MLB Trends Thursday 7/23

Cleveland Indians vs. Toronto Blue Jays

The fans at Rogers Centre will be treated to a game between the Cleveland Indians and the Toronto Blue Jays when they take their seats on Thursday.

The Indians will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander David Huff in this game. Huff has a 4-4 record and a 6.60 ERA this season.

Huff's opponent in this one will be Marc Rzepczynski. The Blue Jays lefthander has a 2.50 ERA to go along with a 1-1 record this season.

Oddsmakers currently have the Blue Jays listed as 158-moneyline favorites versus the Indians, while the game's total has not yet been posted.

Marco Scutaro belted two home runs, including a three-run homer for the Blue Jays. Ricky Romero picked up his eighth win of the season, giving up four runs over 5 1-3 innings of work.

Luis Valbuena hit a three-run homer in a losing effort for the Indians, who were +135 underdogs. Carl Pavano was tagged for seven runs over 4 2-3 innings.

Team records:
Cleveland: 37-58 SU
Toronto: 47-48 SU

Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Seattle are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

Toronto most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Tampa Bay are 4-6
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a win are 3-7

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cleveland's last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Toronto
Cleveland is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Toronto's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Cleveland
Toronto is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

Next up:
Cleveland at Seattle, Friday, July 24
Toronto home to Tampa Bay, Friday, July 24

Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers

The Seattle Mariners and the Detroit Tigers will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Comerica Park.

Lefthander Jarrod Washburn will take the mound for the Mariners to start this game. Washburn is 7-6 this season with a 2.87 ERA.

Washburn's opponent in this one will be Lucas French. The Tigers lefthander has a 2.25 ERA to go along with a 1-0 record this season.

Russell Branyan belted a game-winning home run in the eighth inning as the Mariners snuck past the Tigers 2-1, as -135 favorites on Wednesday. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (9).

Felix Hernandez whiffed eight batters over seven innings, as he improved to 11-3 overall. David Aardsma collected his 23rd save with a scoreless ninth.

Clete Thomas drove in the lone run for the Tigers, who were +115 underdogs. Bobby Seay gave up the winning run and was saddled with the loss.

Team records:
Seattle: 50-44 SU
Detroit: 49-43 SU

Seattle most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Cleveland are 7-3
After playing Detroit are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

Detroit most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing Chi White Sox are 6-4
After playing Seattle are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Seattle's last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Seattle's last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Detroit's last 7 games when playing at home against Seattle
Detroit is 13-3 SU in its last 16 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
Detroit is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle

Next up:
Seattle home to Cleveland, Friday, July 24
Detroit home to Chi White Sox, Friday, July 24

San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves

A winning streak will be on the line for the Atlanta Braves on Thursday when they battle the San Francisco Giants at Turner Field.

Barry Zito will be the starting pitcher for the Giants on this day. Lefthander Zito is 5-10 this season with a 4.89 ERA.

It'll be Kenshin Kawakami toeing the rubber for the Braves in this contest. Righthander Kawakami is 5-7 with a 4.15 ERA so far this season.

The Braves won their fourth straight and third overall against the Giants with a 4-2 win on Wednesday, as a -110 pick'em. That game's six runs went UNDER the posted over/under (7).

Yunel Escobar went deep for a three-run dinger to lead the Braves. Jair Jurrjens allowed just three hits and one run over 7 2-3 innings, while striking out nine for the win.

Tim Lincecum surrendered four runs over five innings with nine strikeouts in the loss.

Current streak:
San Francisco has lost 3 straight games.
Atlanta has won 4 straight games.

Team records:
San Francisco: 50-44 SU
Atlanta: 49-46 SU

San Francisco most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Colorado are 4-6
After playing Atlanta are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After playing San Francisco are 4-6
After a win are 6-4

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Francisco's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games
San Francisco is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing San Francisco

Next up:
San Francisco at Colorado, Friday, July 24
Atlanta at Milwaukee, Friday, July 24

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox

The fans at U.S. Cellular Field will be treated to a game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago White Sox when they take their seats on Thursday.

Ace lefthander Scott Kazmir will take the mound for the Rays to start this game. Kazmir is 4-5 this season with a 6.62 ERA.

Kazmir's opponent in this one will be Mark Buehrle. The White Sox ace lefthander has a 3.52 ERA to go along with a 10-3 record this season.

The White Sox rallied with three runs in the seventh inning and then held on for a 4-3 victory over the Rays on Wednesday, as +120 underdogs. The team's played UNDER the night's posted over/under (9).

Alexei Ramirez went 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of RBIs for the White Sox. D.J. Carrasco improved to 3-0 with the win, and Matt Thornton picked up his second save.

Pat Burrell homered for the Rays, while Dan Wheeler took the loss in relief. Oddsmakers had the Rays listed as -140 favorites.

Team records:
Tampa Bay: 52-43 SU
Chicago: 49-45 SU

Tampa Bay most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Toronto are 7-3
After playing Chi White Sox are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5

Chicago most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing Tampa Bay are 5-5
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 5 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Tampa Bay's last 25 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing at home against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
Chi White Sox are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games at home

Next up:
Tampa Bay at Toronto, Friday, July 24
Chi White Sox at Detroit, Friday, July 24

San Diego Padres vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Citizens Bank Park.

The Padres will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Kevin Correia in this game. Correia has a 6-7 record and a 4.42 ERA this season.

Correia's opponent in this one will be Cole Hamels. The Phillies ace lefthander has a 4.72 ERA to go along with a 5-5 record this season.

The Padres were shut down 5-0 by the Marlins last time out, as +130 underdogs. The team's played UNDER the posted over/under (8).

Josh Geer surrendered six hits and two runs over six innings in the loss.

The Phillies were doubled 10-5 by the Cubs last time out, as +105 underdogs. That game's 15 runs sailed OVER the day's posted over/under (9.5).

Pedro Feliz drove in a pair of runs in a losing cause. Jamie Moyer surrendered eight hits and five runs over five innings.

Current streak:
San Diego has lost 4 straight games.

Team records:
San Diego: 37-58 SU
Philadelphia: 53-39 SU

San Diego most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Washington are 7-3
After playing Florida are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8

Philadelphia most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 2-8
Before playing St. Louis are 6-4
After playing Chi Cubs are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Diego's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games on the road
San Diego is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
San Diego is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Philadelphia is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
Philadelphia is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing San Diego

Next up:
San Diego at Washington, Friday, July 24
Philadelphia home to St. Louis, Friday, July 24

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals will be trying to extend a winning streak on Thursday when they take on the St. Louis Cardinals at Nationals Park.

The Cardinals will give the ball to ace starter Adam Wainwright in this one. Righthander Wainwright is 10-6 this season with a 3.01 ERA.

It'll be Collin Balester toeing the rubber for the Nationals in this contest. Righthander Balester is 0-0 with a 0.00 ERA so far this season.

The Cardinals were defeated 4-3 by the Astros last time out, as -115 favorites. That game's seven runs went as a PUSH against the posted over/under (7).

Mark DeRosa homered, while Ryan Franklin blew a save opportunity and allowed two runs in the loss.

Craig Stammen combined on a four-hitter as the Nationals defeated the Mets 3-1 in Wednesday's series finale. The Nationals won the game as a -115 favorites, and the team's played UNDER the night's posted over/under (9).

Josh Willingham went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with a two-run homer, and Mike MacDougal tossed a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth save.

Current streak:
St. Louis has lost 3 straight games.
Washington has won 2 straight games.

Team records:
St. Louis: 51-46 SU
Washington: 28-66 SU

St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Philadelphia are 3-7
After playing Houston are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5

Washington most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 4-6
Before playing San Diego are 3-7
After playing NY Mets are 4-6
After a win are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games
St. Louis is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of St. Louis's last 23 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Washington's last 23 games when playing at home against St. Louis
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing St. Louis

Next up:
St. Louis at Philadelphia, Friday, July 24
Washington home to San Diego, Friday, July 24

Oakland Athletics vs. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees will be trying to extend a winning streak on Thursday when they take on the Oakland Athletics at Yankee Stadium.

The Athletics will trot Vin Mazzaro out to the mound in this one. Righthander Mazzaro has a 2-6 record and a 4.09 ERA this season.

It'll be ace CC Sabathia toeing the rubber for the Yankees in this contest. Lefthander Sabathia is 9-6 with a 3.66 ERA so far this season.

The A's scored 12 runs in the first two innings en route to a 16-1 rout of the Twins in Wednesday's rubber match, as a -110 pick'em. That game's 17 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (9).

Rajai Davis drove in four runs, and Scott Hairston belted a three-run homer. Trevor Cahill allowed six runs and one run over seven innings for the victory.

The Yankees won their sixth in a row with a 6-4 victory over the Orioles in a series sweep on Wednesday, as -320 favorites. That game's 10 runs fell UNDER the posted over/under (10.5).

Jorge Posada hit a solo home run and drove in two runs, while Nick Swisher also had two RBIs. A.J. Burnett improved to 9-4 with the win, and Mariano Rivera closed out the ninth for his 28th save.

Current streak:
New York has won 6 straight games.

Team records:
Oakland: 40-53 SU
New York: 57-37 SU

Oakland most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 5-5
Before playing NY Yankees are 3-7
After playing Minnesota are 3-7
After a win are 2-8

New York most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Oakland are 6-4
After playing Baltimore are 7-3
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oakland's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Oakland
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games

Next up:
NY Yankees home to Oakland, Friday, July 24

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Arizona Diamondbacks will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Chase Field.

Charlie Morton will be the starting pitcher for the Pirates on this day. Righthander Morton is 2-2 this season with a 3.21 ERA.

Meanwhile, it'll be Dan Haren who starts for the Diamondbacks. Righthander Haren is 10-5 with a 1.96 ERA so far this season.

Brandon Moss belted a walk-off homer in the ninth to give the Pirates an 8-7 victory over the Brewers in the series rubber match on Wednesday, as a -110 pick'em. That game's 15 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (8.5).

Ryan Doumit led the way with two home runs for three RBIs. Matt Capps fanned two batters in a scoreless ninth to record his second win.

The Diamondbacks were edged 4-3 by the Rockies in the series rubber match on Wednesday, as -215 favorites. That game's seven runs went UNDER the day's posted over/under (9).

Miguel Montero smacked a three-run homer, while Scott Schoeneweis gave up the winning run and suffered his second loss in relief.

Team records:
Pittsburgh: 42-52 SU
Arizona: 40-55 SU

Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 3-7
Before playing Arizona are 4-6
After playing Milwaukee are 2-8
After a win are 4-6

Arizona most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing Pittsburgh are 4-6
After playing Colorado are 6-4
After a loss are 5-5

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 8 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of Pittsburgh's last 23 games
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Arizona is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Arizona's last 9 games when playing Pittsburgh
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Arizona's last 20 games at home

Next up:
Arizona home to Pittsburgh, Friday, July 24

Minnesota Twins vs. Los Angeles Angels

The Minnesota Twins and the Los Angeles Angels will both be gunning for a victory on Thursday when they meet at Angel Stadium.

The Twins will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Scott Baker in this game. Baker has a 8-7 record and a 5.10 ERA this season.

Meanwhile, it'll be Jered Weaver who starts for the Angels. Righthander Weaver is 10-3 with a 3.48 ERA so far this season.

The Twins were pounded 16-1 by the A's last time out, as a -110 pick'em. The 17 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (9).

Glen Perkins was rocked for eight runs off six hits in the loss.

The Angels scored five runs in the eighth inning to come-from-behind and defeat the Royals 9-6 on Wednesday, as -120 favorites. That game's 15 runs sailed OVER the posted over/under (9).

Chone Figgins went 4-for-5 at the plate with a pair of RBIs. Justin Speier improved to 4-2 with the win in relief, and Brian Fuentes notched his 30th save.

Current streak:
Los Angeles has won 5 straight games.

Team records:
Minnesota: 48-47 SU
Los Angeles: 55-38 SU

Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 6-4
Before playing LA Angels are 6-4
After playing Oakland are 6-4
After a loss are 7-3

Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Thursday are 8-2
Before playing Minnesota are 5-5
After playing Kansas City are 7-3
After a win are 8-2

A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Minnesota's last 12 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of LA Angels's last 8 games at home
LA Angels are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home

Next up:
LA Angels home to Minnesota, Friday, July 24

CLEVELAND vs. TORONTO
Cleveland is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cleveland's last 6 games
Toronto is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Toronto's last 7 games when playing Cleveland

SEATTLE vs. DETROIT
Seattle is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 7 games when playing on the road against Detroit
Detroit is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games

SAN FRANCISCO vs. ATLANTA
San Francisco is 7-15 SU in its last 22 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Francisco's last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Atlanta is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games at home

TAMPA BAY vs. CHI WHITE SOX
Tampa Bay is 1-3-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Tampa Bay's last 25 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games at home

OAKLAND vs. NY YANKEES
Oakland is 0-5 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing NY Yankees
NY Yankees are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games

SAN DIEGO vs. PHILADELPHIA
San Diego is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games on the road
Philadelphia is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Philadelphia is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home

ST. LOUIS vs. WASHINGTON
St. Louis is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 17 of St. Louis's last 23 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games

PITTSBURGH vs. ARIZONA
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Arizona
Pittsburgh is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Arizona's last 20 games at home

MINNESOTA vs. LA ANGELS
Minnesota is 4-11 SU in their last 15 games when playing on the road against LA Angels
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Angels's last 6 games

Hot Pitchers
-- Kawakami is 2-1, 3.46 in his last five starts.
-- Haren is 7-1, 1.68 in his last ten starts. Morton is 2-1, 2.65 in his last three starts.
-- Correia is 5-3, 3.52 in his last nine starts. Phillies won Hamels' last three starts (1-0, 3.50) scoring 36 runs.
-- Wainwright is 2-1, 1.39 in his last four starts.
-- Rzepzynkski is 1-1, 2.50 in his three major league starts.
-- Washburn is 3-0, 0.79 in his last three starts. French is 1-0, 2.76 in three starts for the Tigers.
-- Buehrle is 2-0, 2.57 in his last two home starts; White Sox won six of his last seven starts overall.
-- Baker is 4-1, 4.76 in his last five starts.
-- Sabathia is 2-1, 2.62 in his last three starts.

Cold Pitchers
-- Giants lost four of last five Zito starts (1-3, 5.90).
-- Balestar was 7-9, 4.35 in 19 AAA starts; he was 3-7, 5.51 in 15 starts for the Nationals LY.
-- Huff is 1-2, 9.78 in his last four starts.
-- Kazmir is 0-2, 8.10 in his last six starts.
-- Weaver has an 8.18 RA in his last four starts.
-- Oakland lost last seven Mazzaro starts (0-6, 6.81).

Hot Teams
-- Braves won ten of their last eleven home games.
-- Phillies won 14 of their last 16 games.
-- Mariners won six of their last eight games.
-- Bronx Bombers won 11 of last 13 home games.
-- White Sox are 10-4 in their last 14 home games. Rays won eight of their last twelve games overall.
-- Angels won 13 of their last 17 games.

Cold Teams
-- Nationals lost 12 of their last 15 games, but won last two. Cardinals lost five of their last six road games.
-- Pirates lost 10 of their last 15 games. Diamondbacks lost five of their last seven games.
-- Giants lost seven of their last eight road games.
-- Padres lost 16 of their last 19 games.
-- Indians lost 10 of their last 14 road games. Blue Jays are 3-8 in their last 11 games overall.
-- Oakland is 3-12 in the first game of a home series.
-- Tigers lost five of their last seven games.
-- Twins lost three of their last four games.

Totals
-- Six of last nine Giant games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-1-1 in Pittsburgh's last eight road games.
-- Six of last eight Hamels starts went over the total.
-- Seven of last nine Washington home games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 6-2-1 in last nine Cleveland games.
-- Seven of last nine Detroit games stayed under the total.
-- Under is 14-3 in Tampa Bay's last 17 road games.
-- 10 of last 12 Minnesota road games stayed under the total, but last six Weaver starts all went over.
-- Six of last eight Oakland road games stayed under the total.