The Bum's Sports Page For Monday July 6th Best Bets-Trends-News !

[StarDust Bum]

Pirates claim 1B Ishikawa off waivers

Jul 05, 2015

PITTSBURGH -- Travis Ishikawa is back with the Pirates as Pittsburgh claimed the first baseman off waivers from the San Francisco Giants on Sunday.

The 31-year-old was 0-for-5 in six games for the Giants this season. He also hit a combined .266 with four home runs and 20 RBIs in 37 games with Triple-A Sacramento and Class A San Jose.

Ishikawa was the Pirates' Opening Day first baseman in 2014, then was designated for assignment in mid-April.

He cleared waivers and signed with the Giants days later. Ishikawa hit a game-ending home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in the decisive Game 5 of the National League Championship Series in October to give San Francisco its third pennant in five seasons.

The Pirates will make a correspondent roster move once Ishikawa reports to the team.

In 15 games with Pittsburgh last year, Ishikawa hit .206 with one homer and three RBIs. For his eight-season major league career, he has a .257 batting average, a .321 on-base percentage, a .395 slugging percentage, 22 homers and 129 RBIs in 450 games.

In addition to Pittsburgh and San Francisco, Ishikawa also had stints with the Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees.

[StarDust Bum]

Cards place LHP Garcia on DL with groin strain

The St. Louis Cardinals placed left-handed pitcher Jaime Garcia on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a left groin strain.

The move is retroactive to July 4. The club also recalled left-handed pitcher Tim Cooney from Class A Peoria.

Garcia was scratched from a start last Thursday due to the groin strain. He is 3-3 with a 1.69 ERA in seven starts this season.

Manager Mike Matheny announced that Cooney and lefty Tyler Lyons are slated to draw the starting assignments for the Cardinals in Tuesday's split doubleheader at Chicago.

Cooney, who started for the Cardinals last Thursday, is is 0-0 with a 5.40 ERA in two starts for St. Louis this season. The Pacific Coast League All-Star is 6-4 with a 2.74 ERA in his 14 starts for Triple-A Memphis.

Lyons is 2-0, 5.09 ERA in five starts for St. Louis, winning each of his last two (June 13 vs. Kansas City and June 19 vs. Philadelphia). He is 5-4 with a 3.10 ERA in 10 starts at Memphis.

[StarDust Bum]

Rangers' Hamilton now dealing with groin strain

Jul 05, 2015

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, who did not play Saturday, is now dealing with a groin strain.

Hamilton came out of Friday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels after the seventh inning. He was playing for the first time against his former team, which traded him to the Rangers after two disappointing years with Los Angeles.

Hamilton, who signed a five-year, $125 million contract with the Angels in December 2012, went 1-for-3 with a double in Friday's game.

The Rangers re-acquired Hamilton from the Angels on April 27 while he was on the disabled list recovering from Feb. 4 surgery on his right shoulder. Hamilton didn't make his season debut until May 25, and he hurt the hamstring several days later.

Rangers manager Jeff Banister said Saturday was a planned day off but did not get specific with what was ailing Hamilton except to say that his "whole lower half" has been an issue since Hamilton went on the DL with a left hamstring strain after an injury May 31, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The slugger was not in the lineup for Sunday night's game against the Angels.

Hamilton returned on Tuesday from a month-long stint on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, and the veteran went 2-for-4, scored a run and made a nice sliding catch in Texas' 8-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

"Obviously, we'll see where he is throughout the night," Banister said Saturday. "We'll continue to try to manage how he feels. This is a guy we'd like to have for an extended period of time. I'm trying my best to figure this whole thing out with him and what is best for Josh."

Hamilton is hitting .303 with two home runs and five RBIs in 10 games this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Anderson 'a horse out there' for Indians

Jul 05, 2015

PITTSBURGH -- Cody Anderson has been a sensation through his first three starts with the Cleveland Indians, going 1-1 with a 0.76 ERA.

The 24-year-old rookie right-hander has allowed just two runs and 14 hits in 23 2/3 innings while striking out 10 and walking one only.

Anderson was the Indians' 14th-round draft pick in 2011 from Feather River College in Quincy, Calif. He was not considered a top prospect until this season when he went 3-2 with a 1.73 ERA in 10 starts with Double-A Akron and 1-1 with a 2.33 ERA in three starts with Triple-A Columbus.

Catcher Yan Gomes believes a large part of Anderson's early success with the Indians stems from attacking hitters.

"He's a horse out there," Gomes said. "He pitches. He's really aggressive. Gets ahead of guys. You can see some of the swings that guys are taking. He's not afraid to sometimes just try to pound the strike zone and see what happens."

Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway has been particularly impressed by Anderson's changeup, usually the last pitch a young pitcher is able to master.

"There's deception. There's location," Callaway said. "That changeup is way above average. It's really good. He sells it well. He has good depth to it. His command with it, to be able to go in and out, east and west, with it, is something you don't see very often."

[StarDust Bum]

MLB betting cheat sheet: Greinke stealing the show in L.A.

Jul 06, 2015

Here's a comprehensive look at betting notes for the mid-week major-league schedule:

Sale Goes For Strikeout Record

White Sox ace Chris Sale is coming off eight consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts, tying him with Pedro Martinez. He can set a new standard for consecutive games with double-digit Ks on Monday at home versus the Blue Jays. The southpaw is 1-1 with a 2.57 ERA in two career starts versus Toronto, but both of those came at Rogers Center. The Jays aren't an ideal opponent though, leading the major league in runs scored, and batting a major league best .307 versus left-handers.

Tigers Over Trend at 16 and Counting...

Detroit has now seen the total go over in 16 straight, and given the way they've been playing, there may be no end in sight. Their starting rotation is struggling, and the bullpen has been a complete disaster over the past few weeks. The defense has been brutal as well, evidence by two more errors in Sunday's loss to Toronto. On a positive note for the Tigers, their bats have been hot, scoring 28 runs in five games in July, and they led the majors batting .281 in June.

Greinke Working On 27 2/3 Scoreless Innings Streak

While Clayton Kershaw continues to struggle, Zack Greinke is stealing the show out west in LA. He's leading the major leagues with a 1.48 ERA, and he's now gone 27 2/3 innings without surrendering a run. He'll have an excellent chance to extend that run at home against the Phillies on Thursday.

Pitching Notes

*Hisashi Iwakuma will come off the DL on Monday to start in the series opener versus the Tigers. The 34 year old hasn't pitched for Seattle since April, but his performance at Triple-A was quite encouraging. He was 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts, pitching a total of 13 1/3 innings. Iwakuma is 20-12 with a 2.82 ERA in 42 starts at Safeco since 2012.

*Yovani Gallardo has quietly been dominating out in Texas. The right-hander has not allowed a run over 26 1/3 innings in his last four starts, and the last three came on the road. His numbers at home aren't too shabby either, going 4-2 with a 2.23 ERA in seven starts in Arlington. He should have an excellent chance to continue his success in his next start at home versus Arizona, he's 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in his last five starts versus the Diamondbacks.

Hitting Notes

*Last year's AL batting champ Jose Altuve sat out seven games due to injury in mid June, but he's riding a 13 game hitting streak since returning. He could be gearing up for another strong second half, as he hit .349 after the All Star break in 2014.

*Cubs Rookie Kris Bryant was benched for the first time in his career on July 2nd, and he's responded well going 5-for-15 with a pair of home runs and six RBIs in three games since.

Weather Notes

* Forecasts are calling for wind to blow to left-centerfield at around 14 miles per hours at Wrigley Field Monday.

* More wind in the Windy City Tuesday as forecasts are predicting wind to blow in from leftfield at roughly 19 miles per hour.

Totals Streak

The Tigers as I already mentioned have been trending toward the over, and they head out on the road to face the Mariners in their pitcher's park on Monday. They've seen the total go over in nine straight road games, and 22-5-1 in their last 28 overall. The bookmakers are expecting this trend to cool off at Safeco, with a total of O/U 7 in Game 1 of the series.

Injury Notes

*The Nats have placed Stephen Strasburg on the 15 day DL with a strained oblique. The 26 year old has had a nightmare of a season posting a 5-5 record with a 5.16 ERA in 13 starts.

*For the first time in his career, Miguel Cabrera will go on the DL with a strained calf. He's expected to miss at least six weeks. It's a huge blow for the Tigers, as the 32 year old was batting a major league best .350.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, July 6

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CINCINNATI (36 - 44) at WASHINGTON (46 - 36) - 7:05 PM
ANTHONY DESCLAFANI (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CINCINNATI is 8-26 (-15.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +150 over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 47-75 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 47-75 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 69-90 (-21.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 31-61 (-23.9 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 511-578 (+30.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CINCINNATI is 3-0 (+3.3 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

ANTHONY DESCLAFANI vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
DESCLAFANI is 1-0 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
FISTER is 2-0 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.786.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

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SAN DIEGO (39 - 45) at PITTSBURGH (47 - 34) - 7:05 PM
JAMES SHIELDS (R) vs. A.J. BURNETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 53-92 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 232-180 (+34.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 129-78 (+28.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 230-179 (+32.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 94-67 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 63-36 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 78-45 (+21.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SHIELDS is 39-21 (+19.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less since 1997. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 20-10 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 30-15 (+15.1 Units) against the money line in road games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 19-8 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 11-3 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SHIELDS is 10-2 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 12-31 (-28.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 174-180 (-36.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 141-152 (-34.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 10-21 (-16.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
BURNETT is 3-11 (-10.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 2-2 (+0.1 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

JAMES SHIELDS vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
SHIELDS is 0-0 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

A.J. BURNETT vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
BURNETT is 4-7 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.38 and a WHIP of 1.551.
His team's record is 4-8 (-6.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-6. (-1.8 units)

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ST LOUIS (53 - 28) at CHICAGO CUBS (44 - 36) - 8:05 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JON LESTER (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LACKEY is 10-21 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 117-123 (+2.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 29-20 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 66-68 (+4.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 53-28 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 22-8 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 53-28 (+20.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ST LOUIS is 35-17 (+14.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
ST LOUIS is 24-11 (+12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LACKEY is 20-8 (+12.9 Units) against the money line in road games in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHICAGO CUBS are 1431-1589 (-276.6 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 766-742 (-163.8 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 362-346 (-87.1 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1053-1185 (-213.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 40-55 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 665-767 (-198.7 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 7-2 (+4.7 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
5 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.5 Units)

JOHN LACKEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
LACKEY is 2-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.34 and a WHIP of 1.269.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-4. (-3.2 units)

JON LESTER vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
LESTER is 3-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 1.85 and a WHIP of 1.147.
His team's record is 4-1 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-3. (-1.2 units)

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ATLANTA (40 - 42) at MILWAUKEE (36 - 48) - 8:10 PM
MATT WISLER (R) vs. KYLE LOHSE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 59-69 (-22.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 25-29 (-12.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 30-27 (+7.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ATLANTA is 22-19 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 118-128 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 21-26 (-14.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 15-26 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 15-26 (-13.7 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field this season.
MILWAUKEE is 26-41 (-15.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
MILWAUKEE is 55-60 (-17.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 12-23 (-19.9 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-1 (+2.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.4 Units)

MATT WISLER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE LOHSE vs. ATLANTA since 1997
LOHSE is 6-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.262.
His team's record is 7-7 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-6. (+1.8 units)

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PHILADELPHIA (28 - 56) at LA DODGERS (46 - 37) - 10:10 PM
SEAN O'SULLIVAN (R) vs. ERIC SURKAMP (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

SEAN O'SULLIVAN vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
No recent starts.

ERIC SURKAMP vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
No recent starts.

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NY METS (42 - 41) at SAN FRANCISCO (42 - 41) - 10:15 PM
JON NIESE (L) vs. CHRIS HESTON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 13-27 (-12.6 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
NY METS are 23-33 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
NY METS are 9-22 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 2-12 (-10.4 Units) against the money line in road games after a win this season.
NIESE is 6-19 (-12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 142-120 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 211-106 (+40.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -150 to -175 since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 142-120 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 1048-882 (+113.1 Units) against the money line in night games since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 250-158 (+56.5 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters since 1997.
SAN FRANCISCO is 63-57 (+12.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-36 (-22.4 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-10 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 16-23 (-11.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 3-12 (-11.5 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive losses this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-1 (+1.6 Units) against NY METS this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

JON NIESE vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
NIESE is 1-3 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.102.
His team's record is 2-5 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-1. (+5.0 units)

CHRIS HESTON vs. NY METS since 1997
HESTON is 1-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.000.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)

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HOUSTON (48 - 36) at CLEVELAND (38 - 43) - 7:10 PM
DALLAS KEUCHEL (L) vs. CARLOS CARRASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 48-36 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 14-8 (+9.5 Units) against the money line when the total is 7 or less over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 19-9 (+12.0 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +100 to +125 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 48-33 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
HOUSTON is 80-88 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 31-18 (+14.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KEUCHEL is 29-17 (+15.7 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 28-16 (+14.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 19-10 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
KEUCHEL is 18-9 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CLEVELAND is 38-43 (-14.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-23 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-43 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
CLEVELAND is 5-15 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 13-20 (-9.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-26 (-12.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CARRASCO is 7-13 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CARRASCO is 7-13 (-11.5 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on a grass field over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
CARRASCO is 6-17 (-15.0 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-1 (+0.9 Units) against HOUSTON this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)

DALLAS KEUCHEL vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
KEUCHEL is 2-0 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 0.78 and a WHIP of 0.913.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)

CARLOS CARRASCO vs. HOUSTON since 1997
CARRASCO is 2-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 0.42 and a WHIP of 0.516.
His team's record is 2-1 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.2 units)

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BALTIMORE (43 - 39) at MINNESOTA (43 - 39) - 8:10 PM
WEI-YIN CHEN (L) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
BALTIMORE is 5-16 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 43-39 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 16-8 (+9.3 Units) against the money line as a home underdog of +100 to +125 this season.
MINNESOTA is 25-15 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 43-39 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 22-19 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 18-11 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-15 (+13.1 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
HUGHES is 28-20 (+12.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 27-20 (+10.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 51-29 (+24.9 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
HUGHES is 17-7 (+13.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BALTIMORE is 143-109 (+38.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 63-59 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-11 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 19-9 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 127-96 (+33.0 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 109-80 (+33.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 78-63 (+16.0 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 65-52 (+19.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 34-19 (+19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
CHEN is 30-18 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 38-17 (+20.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 29-14 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHEN is 15-7 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MINNESOTA is 38-69 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

WEI-YIN CHEN vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
CHEN is 3-1 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.42 and a WHIP of 1.141.
His team's record is 3-1 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.3 units)

PHIL HUGHES vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
HUGHES is 8-5 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.61 and a WHIP of 1.388.
His team's record is 11-9 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 11-7. (+3.7 units)

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TAMPA BAY (43 - 41) at KANSAS CITY (46 - 33) - 8:10 PM
ALEX COLOME (R) vs. EDINSON VOLQUEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 120-126 (-26.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 85-93 (-22.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 46-33 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 46-33 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
KANSAS CITY is 105-75 (+19.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 33-19 (+12.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 83-64 (+12.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 70-56 (+11.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 23-16 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 11-3 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in road games in July games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ALEX COLOME vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

EDINSON VOLQUEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
VOLQUEZ is 2-0 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 2.66 and a WHIP of 1.033.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TORONTO (43 - 41) at CHI WHITE SOX (36 - 43) - 8:10 PM
MARK BUEHRLE (L) vs. CHRIS SALE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 10-1 (+9.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
BUEHRLE is 31-17 (+14.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 22-10 (+13.1 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 18-7 (+11.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
BUEHRLE is 18-5 (+13.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TORONTO is 2-1 (+0.8 Units) against CHI WHITE SOX this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

MARK BUEHRLE vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
BUEHRLE is 1-1 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 3.20 and a WHIP of 1.322.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

CHRIS SALE vs. TORONTO since 1997
SALE is 1-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 2.57 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DETROIT (41 - 40) at SEATTLE (38 - 44) - 10:10 PM
ALFREDO SIMON (R) vs. HISASHI IWAKUMA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 19-27 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
DETROIT is 16-23 (-9.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
DETROIT is 61-60 (-16.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SIMON is 28-20 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 28-20 (+10.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SIMON is 10-3 (+8.6 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
SEATTLE is 38-44 (-11.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 4-10 (-9.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -150 this season.
SEATTLE is 17-23 (-12.5 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 10-15 (-8.3 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 7 or less this season.
SEATTLE is 33-43 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
SEATTLE is 13-18 (-10.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
SEATTLE is 14-19 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
SEATTLE is 14-23 (-12.8 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SEATTLE is 14-21 (-9.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.

ALFREDO SIMON vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

HISASHI IWAKUMA vs. DETROIT since 1997
IWAKUMA is 1-1 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 2-1 (+2.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (36-44) at Nationals (46-36)
Game: 1
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: July 06, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

Behind star slugger Bryce Harper and an overpowering rotation, the surging Washington Nationals are closing in on their longest run at home in 10 years.

Doug Fister hopes to add to that success as the Nationals seek their 10th straight home victory Monday night in the opener of a three-game series against the struggling Cincinnati Reds.

Washington starters have posted an 0.44 ERA, tossing six scoreless outings and conceding only three runs in 61 innings, during the winning streak at Nationals Park. The Nationals haven't won 10 in a row there since a 12-game run in June 2005.

Jordan Zimmermann provided the latest gem Sunday when he allowed one run over seven innings in a 3-1 win over San Francisco for the NL East-leading Nationals' 12th win in 15 games overall.

Harper, voted to his third All-Star Game on Sunday, is 5 for 7 with a home run and two doubles in his last two games. He's also batting .385 with seven homers in 27 games since the start of June.

"I have a great group of guys around me," Harper told MLB's official website. "They come in, have fun. They do the things we need to do as a group, as a family that we are."

Fister (3-4, 4.34 ERA) will try to continue Washington's groove on the mound. However, he's still trying to find his way since missing more than a month because of a flexor strain in his right elbow.

After scattering four hits over seven innings in a 7-0 home win over Atlanta in his second start off the disabled list June 25, he gave up four runs over six in Wednesday's 4-1 road loss to the Braves.

"Things are starting to get back to normal," Fister told MLB's official website. "It's just a matter of fine-tuning and getting back to the game plan."

The right-hander seeks his third straight win against the Reds after going 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two meetings last season. Marlon Byrd has had the most success against him, going 5 for 12 with a home run.

Byrd is batting .356 over a 10-game hitting streak heading into this series after finishing with two of his team's four hits in Sunday's 6-1 home loss to NL Central-worst Milwaukee.

The Reds (36-44) have scored two runs or less six times during this 2-7 stretch. Joey Votto has gone 3 for 32 over that span, while Brandon Phillips is 5 for 28 in his past seven.

It certainly hasn't helped that Cincinnati's pitching staff has a 6.83 ERA over its last six.

'We need to do better at doing the little thing,' said manager Bryan Price, whose club is now just two games ahead of the Brewers. 'It is something you say when you get outplayed and get drubbed.'

Anthony DeSclafani (5-6, 3.63) aims to regroup from one of his worst outings of the season. He gave up a season high-tying six runs over 6 2-3 innings in Tuesday's 8-5 home loss to Minnesota.

The right-hander has pitched well on the road, going 3-2 with a 2.45 ERA in eight starts. In his only start versus Washington (46-36), he gave up two runs over six innings in a 5-2 home win May 29.

Harper is 1 for 4 with a strikeout in their matchups and 2 for 19 over his last six games against the Reds.

The Nationals were outscored 21-9 in dropping three straight at Cincinnati in May. All-Star Todd Frazier keyed the Reds' sweep by going 8 for 12 with two home runs and three doubles.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Reds at Nationals
Mon, Jul 6 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Reds at Nationals
Tue, Jul 7 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Reds at Nationals
Wed, Jul 8 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Padres (39-45) at Pirates (47-34)
Game: 1
Venue: PNC Park
Date: July 06, 2015 7:05 PM EDT

A.J. Burnett is walking batters at the lowest frequency of his career, and that aggressive approach is fueling his renaissance season.

James Shields' inability to throw strikes, conversely, has proven costly of late.

These veteran right-handers match up Monday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres open a three-game series at PNC Park.

Burnett (7-3, 2.05 ERA) ended a four-game winless stretch with his fifth straight quality start Wednesday at Detroit, allowing two runs over seven innings in a 9-3 victory.

Opponents are hitting .255 against Burnett - barely better than .256 last year when he posted a 4.59 ERA. One of the biggest differences has been Burnett's ability to limit walks. He didn't record a base on balls against the Tigers and his 2.31 walks per nine innings marks the lowest rate of his career.

The 38-year-old, who was backed by a total of five runs over his previous four outings, said the nine runs of support didn't change his approach.

"I program myself that it's 0-0 no matter what," Burnett, whose ERA is a personal best, told MLB's official website. "I didn't change anything. Just try to get strike one, and get back in the dugout."

Burnett is 4-7 with 4.38 ERA in 12 matchups with San Diego, including a win in Pittsburgh's 11-5 road victory May 28. He gave up five runs over 5 2-3 innings.

Shields (7-3, 4.14) hasn't performed nearly as well as Burnett despite an identical record, as he's 0-3 with a 5.59 ERA over his last five outings. His last start could be something to build off, though, as he limited Seattle to two runs over 6 2-3 innings in a 7-0 loss on Wednesday.

While Burnett has been effective because of his aggressiveness, much of Shields' ineffectiveness can be chalked up to his career-worst 3.02 walks per nine innings. He walked four Mariners and has three or more walks in three of his last four starts.

Shields has been stuck on seven wins since June 3, receiving eight runs of support in five games.

The right-hander gave up two runs over six innings without a decision in San Diego's 6-2 win against the Pirates on May 29, his first career matchup. The teams split the four-game series.

Pittsburgh (47-34) beat Cleveland 5-3 on Sunday, its seventh in nine games. The rotation has posted a 2.52 ERA in that span with Gerrit Cole working eight strong innings against the Indians.

The Pirates haven't needed much offense, going 25-2 when scoring at least three runs since May 22, though Neil Walker is 17 for 37 with nine RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.

Starling Marte, who leads the team with 44 runs, left Sunday's game during a fourth-inning at-bat with discomfort in his left side, but said he felt better afterward.

The Padres (39-45) lost 3-1 at St. Louis on Sunday, recording three hits and scoring two runs or fewer for the fifth time in six games. Justin Upton and Matt Kemp are a combined 4 for 37 in that span.

Upton is 8 for 16 with two homers and two doubles off Burnett, while Kemp is 0 for 11 with eight strikeouts.

San Diego has averaged 5.9 runs while winning 16 of its last 19 at Pittsburgh.

Josh Harrison is 16 for 36 (.444) with three doubles and two triples in his last nine against the Padres.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Padres at Pirates
Mon, Jul 6 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Padres at Pirates
Tue, Jul 7 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Padres at Pirates
Wed, Jul 8 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (48-36) at Indians (38-43)
Game: 1
Venue: Progressive Field
Date: July 06, 2015 7:10 PM EDT

Dallas Keuchel's business-like approach helps him block out any talk of individual accolades and focus on giving the Houston Astros a solid effort each time he's on the mound.

That type of demeanor doesn't resonate with Carlos Carrasco, who wore his light-hearted attitude on his sleeve at the end of his most recent excellent outing.

They'll oppose each other Monday night as the Astros host the opener of a four-game series with the Cleveland Indians.

Keuchel (10-3, 2.03 ERA) continues showing it was no fluke when he went 12-9 with a 2.93 ERA for the 92-loss Astros in 2014, and his improvement has helped surprising Houston (48-36) surge to the most wins in the AL.

The left-hander has been especially superb over his last two starts, striking out a career-high 12 in a six-hitter to beat the New York Yankees 4-0 on June 25 before winning by the same score Tuesday after giving up seven hits in eight innings against Kansas City.

Keuchel became the first Astros pitcher to win 10 games before the All-Star break since Roy Oswalt in 2005.

"He gets after it every five days, and I think that he does that trying to be the best more than trying to accomplish anything outside of a win," manager A.J. Hinch said.

Keuchel has tossed at least six innings while not allowing an earned run in seven of his 17 outings, including April 6 when he allowed three hits in seven innings of a 2-0 win over Cleveland. He's 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA in three career starts against the Indians (38-43).

He could be in for a duel against Carrasco (10-6, 3.88), who has gotten better as the season progresses and is 5-2 with a 3.00 ERA over his last seven starts.

After allowing two runs in eight innings of an 8-2 win over Detroit on June 24, Carrasco had a perfect game through 7 1-3 and held Tampa Bay hitless for 8 2-3 before allowing an RBI single in Wednesday's 8-1 win.

The right-hander struck out a career-high 13 and showed no disappointment after losing the no-hitter and being removed, smiling and lauding second baseman Jason Kipnis for his attempt to snag the line drive that sailed over his head.

"All I could do was laugh," Carrasco said. "Everything was great. Everyone played good. I had my teammates, my defense. You know what? It's most important that we won."

Carrasco pitched the Indians to a 2-0 victory over the Astros on April 8, allowing three hits and striking out 10 in 6 1-3 innings. He also had the best start of his career against Houston on Sept. 17, tossing a two-hitter in a 2-0 victory.

Cleveland is looking to get back on track after dropping the final two of a three-game series with Pittsburgh. It had won five straight before falling 1-0 on Saturday and blowing a three-run lead in Sunday's 5-3 loss.

Houston is coming off a similar situation, as it had a five-game winning streak snapped with Saturday's 6-1 loss to Boston before losing a late lead in Sunday's series finale and falling 5-4.

Jose Altuve singled to extend his hitting streak to 13, and rookie Carlos Correa had three hits. Correa went 7 for 14 with two homers in the series, including a two-run shot in the seventh Sunday before Evan Gattis' go-ahead homer two pitches later.

Correa was still in the minors when Cleveland took two of three from the Astros from April 6-8. The Indians have won 13 of the last 16 meetings.


SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Indians
Mon, Jul 6 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Astros at Indians
Tue, Jul 7 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Indians
Wed, Jul 8 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Astros at Indians
Thu, Jul 9 - 7:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (53-28) at Cubs (44-36)
Game: 1
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: July 06, 2015 8:05 PM EDT

The MLB-best St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs have both overcome shortages on the offensive end thanks to some spectacular work on the mound.

The Cubs, however, haven't measured up in either category in the season series with their rivals.

Former Boston teammates John Lackey and Jon Lester face off in the opener of a four-game series Monday night when the visiting Cardinals look to maintain their dominance over the Cubs.

St. Louis (53-28) has hit .195 while totaling 11 runs in its last six games, but moved past a four-game losing streak by holding San Diego to two total runs in back-to-back victories.

Lance Lynn allowed one unearned run over seven innings Sunday, while rookie Tommy Pham added a two-run homer and a double in a 3-1 home win.

'He's sparking us, that's exactly what we were hoping for,' manager Mike Matheny said.

Chicago is also slumping with a .207 average and 2.2 runs per game over its last 12. The team, however, has won five of six since a five-game skid while posting a 0.80 ERA in those six contests.

Kyle Hendrick provided the latest gem with 7 1-3 stellar innings in Sunday's 2-0 win over Miami.

'As long as you can pull some of this ... magical stuff out while you're waiting for the offense to come I'll take it,' manager Joe Maddon said after his team finished with three hits.

The Cubs (44-36) have averaged 2.9 runs against the Cardinals, but their rotation hasn't been able to make up for those shortcomings with a 5.06 ERA while dropping seven of nine in the season series.

Lackey hopes to keep Chicago's bats quiet as the Cardinals seek a season high-tying fourth straight road win in the opener of a trip with stops at the two teams nearest to them in the NL Central.

The right-hander has gone 1-0 with a 1.84 mark in two starts against the Cubs this year, allowing two runs over seven innings in a 3-2, 10-inning win June 26.

Kris Bryant is 1 for 6 with five strikeouts when facing Lackey, while Anthony Rizzo has gone 0 for 9 and twice has been hit by a pitch. Chris Coghlan has fared better, going 8 for 14 with a double.

Rizzo is expected back after sitting out Sunday's win while in a 3-for-28 slump. He's one shy of his 18th hit-by-pitch, which would be the most by any Cub in a single season since 1900.

Lackey (6-5, 3.30 ERA) has gone 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA in his last four starts overall after yielding two runs over seven in Wednesday's 7-1 home loss to the Chicago White Sox.

Lester (4-6, 3.74) was his teammate from 2010-14 and both helped the Red Sox win the 2013 World Series. Now he's hoping to build on one of his best outings as a Cub after allowing five hits over seven innings in a 2-0, 11-inning victory at the New York Mets.

Lester, who hasn't won since May 16, had gone 0-3 with a 5.74 ERA in five June outings. He'll be without personal catcher David Ross, who is sidelined with a mild concussion.

The left-hander faces the Cardinals for the third time this season, going 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA. Jhonny Peralta homered off him in Chicago's 6-5 win in the most recent matchup May 6.

Lester will also have to be careful with Jason Heyward, who is 8 for 15 with a homer off him. Heyward is also 14 for 35 (.400) in this season series.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Cubs
Mon, Jul 6 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 2
Cardinals at Cubs
Tue, Jul 7 - 1:20PM EDT

GAME 3
Cardinals at Cubs
Wed, Jul 8 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (43-41) at White Sox (36-43)
Game: 1
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: July 06, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Mark Buehrle's legacy with the Chicago White Sox centers around the 2005 World Series championship he helped deliver during his 12 years with the club.

It's also part of the reason Chris Sale believes he has a long way to go in order to match Buehrle's accomplishments, no matter how dominant he's been while wearing the same uniform.

Sale can become the first player in history to record at least 10 strikeouts in nine consecutive starts when he opposes his former mentor in Monday night's series opener against the visiting Toronto Blue Jays.

Buehrle signed with Miami for the 2012 season after leaving a lasting impression on Sale, who came up with the White Sox as a reliever in August 2010. Both left-handers work quickly and are extremely competitive, but Sale's overpowering style contrasts with Buehrle's soft-tossing approach.

Sale (6-4, 2.87 ERA) is 3-2 with a 1.56 ERA over his last seven outings after giving up one run in eight innings of a 2-1, 11-inning win over St. Louis on Tuesday. He struck out 12 to tie Pedro Martinez's major league record of striking out at least 10 in eight straight starts, set in 1999.

Sale, striking out 12.28 hitters per nine innings to lead the majors, says he's not thinking about breaking any records.

'Those kinds of things don't really matter to me,' Sale said. 'You start worrying about that stuff right now and we won't be talking about it anymore, that's for sure.'

Sale once said that it would take winning multiple championships to potentially supplant Buehrle as the premier pitcher in White Sox history, and now he'll get his first chance to go head-to-head with the veteran.

Manager Robin Ventura started rookie Carlos Rodon in Sunday's 9-1 loss to Baltimore to give an extra day of rest to Sale, who has thrown fewer than 110 pitches once in his last 10 starts.

"We didn't do that because (Sale would oppose Buehrle), but you notice it," Ventura said. "It could be a quick game."

The 36-year-old Buehrle (9-4, 3.64) is proving he has plenty left in the tank as he prepares to take the mound as a visitor at U.S. Cellular Field for the second time.

He's 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA in his last six starts after allowing one run and four hits in seven innings of Wednesday's 11-2 win over Boston.

"I'm feeling good, I can't tell you why I'm feeling good but â?¦ it's that time of the year," Buehrle said. "I'm having some good outings, making good pitches and when I'm not making good pitches I'm getting away with them."

Buehrle's only start on the South Side not in a White Sox uniform came Aug. 16, when he allowed three runs in 5 1-3 innings of Toronto's 6-3 victory. He's 1-1 with a 3.20 ERA in three starts against the White Sox (36-43), who had a four-game winning streak snapped Sunday.

The Blue Jays (43-41) had dropped three straight before Sunday's 10-5 win over Detroit. Jose Bautista hit a two-run homer and Justin Smoak added a solo shot.

'We definitely needed this one,' manager John Gibbons said. 'We've got Sale tomorrow, so we needed a game where the offense could get things going.'

Sale has struck out six over seven innings in each of his two career starts against the Blue Jays. He gave up three runs in a 3-1 loss in 2013 and two runs with five walks in a 4-3 victory June 28, 2014.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Blue Jays at White Sox
Mon, Jul 6 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Blue Jays at White Sox
Tue, Jul 7 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Blue Jays at White Sox
Wed, Jul 8 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Blue Jays at White Sox
Thu, Jul 9 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (43-41) at Royals (46-33)
Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: July 06, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

It was a rewarding Sunday for the Kansas City Royals in more ways than one.

Looking to sustain their momentum for the final week of the first half of the season and ready to show off their newly minted All-Stars, the Royals open a four-game series Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The AL Central-leading Royals (46-33) endured a rough stretch early last week with a four-game losing streak - including three in a sweep by upstart Houston - before grinding out a four-game split versus Minnesota, their closest pursuers in the division. Eric Hosmer's double in the ninth plated Lorenzo Cain with the winning run as Kansas City rebuilt its division lead over the Twins to 4 1/2 games.

'It's huge. It's as big a game as you're going to play in early July,' manager Ned Yost said. 'Very seldom do you have a chance to make it a two-game swing.'

After the game, Yost - who will manage the AL team after reaching the World Series last year - learned he would have at least four of his players on the bench with him in Cincinnati for next week's All-Star game as catcher Salvador Perez, shortstop Alcides Escobar and outfielders Cain and Alex Gordon were voted as starters by the fans. It's the first time the Royals have had an All-Star starter since Jermaine Dye in 2000, and they likely will match their team record of five set in 1982 since Eric Hosmer could make it as an injury replacement while reliever Wade Davis (0.25 ERA) is an extremely strong candidate.

'It's just been the support of our fans, really, over the last two years,' said Gordon, making his third straight All-Star appearance. 'Winning brings attention and that's what we've been doing. I think we play with a lot of energy, a lot of fun. People have noticed it.'

Edinson Volquez (8-4, 3.48 ERA) again seeks his fifth consecutive victory after arguably his worst outing of the season. He allowed five runs - three coming on two homers - and eight hits in five-plus innings Wednesday, but the Royals rallied to get him off the hook in their 6-5 loss to the Astros.

The right-hander is 2-0 with a 2.66 ERA in three lifetime starts against the Rays, pitching eight innings of one-run ball last year in an 8-1 victory. Tampa Bay shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who is 13 for 35 in his last 10 games to raise his average to .226, is 3 for 8 with a homer against Volquez.

The Rays (43-41) righted themselves with an 8-1 victory Sunday over the Yankees to avoid a three-game sweep in the Bronx and end a season-worst seven-game losing streak. James Loney and Logan Forsythe each had two-run singles for Tampa Bay, which shook off a pair of walkoff defeats to avoid falling to .500 for the first time since June 1.

'At the plate we got going, finally,' said Forsythe, who is only 2 for 24 over his last seven games and went hitless in 12 at-bats versus Kansas City in 2014. 'It's nice to have a quality game.'

Alex Colome (3-4, 4.70) is hoping the offense delivers again while potentially fighting to save his spot in the rotation. He's 0-3 with a 4.63 in his last eight starts and was tagged for five runs and eight hits over seven innings in an 8-1 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday.

"They don't say nothing to us," Colome told MLB's official website about possibly being bumped for Jake Odorizzi, who will make a rehab start Monday in Charlotte. "Something you have to ask the manager. The only thing I can do is do my job. Go out and pitch."

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Royals
Mon, Jul 6 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Rays at Royals
Tue, Jul 7 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Rays at Royals
Wed, Jul 8 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Rays at Royals
Thu, Jul 9 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (40-42) at Brewers (36-48)
Game: 1
Venue: Miller Park
Date: July 06, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

Kyle Lohse acknowledged after his last outing that his days with the Milwaukee Brewers could be coming to an end.

For now, he's focused on helping the club continue its long winning streak.

The hot-hitting Brewers return home after a perfect road trip seeking a ninth consecutive victory when they face the Atlanta Braves on Monday night.

Lohse (5-9, 6.24 ERA) hasn't been very impressive, but with the July 31 trade deadline looming a number of contending teams are searching for depth in the starting rotation. Despite its run, Milwaukee (36-48) is in last place in the NL Central.

Lohse took the rumors in stride after allowing four runs in 6 1-3 innings of Wednesday's 9-5 win over Philadelphia. The right-hander gave up two runs through six before becoming a bit unraveled to start the seventh.

He's allowed at least four runs in six of his last eight starts.

"Obviously, many of us wish our season stats looked better than they do right now, but you can't fix it all in one night," Lohse said. "You just keep doing the things that you do to be successful. (Wednesday's outing) was another step in the right direction for me."

Lohse has no reason to complain about his recent numbers against the Braves, going 2-1 with a 1.50 ERA in the last three matchups, most recently allowing one run in eight innings of a 6-1 victory May 21, 2014.

Milwaukee has backed its starters with plenty of offense recently, averaging 7.25 runs during the eight-game winning streak. Gerardo Parra homered leading off the seventh inning Sunday and Adam Lind followed with a two-run shot three batters later in a 6-1 win over Cincinnati that completed a seven-game trip.

Jean Segura had three hits and has gone 10 for 16 in his last four. Lind is batting .404 with four homers and 17 RBIs over his last 13.

'It's a great stretch,' manager Craig Counsell said. 'We're getting guys on base (and) everybody's cleaning up with guys on base.'

The Brewers have lost eight of 10 to the Braves (40-42), dropping three of four in Atlanta from May 21-24. They'll get their first look at Matt Wisler in his fourth career start.

Wisler (2-1, 2.60) allowed one hit and overcame five walks in 5 1-3 innings to beat Washington 4-1 on Wednesday. He didn't walk anyone in 11 innings over his first two starts after being called up from the minors to make his debut June 19.

The right-hander also struck out six after striking out two in his previous outings combined.

'The last time I was leaving balls up in the zone,' said Wisler, recalling when he gave up six runs and nine hits in four innings of a 7-0 loss to the Nationals on June 25. '(Wednesday), I finally got down in the zone. That's what helped me a lot with a couple ground balls. ... My misses were not like up in the zone and over the plate.'

Wisler might avoid having to face Carlos Gomez, who sat out Sunday with a left wrist contusion after being hit by a pitch Saturday. Counsell said he doesn't think Gomez will miss much time, leaving it unclear if he'll play against the Braves, who are beginning a seven-game trip.

They had a four-game winning streak snapped with Sunday's 4-0, 10-inning loss to Philadelphia. A.J. Pierzynski had three of the seven hits for Atlanta, which has scored fewer than three runs in three of its last four.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Braves at Brewers
Mon, Jul 6 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Braves at Brewers
Tue, Jul 7 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Braves at Brewers
Wed, Jul 8 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Orioles (43-39) at Twins (43-39)
Game: 1
Venue: Target Field
Date: July 06, 2015 8:10 PM EDT

The Baltimore Orioles finally got the breakout offensive game they desperately needed.

A matchup with Phil Hughes could make it difficult for them to continue in that direction.

A pair of second-place teams open a three-game series at Target Field on Monday night as the Orioles and Minnesota Twins meet for the first time this season.

Things turned around quickly for Baltimore (43-39), which followed a 16-4 run with five losses in six games before a 9-1 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

Manny Machado's two-run homer in the eighth inning of Saturday's 3-2 loss prevented the Orioles from being shut out in three consecutive games for the first time since 1957. They totaled 13 runs, batted .195 and struck out 50 times during the 1-5 stretch.

There were no such problems Sunday as Baltimore cruised behind three hits from Steve Pearce. Jonathan Schoop provided an immediate boost to the struggling offense, homering in his first at-bat in nearly three months following his recovery from a sprained right knee.

'The nerves were all there,' Schoop said. 'I was a little bit excited, but I feel really good.'

Adam Jones had a pair doubles and scored twice after entering Sunday in a 5-for-36 slump.

'It gives you confidence and you have more room to work with,' winning pitcher Miguel Gonzalez said about the run support. 'We did a good job hitting, and our defense was great.'

Chris Davis was robbed of a home run for the second straight day, but knocked in two to give him a team-leading 51 RBIs. He's batting .333 with four homers and 18 RBIs in his last 11 games against the Twins.

Hughes (7-6, 4.27 ERA) takes the mound after his start was pushed back a day to accommodate Ervin Santana's return Sunday.

The right-hander won his third straight outing Tuesday, allowing four runs and eight hits over 6 2-3 innings in an 8-5 victory at Cincinnati. It was a rare struggle for Hughes, who had compiled a 2.43 ERA in his previous four appearances before facing the Reds.

'You always gain confidence when things are going right and you're winning games,' Hughes said. 'It's high right now. I hope it continues.'

The right-hander is 8-5 with a 4.83 ERA in 19 starts against the Orioles, but went 2-0 with a 1.26 ERA in two meetings last season, his first with the Twins.

Machado is 6 for 13 against Hughes, but Jones and Matt Wieters are a combined 15 for 83 (.181).

Minnesota returns home after completing a 4-6 road trip with Sunday's 3-2 loss to Kansas City.

The Twins didn't do much offensively in the second half of the trek, scoring 12 runs and going 6 for 40 (.150) with runners in scoring position in the final five games.

Brian Dozier and Torii Hunter combined to go 5 for 38 in those contests, but both have performed well lately against the Orioles.

Hunter is batting .386 with four home runs, 12 RBIs and a 1.129 OPS in his last 14 meetings. Dozier is batting .361 with 10 runs during a nine-game hitting streak in the series.

Dozier is 5 for 11 with a homer off Wei-Yin Chen (4-4, 2.84), who looks to continue an impressive string of outings.

He is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA in his last six starts, allowing two earned runs or less in five straight. The left-hander surrendered a pair of solo homers, two other hits and a walk in eight innings Wednesday in a 4-2 victory over Texas.

Chen is 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA in three starts at Target Field.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Twins
Mon, Jul 6 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Orioles at Twins
Tue, Jul 7 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Orioles at Twins
Wed, Jul 8 - 1:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Tigers (41-40) at Mariners (38-44)
Game: 1
Venue: Safeco Field
Date: July 06, 2015 10:10 PM EDT

Hisashi Iwakuma's injury has been one of many factors behind the Seattle Mariners' disappointing first half.

They're hoping Iwakuma, making his first start in more than two months, can help open the team's final pre-All Star break homestand with a victory Monday night against the Detroit Tigers.

Iwakuma (0-1, 6.61 ERA) went to the disabled list with a strained back muscle after just three starts, last pitching April 20. Seattle (38-44) is hoping the right-hander can regain the form of his first three seasons when he went 38-20 with a 3.07 ERA.

Iwakuma is replacing Roenis Elias in the rotation. Elias, optioned to Triple-A Tacoma, is 4-6 with a 4.27 ERA, but just 1-3 with an 8.55 ERA in his last four starts.

"Elias has thrown the ball extremely well," manager Lloyd McClendon told MLB's official website. "He probably doesn't deserve to be going down, but we can only carry so many guys on the roster. He has options. These things are tough sometimes, but that's the way it goes."

Iwakuma surrendered five homers before being injured - one more than he allowed in his final nine starts of 2014.

He went 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three rehab starts, earning the victory Tuesday for Tacoma when he gave up one run over 5 2-3 innings versus Las Vegas. He's 1-1 with a 2.25 ERA in three career starts versus Detroit.

The Tigers (41-40) have dropped four of six while posting a 6.06 ERA with just two quality starts. Justin Verlander gave up seven runs over five innings in Sunday's 10-5 loss to Toronto.

Offense hasn't been much of an issue lately for Detroit, which has averaged 5.1 runs over its last 10. Even without Miguel Cabrera, whom the Tigers lost to a calf injury Friday that will sideline him at least six weeks, they had 11 hits Sunday. Alex Avila has gone 2 for 6 while starting the last two games in place of Cabrera, who was voted the AL's starting first baseman for the All-Star Game.

Ian Kinsler, who tripled Sunday, is hitting .361 with seven RBIs in his last eight games, and he's 9 for 23 with three homers against Iwakuma. Cespedes is 10 for 24 with three home runs and five doubles off the right-hander.

Seth Smith drove in both runs in Seattle's 2-1 win at Oakland on Sunday. Aside from Friday's 9-5 victory, those were the Mariners' only runs in the four-game series.

McClendon will miss the series to attend his sister's funeral, while bench coach Trent Jewett will serve as manager in his absence.

Detroit's Alfredo Simon (7-5, 3.94) has given up 18 runs in his last three outings, spanning 14 2-3 innings. The four home runs given by the right-hander in that span match the amount he allowed in his previous nine starts.

He was clobbered for 15 hits - the most allowed by a Tigers pitcher since 1998 - and six runs over 5 2-3 innings of a 9-3 loss to Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

The Tigers are hoping he doesn't fall victim to another late-season swoon. He was 12-3 with a 2.70 ERA for Cincinnati before last year's All-Star Break, then went 3-7 with a 4.52 ERA in his final 14 outings.

"We're not to the second half yet," manager Brad Ausmus told MLB's official website. "But certainly, his last three outings haven't been as good as his previous outings."

Simon has a 0.93 ERA over seven career relief appearances against the Mariners.

Seattle won four of six meetings last year.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Tigers at Mariners
Mon, Jul 6 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 2
Tigers at Mariners
Tue, Jul 7 - 10:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Tigers at Mariners
Wed, Jul 8 - 3:40PM EDT