 when David Bush starts vs a team that has won at least their last two games and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1170 when playing against.
Cubs at Giants – The Cubs are 0-9 since May 04, 2010 after a win in which their opponent left 18+ men on base for a net profit of $1090 when playing against. The Giants are 11-0 since July 06, 2009 as a home 140+ favorite after allowing 6+ runs loss for a net profit of $1100.
Orioles at Indians – The Indians are 3-0 since June 27, 2010 vs a team that has won at least their last three games and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $520.
Athletics at Mariners – The Athletics are 9-0 since June 22, 2009 as a favorite after a loss in which they drew 1 or fewer walks for a net profit of $900. The Athletics are 0-8 since May 16, 2009 when Dallas Braden starts on the road after his team lost the last time he started for a net profit of $810 when playing against. The Mariners are 0-8 since May 18, 2009 as a home dog after scoring 3 runs or less and winning for a net profit of $800 when playing against.
Rockies at Mets – The Mets are 5-0 since August 05, 2009 when Jonathon Niese starts at home after his team lost the last time he started for a net profit of $580.
Marlins at Nationals – The Marlins are 0-7 since May 10, 2009 when Christopher Volstad starts as a dog after the team won their last two games for a net profit of $700 when playing against.
Pirates at Padres – The Pirates are 0-15 since May 21, 2010 as a 140+ dog vs a team that has won at least their last two games for a net profit of $1500 when playing against. The Padres are 5-0 since August 12, 2009 when Kevin Correia starts vs a team that has lost at least their last two games and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $600.
Dodgers at Phillies – The Phillies are 0-6 since June 02, 2010 after a loss in which they used 5+ pitchers for a net profit of $740 when playing against.
Yankees at Rangers – The Yankees are 10-0 since September 19, 2009 on the road when they are off a loss in which they held the lead and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1040. The Yankees are 7-0 since June 27, 2010 after a loss and it is the last game of the series for a net profit of $700.
Cardinals at Reds – The Cardinals are 0-8 since September 23, 2009 on the road when they are off a win in which they never trailed and it is the last game of a series for a net profit of $910 when playing against. The Cardinals are 6-0 since June 04, 2010 when Adam Wainwright starts as a favorite after his team scored a total of seven or more runs in his last start for a net profit of $600. The Reds are 7-0 since September 30, 2009 when Bronson Arroyo starts within 20 cents of pickem after throwing more than 100 pitches for a net profit of $735.
Rays at Tigers – The Rays are 7-0 since June 21, 2009 on the road after a win in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits and it is the last game of a series for a net profit of $760. The Tigers are 7-0 since April 28, 2010 at home after a loss in which they were shut out in the last 6 innings for a net profit of $720. The Tigers are 7-0 since April 22, 2009 when Justin Verlander starts within 20 cents of pickem after his team lost the last time he started vs this opponent for a net profit of $755.
Twins at White Sox – The Twins are 9-0 since June 09, 2010 after a win in which they had 12+ hits and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $970.