Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 01:19 AM

Dave Dombrowski out as Tigers GM, president; Al Avila takes over

Dave Dombrowski has been released from his contract as general manager of the Detroit Tigers, the team announced Tuesday afternoon. Al Avila, his top assistant, is taking over.

Tigers owner Mike Ilitch tells the media:

"I would like to thank Dave Dombrowski for his 14 years of service," said Ilitch. "Together we've enjoyed some success, but we're still in aggressive pursuit of our ultimate goal: to bring a World Series title to Detroit and Michigan. I've decided to release Dave from his contract in order to afford him the time to pursue other career opportunities. I feel this is the right time for the Tigers to move forward under new leadership."
It appears, but is not certain, that Dombroski was fired. He was not quoted in the team's press release. Nobody from the Ilitch family was at the Avila press conference Tuesday evening. To reporters, Avila said he was asked about taking the job as GM on Saturday, adding that he's not sure what led Ilitch to replace Dombrowski. Avila said he has a multiyear contract, which he signed Tuesday, though he would not give the length of the deal.

"It's long enough to have security in trying to continue a winning tradition," Avila said.

Tom Gage, a longtime Tigers writer, brings up a fair point:

‏@Tom_Gage
if DD was fired for performance, you'd think Avila would have been dumped, too-as Avila just said on FSD, "I've been involved in everything"

Avila, father of Detroit catcher Alex Avila, says he thinks the Tigers can compete this season. Detroit is currently 51-54 and three games back in the wild-card hunt.

After winning a World Series with the Marlins in 1997, Dombrowski oversaw the resurgence of the Tigers organization, which he took over in 2002. The Tigers won the AL pennant in 2006 and returned to the World Series in 2012, making five playoff appearances in all under Dombrowski, including four straight through 2014. The Tigers slipped this season to .500 or so, and declared themselves to be sellers at the non-waiver trading deadline. They moved ace left-hander David Price to the Blue Jays for prospects. One of them, left-hander Matt Boyd, is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Royals.

It's possible that fallout from the Price trade, along with that of slugger Yoenis Cespedis, led to a disagreement between Ilitch and Dombrowski. A change of heart, on someone's part? It remains for Ilitch and Dombrowski to say.

Avila, 57, has been a front-office executive for the past 24 years, the past 14 of them with the Tigers. This is his first job as general manager. Avila was asked about manager Brad Ausmus, and said only that he supports him fully, but that everyone will be evaluated at season's end.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 01:22 AM

Dombrowski will have plenty of options after parting ways with Tigers

Tuesday afternoon, the Tigers and GM Dave Dombrowski parted ways in a rather surprising move. It sounds as though Dombrowski was fired -- "I feel this is the right time for the Tigers to move forward under new leadership," owner Mike Ilitch said in a statement -- though no one has come out and confirmed that.

Either way, Dombrowski figures to have plenty of options. He's been incredibly successful both with the Tigers and earlier in his career with the Marlins, and he's very highly regarded within the industry. Dombrowski is an upper-echelon baseball executive. No doubt about it. He'll be in high demand.

Dombrowski's contract was set to expire after the season and there had been speculation he would look to head elsewhere and perhaps focus on a team president position. (He was GM and president with the Tigers.) Remember, when Dombrowski left the Marlins in 2001, he had the Tigers' job in mind. He could already have something lined up right now.

Now that Dombrowski is a free agent, let's look at some possible landing spots. Consider what follows an educated guess. Speculation, not actual reporting.

Boston Red Sox: CEO Larry Lucchino is stepping aside after the season -- he'll be replaced by executive vice president and COO Sam Kennedy -- and there have been rumblings of a front office shakeup in the wake of the team's disappointing season. Dombrowski would add instant credibility to a team that is heading towards its third last place finish in the last four years.

Los Angeles Angels: GM Jerry Dipoto resigned a few weeks ago after a long dispute with manager Mike Scioscia came to a head. Bill Stoneman is filling in as the interim GM. John Carpino is currently the team's president but he is not very involved in the baseball operations. Would Dombrowski join a club where the manager has so much control and is basically unfireable?

Milwaukee Brewers: As reported by CBS Sports MLB Insider Jon Heyman, GM Doug Melvin is considering stepping aside and assuming a different role with the team in the near future. That could create an opening for Dombrowski. The only question is whether the Brewers would allow him to take over as the team president.

Philadelphia Phillies: Andy MacPhail is set to replace Pat Gillick as team president after the season and GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is been on the hot seat for years it seems. He's expected to be replaced after the season. Money isn't an object for the Phillies. The question is whether Dombrowski would "settle" for the GM job with MacPhail now on board.

Toronto Blue Jays: The Jays are on the short list of realistic suitors for Dombrowski. Longtime president Paul Beeston is retiring after the season, and the club very publicly (and unsuccessfully) pursued Orioles GM Dave Duquette for the job this past offseason. Dombrowski has experience working in Canada -- he was with the Expos before the Marlins -- and again, he brings instant credibility. Expect the Jays to pursue him aggressively.

Seattle Mariners: This might be the best "clean slate" opportunity for Dombrowski. GM Jack Zduriencik's job is not safe following the team's disappointing season, so the club could woo Dombrowski by offering him the opportunity to run the baseball operations, hire his own GM, his own advisors, his own manager, the works. Seattle's a great city and Safeco Field is a gorgeous ballpark. This would be one attractive job.

Commissioner's Office: Long before Rob Manfred replaced Bud Selig as commissioner, there were rumblings Dombrowski would get consideration for the job. He could opt for a cushy job in MLB's executive offices, avoid the day-to-day stress of running a team, and still be heavily involved in the game.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 01:27 AM

MLB suspends Blue Jays RP Aaron Sanchez for three games

Blue Jays reliever Aaron Sanchez was suspended three games and fined an undisclosed amount of money for intentionally throwing at Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar on Sunday, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.

Sanchez was slated to begin his suspension Tuesday, but he said he will appeal and expects to be active this weekend in New York, according to the National Post.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons also received a one-game suspension for coming back on the field following his ejection in the seventh inning. Gibbons will serve his suspension Tuesday, according to a release from MLB.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 01:31 AM

AL Futures Analysis - Post-deadline

August 4, 2015

Last week, we took a glimpse at the major league pre-trade deadline futures, marveling at how many teams had decisions to make regarding how seriously they planned on pursuing the postseason. The Blue Jays, Royals and Astros were buyers, indecisive Detroit wound up selling and the Yankees, Orioles, and Padres essentially stayed put.

All but four of the American League's teams entered the week with 50 or more wins, so there is a ton of meaningful baseball left since all of those teams can legitimately believe they're only a hot streak away from knocking on the postseason door. Even though there's still some movement still ahead via waivers, we can now bet futures confidently now that we know every team's personnel going forward.

Odds to win the AL and NL pennants as well as the World Series have been updated at numerous shops, so below are our post-trade deadline recommendations for the American League. Find the National League here. (Odds via 5Dimes)

Baltimore (+1350 to win AL, +3000 to win it all): They weren't all fancy and cut-throat about it like Toronto, but the Orioles did reinforce their playoff push by adding Gerardo Parra as a significant outfield upgrade. He'll bat second and can play left or right at an extremely high level. Questions about their pitching remain, but the Birds have scored at least six runs in four of their last five and got their critical West Coast road swing off on the right foot with a rout in Oakland. Baltimore has seven September dates against the Jays, so that should be how its fortunes are decided.

Boston (+6000 to win AL, +15000 to win it all): Books had a dramatic change of heart on the Red Sox. They didn't do much, trading Shane Victorino and making no additions, but the plug appears to have been pulled on a late resurgence. Entering deadline week, odds were still a rather conservative +2500 and +5000, but these new numbers come off like a carrot is being dangled for anyone who wants to thow away money on the miracle Sox. Flushing money down the toilet would serve the same purpose as backing this bunch.

Chi.Sox (+2400 to win AL, +5500 to win it all): A small surge saw their odds reworked from the +4000 and +10000 that were available last week, but this team remains a long shot and made no moves at the trade deadline. Chris Sale hasn't gotten the support from Jeff Samardzija to make the top of the rotation as formidable as the White Sox hoped it would be. Jose Quintana hasn't taken another step forward. Offensively, Jose Abreu hasn't gotten enough help. This team has too many holes to legitimately get behind despite the enticing odds.

Cleveland (+2800 to win AL, +6600 to win it all): The Tribe (+1900, +3500 last week) has been written off. Rebuilding on the run as young players like Giovanny Urshela and Francisco Lindor gain valuable experience, the Indians aren't worth backing.

Detroit (+2200 to win AL, +5000 to win it all): The decision to trade David Price and Yoenis Cespedes for young prospects was the right one. Disappointing all season, the Tigers had too many holes to try and use Miguel Cabrera's expected return in a few weeks as a rallying point. They'll be playing spoiler this year instead.

Houston (+665 to win AL, +1500 to win it all): Since they've lost at least 90 games in each of the last seven seasons, it probably shouldn't come as a surprise that the Astros are really going for it. Nope, no one expected this. Too young. A history of ineptitude. Wins in 11 of the first 15 games coming out of the All-Star break has this team looking like a contender. 20-year-old shortstop Carlos Correa looks like the game's next great star, Jed Lowrie is back to play third base and Carlos Gomez should help create a spark as the team's center fielder. The talent is there. The bullpen, one of the best in baseball, is worth backing. New additions Scott Kazmir and Mike Fiers fill out the rotation behind ace Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh, so there's enough depth to hang on and finish this breakthrough season. They likely will run out of gas at some point, but it will be fun to watch the ride while it lasts.

Kansas City (+250 to win AL, +550 to win it all): The Royals have emerged as the clear favorite in the AL and, odds-wise, are second to only the Cardinals to win the World Series. Adding Johnny Cueto and Ben Zobrist were strokes of brilliance that supply KC with the finishing touches to a championship team. They'll get Alex Gordon back very soon. If Yordano Ventura, Edinson Volquez, Danny Duffy and Chris Young remain consistent, and get to one of baseball's best bullpens is certainly capable of hanging on to the cushion they've built atop the AL. If they end up with home field throughout the postseason, the Royals are the team to beat.

LA Angels (+625 to win AL, +1400 to win it all): With CJ Wilson on the DL and Jered Weaver coming off only his first rehab start as he returns from a hip injury, the Angels failing to acquire an arm at the deadline looks like a massive setback. David DeJesus, David Murphy and Shane Victorino improve Mike Sciocia's offensive options, but this group is still overly reliant on the brilliance of Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. Despite the enticing odds, there doesn't appear to be enough here.

NY Yankees (+450 to win AL, +1050 to win it all): This is a terrible time to invest in the Yanks. Despite not coming up with another ace like Price or a closer like Aroldis Chapman or Craig Kimbrel, oddsmakers got stingier on the payoff. Since Michael Pineda has landed on the DL and the offense is bound to cool off at some point, there's going to be a time in the next few weeks where the much-improved Blue Jays or the plucky Orioles narrow the gap in the AL East. If you believe the Bronx Bombers have enough to shockingly win a pennant the year after Derek Jeter retires, there's going to be a much more lucrative opportunity than the current one to pounce on. Realistically, Dallin Betances and Andrew Miller could've really used another partner to help shorten games. GM Brian Cashman, to his credit, went hard after Kimbrel, but couldn't get a deal done.

Oakland (+10000 to win AL, +26000 to win it all): Stick a fork in this team. The books have. The A's were at +3700 and +9000 last week, but Billy Beane selling off assets and cutting his losses on a lost season forced the books to adjust aggressively. Selling off Zobrist, Kazmir and Tyler Clippard sealed the deal. There's no reason to invest any energy in the AL team that beat everyone else to 60 losses.

Seattle (+5500 to win AL, +13500 to win it all): A double-digit win streak would only get the disappointing Mariners to about .500, so there's not a lot to be hopeful about here. Still, with Felix Hernandez anchoring a rotation featuring talented arms like Hisashi Iwakuma, Mike Montgomery and Taijuan Walker, the Mariners probably do have a run in them. It isn't likely to be enough, but since James Paxton returning in September might make things interesting if the Mariners are able to hang around, this is the team to back if you're looking to irrationally chase a big payday. Among the current true longshots, this would be the only one to get behind since the odds are so juicy and the remaining schedule appears manageable.

Tampa Bay (+2200 to win AL, +5000 to win it all): A solid bullpen and some promising young bats have kept the Rays in contention, especially with ace Chris Archer emerging as a Cy Young candidate. That said, a losing home record and a lineup filled with guys who have no proven track record performing when the competition intensifies makes this a team to fade.

Texas (+3300 to win AL, +8000 to win it all): The Rangers have made a late push that certainly got the attention of the books, who were offering +4500/+13500 odds last week. Back near .500 and with more games remaining in Arlington than any team in baseball has left in their own park, there's still some life in this group. Although they have baseball's worst winning percentage at home, Cole Hamels is on board and Derek Holland should return from the DL later this month. Texas will play the spoiler role well, but a postseason berth seems far-fetched.

Toronto (+625 to win AL, +1400 to win it all): Hope you were able to take a shot at +1300/+3300 that were available last week, because those odds will never be seen again for this bunch. At .500 through 100 games, the Blue Jays have gone on a run after landing Price, Troy Tulowitzki, Ben Revere in addition to relievers LaTroy Hawkins and Mark Lowe. They're going for it. Of Toronto's next 13 games, 10 will be at home, so this surge should continue since their schedule looks quite friendly. Armed with the best top-six of any batting order in the sport, the Jays are going to outscore a lot of people and should be a factor in the chase for both the division crown and the Wild Card race.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 01:35 AM

Baseball Capsules

August 5, 2015

DETROIT (AP) Salvador Perez homered and drove in three runs as the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 5-1 Tuesday night.

The game was overshadowed by an afternoon announcement that Dave Dombrowski was being replaced as Detroit's general manager by his top assistant, Al Avila. In 14 years with the Tigers, Dombrowski took one of the worst franchises in the game and took it to six postseason appearances including World Series losses in 2006 and 2012.

Detroit came into the season looking for a fifth straight AL Central title, but now trail the Royals by 12 1/2 games.

Danny Duffy (5-5) allowed one run on five hits and four walks in seven innings, only striking out two.

Justin Verlander (1-4) struggled in his ninth start of the season, allowing five runs on 10 hits in seven innings.

METS 5, MARLINS 1

MIAMI (AP) - Eric Campbell's tiebreaking pinch single and Juan Lagares' two-run triple highlighted a four-run eighth inning that helped send New York to a win over Miami.

Jonathan Niese (6-9) allowed one run and four hits in seven innings for the NL East-leading Mets, who won their fifth consecutive game.

Mets relievers Tyler Clippard and Jeurys Familia combined to pitch two scoreless innings to end the game.

Lucas Duda drove a ball over right fielder Cole Gillespie for a single leading off the eighth against Mike Dunn (1-5) and Travis d'Arnaud followed with a base hit. Campbell batted for Niese and hit a soft line drive into shallow left field over the outstretched glove of shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria.

Lagares's tripled to make it 4-1 and scored on Curtis Granderson's double.

The Marlins have lost six of seven.

NATIONALS 5, DIAMONDBACKS 4

WASHINGTON (AP) - Wilson Ramos blooped a two-run single to right with one out in the bottom of the eighth that helped Washington to a victory over Arizona.

Ryan Zimmerman led off the eighth with a walk off David Hernandez (0-2) and went to third on Jayson Werth's double. One out later, Ramos sliced his single that snapped a 3-3 tie and scored both Zimmerman and Werth.

Drew Storen (2-0) earned the win thanks to a perfect eighth.

Jonathan Papelbon posted his 19th save of the season and his second with the Nationals, despite allowing an unearned run in the ninth. Washington snapped its four-game losing streak.

RANGERS 4, ASTROS 3

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Relievers Sam Freeman and Shawn Tolleson pitched out of trouble and Texas held off Houston.

Freeman relieved Yovani Gallardo (8-9) in the sixth inning, and allowed a single and a walk to load the bases with one out. Freeman then retired Luis Valbuena and Marwin Gonzalez.

Tolleson earned his 20th save, all since May 20, despite giving up a walk and Valbuena's second single before recording an out. Jason Castro and Jose Altuve struck out for the final two outs.

Texas erased a 2-1 deficit with three runs in the fifth against Dan Straily (0-1).

Houston's Carlos Gomez drove in two runs with a double and a homer.

REDS 3, CARDINALS 2

CINCINNATI (AP) - Anthony DeSclafani handled the St. Louis Cardinals for the second straight start, striking out a career-high nine, and Cincinnati turned a big first inning off John Lackey into a victory.

DeSclafani (7-7), the most experienced member of Cincinnati's all-rookie rotation, gave up seven hits and two runs in six innings. It was his second straight impressive start over the NL Central leaders.

Last Wednesday in St. Louis, DeSclafani gave up only three hits in seven innings of a 1-0 win.

Aroldis Chapman fanned two in the ninth - his fastball topping out at 101 mph - for his 23rd save in 24 chances. The left-hander has converted 56 consecutive save opportunities at Great American Ball Park since his last failure in September 2012.

PHILLIES 6, DODGERS 2

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Maikel Franco hit a tiebreaking grand slam in the seventh inning to spoil Jimmy Rollins' return to Philadelphia and lead the Phillies to a victory over NL West-leading Los Angeles.

Rollins got a prolonged standing ovation in his first game in front of a crowd that rooted for the shortstop his first 15 seasons. The 2007 NL MVP finished 2 for 5.

Franco connected off reliever Joel Peralta to put resurgent Philadelphia ahead 5-1. The Phillies have the worst record (42-65) in the majors, but they are 13-3 since the All-Star break.

Jeanmar Gomez (1-2) allowed one run in 1 2-3 innings and Ken Giles got the final four outs for his third save since replacing Jonathan Papelbon. Giles struck out Rollins looking at a 100 mph fastball to leave runners on second and third in the eighth. Starter Jerome Williams allowed one run in five innings.

BLUE JAYS 3, TWINS 1

TORONTO (AP) - Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki hit solo home runs, Marco Estrada pitched 6-plus innings to win consecutive starts and Toronto beat Minnesota.

Toronto's sixth win in seven games moved the Blue Jays ahead of the Twins and into the second AL wild-card spot.

Minnesota has been held to just one run in four of its past five games, losing all four. The Twins are 5-12 since the All-Star break.

Donaldson and Tulowitzki both drilled second-deck homers off Twins right-hander Phil Hughes, who leads the majors with 27 home runs allowed this season. Colorado's Kyle Kendrick has surrendered 26.

Hughes (10-7) lost for the first time since June 8 against Kansas City, snapping a streak of six straight winning decisions. He allowed five hits and three runs in 5 2/3 innings.

YANKEES 13, RED SOX 3

NEW YORK (AP) - Brian McCann and Chris Young hit three-run homers during a nine-run burst in the seventh inning and New York broke loose once again, romping past Boston.

Down 2-1 and held to three singles going into the sixth, the Yankees suddenly struck. The AL East leaders wound up scoring in double figures for the fourth time in seven games - they'd gone more than a month without doing it until a 21-5 rout at Texas last week.

Mark Teixeira hit a pair of RBI singles and McCann, Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran and Chase Headley added late doubles as the Yankees won for the 11th time in 15 games.

Last-place Boston lost its eighth straight on the road.

CUBS 5, PIRATES 0

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Jake Arrieta pitched seven strong innings, Anthony Rizzo tied a career high with four hits and Chicago beat Pittsburgh for its sixth straight win.

Arrieta (12-6) allowed two singles - Andrew McCutchen in the fourth and Starling Marte in the seventh - while striking out five and walking three.

Tommy Hunter and Justin Grimm completed the three-hitter with one inning each as the Cubs (58-47) matched their longest winning streak of the season from May 11-16 and moved 11 games over .500 for the first time since the end of the 2008 season.

In his last nine starts, Arrieta is 6-1 with a 1.38 ERA. He improved to 5-1 in his career against the Pirates.

Rizzo doubled and scored in both the third and fifth innings as the first baseman led the Cubs' 14-hit attack with the fourth four-hit game of his career.

GIANTS 8, BRAVES 3

ATLANTA (AP) - Hunter Pence hit a tie-breaking three-run homer in the eighth inning and the Giants bounced back from a deflating loss with a win over Atlanta.

Braves starter Shelby Miller saw his frustrating winless streak extend to 14 starts when the Braves bullpen failed to protect a 3-2 lead in the eighth inning. Miller has a 3.14 ERA during the streak, which started after he lost a no-hitter with two outs in the ninth inning on May 17.

Jeremy Affeldt (1-2) picked up the win in relief of Jake Peavy, who gave up one run and five hits in six innings as he continues to pitch at a high level since returning from the disabled list. Peavy struck out a season-high eight and walked one while throwing a season-high 106 pitches on a 94-degree night.

RAYS 11, WHITE SOX 3

CHICAGO (AP) - Chris Archer pitched seven strong innings, and the Tampa Bay Rays backed him with a season-high four homers while pounding Chris Sale and Chicago.

Archer (10-8) allowed two runs and six hits for his first win since June 23, and the Rays matched their highest home run total since Sept. 7.

Logan Forsythe, Mikie Mahtook, Asdrubal Cabrera and Richie Shaffer all went deep. Kevin Kiermaier and Rene Rivera each had three hits, and Tampa Bay improved to 5-0 against Chicago.

Forsythe hit a two-run drive in the first. Mahtook made it 3-1 when he connected leading off the fifth, and the Rays chased Sale (9-7) in a five-run sixth. They sent 10 batters to the plate in that inning and added two more runs in the seventh on back-to-back homers off Daniel Webb by Cabrera and Shaffer - the first major league hit for him.

MARINERS 10, ROCKIES 4

DENVER (AP) - Nelson Cruz homered for the fifth consecutive game and Seattle spoiled Jon Gray's major league debut with a victory over Colorado.

It is the second time this season Cruz has gone deep in five straight games. He also singled to extend his hitting streak to 15 games.

Gray, the third overall pick in the 2013 draft, had a rough beginning to his big league career. Seattle touched him for two runs during a 33-pitch first inning.

He allowed an unearned run in the fourth on two singles and an error that gave the Mariners a 3-1 lead.

Gray's teammates rallied to keep him out of the loss column. Charlie Blackmon's homer in the first, the 10th leadoff blast of his career, made it 2-1, and Nick Hundley hit a two-run shot to tie it at 3 in the fourth.

Gray allowed three runs - two earned - and five hits, striking out four in four innings.

BREWERS 4, PADRES 1

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Jimmy Nelson scattered three hits over 6-plus solid innings, Khris Davis drove in two runs and Milwaukee snapped a six-game losing streak with a win over San Diego.

The Padres scored an unearned run off Nelson (9-9) in the fourth, but the big right-hander, who threw a season-high 112 pitches, allowed nothing more. He walked one and struck out four before leaving with a 2-1 lead and two out in the seventh. Jeremy Jeffress retired pinch-hitter Brett Wallace to end the inning.

Davis, who struck out with runners in scoring position for Milwaukee in the first and fifth, knocked in a run with a two-out base hit in the third, snapping a 2-17 slump, and a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth for his 24th save in as many chances.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 01:37 AM

No timetable set for Strasburg's return

August 4, 2015

WASHINGTON (AP) Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg says he's doing well after striking out 11 in his latest minor league rehabilitation assignment, but still isn't sure when he'll return to the majors.

Strasburg was in control Monday night, pitching 5 2-3 innings without a walk for Triple-A Syracuse on Monday. There is no timetable for him to rejoin the Nationals.

The 27-year-old right-hander has been on the disabled list since early July because of a strained left oblique. He missed four weeks earlier in the season because of tightness in his neck.

''I feel good,'' he said. ''Stuff's there, so it's just trying to keep doing the same things and keep working at all the stuff I've been doing. I'm going in the right direction.''

Nationals manager Matt Williams said the team is going to get Strasburg to a bullpen session, possibly Wednesday, and they'll evaluate him then. Williams said Strasburg felt fine physically after Monday's effort.

Strasburg is 5-5 with a 5.16 ERA in 13 starts this season for Washington.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 01:41 AM

LEADING OFF: Yanks youngster Severino debuts, Cueto starts

August 4, 2015

A look at what's happening all around the major leagues Wednesday:

YOUNG AND YOUNGER

Yankees prized prospect Luis Severino makes his big league debut, facing the Red Sox in the Bronx. At 21, he will become the youngest pitcher to start in the majors this season. The righty began the year in Double-A, then went 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA in Triple-A. The AL East leaders need depth in the rotation after learning Michael Pineda is out at least until September with a strained right forearm.

TRY AGAIN

Johnny Cueto aims for his first win with the Royals when he starts at Detroit. The star right-hander got a no-decision last week in his first game for Kansas City after being acquired from Cincinnati.

ROOKIE WATCH

The last-place Red Sox plan to start rookie pitchers for all three games at Yankee Stadium this week. Henry Owens made his major league debut Tuesday night, with Steven Wright and Eduardo Rodriguez set to follow. It would be the first time since 1945 that Boston started rookie pitchers every time in a series of at least three games against New York, the team said in citing research by the Elias Sports Bureau. Those rooks 70 years ago, by the way, were Randy Heflin, Vic Johnson and Boo Ferriss.

ANY INTEREST?

Lefty Wandy Rodriguez is available on waivers after being cut by Texas. The 36-year-old was 6-4 with a 4.90 ERA this year for the Rangers, and becomes a free agent Thursday if no teams claims him. He is 97-98 in 11 seasons.

SHORT AND SWEET

Seattle rookie Ketel Marte is scheduled to make his first start at shortstop in the series finale at Colorado. He has started three times at second base and once in center field since being promoted from Triple-A last week. The 21-year-old Marte started 360 games at shortstop in five minor league seasons.

GO GET `EM, DAD!

Ian Kennedy makes his first start for the Padres since coming off the paternity list. The right-hander, who had been mentioned in trade deadline speculation, pitches at Milwaukee. Kennedy and wife Allison celebrated the birth of their fourth daughter on Friday.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 10:21 AM

Preview: Rays (54-54) at White Sox (50-55)
Game: 3
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: August 05, 2015 2:10 PM EDT

The Tampa Bay Rays have maintained their playoff hopes while putting a dent in Chicago's by adding to the White Sox's recent home woes.

The Rays will try to give themselves another boost by completing their first season sweep of the White Sox and first in a road series Wednesday.

Tampa Bay (54-54) is two games behind Toronto for the AL's second wild card after winning three in a row - the past two in Chicago - and only two teams stand between the Rays and Blue Jays.

Richie Shaffer hit his first major league homer and Tampa Bay had a season-best four in an 11-3 rout Tuesday, with two off All-Star Chris Sale.

"It was a great night all around. To have these offensive outbursts really help our team because we don't have them very often," center fielder Kevin Kiermaier said. "It lets us know that we can perform at a high level."

Tampa Bay will try to keep rolling in another matchup against a team that's been outscored 51-26 while losing five of six. The White Sox (50-55) won their previous seven - all on the road - to move within 2 1/2 games of a playoff spot, but are now 4 1/2 back with five teams in between them and Toronto.

The White Sox have lost eight of their last nine at home, and Carlos Rodon (4-4, 4.84 ERA) has typified their recent struggles on the South Side. The rookie left-hander, who has a major league-worst 6.57 walks per nine innings at home, has allowed a combined 15 runs in seven innings in his past two games there and gave up a career-worst eight in three innings in a 13-6 loss to the New York Yankees on Friday.

"Just got to be better," Rodon said after losing a third consecutive start at home. "That's about it."

Rodon will make his first appearance against the Rays while Erasmo Ramirez (8-4, 3.61) will try to finish off the sweep and continue his recent road dominance. Tampa Bay took its three home games against Chicago from June 12-14, and its five-game win streak matches its longest in the series.

The Rays have already clinched their best record in a season series, surpassing their 5-2 mark from 2013.

Ramirez, who will be pitching in Chicago for the first time, is 4-0 with a 1.70 ERA in his last seven road starts. He was pulled after tossing 4 1-3 scoreless innings in his lone start against the White Sox on Aug. 10 with Seattle.

The right-hander has been charged with nine runs in his last two starts after going 6-1 with a 1.29 ERA in his prior nine. Three of the four Ramirez yielded Friday, though, were unearned in a 7-5 loss in Boston. The right-hander didn't get a decision and is winless in his last three outings.

With J.B. Shuck and Emilio Bonifacio on the disabled list, no current White Sox player has gotten a hit off Ramirez. Jose Abreu, Gordon Beckham, Tyler Flowers and Alexei Ramirez are a combined 0 for 8.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at White Sox
Mon, Aug 3 Final 5 to 4
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at White Sox
Tue, Aug 4 Final 11 to 3
Boxscores

GAME 3
Rays at White Sox
Wed, Aug 5 - 2:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 10:25 AM

Preview: Mariners (50-58) at Rockies (44-61)
Game: 3
Venue: Coors Field
Date: August 05, 2015 3:10 PM EDT

For the second time this season, Nelson Cruz is in the midst of an impressive power surge.

Seattle teammate Taijuan Walker showed signs of dominance in his most recent outing.

As Cruz looks to continue his offensive tear and Walker tries to build on his first career complete game, the Mariners attempt to earn a three-game road sweep of the struggling Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.

With a solo home run in the seventh inning of Tuesday's 10-4 victory, Cruz has homered in five straight games for the second time this season. He did it from April 11-15. Ken Griffey Jr., is the only Mariner to homer in at least six consecutive contests, doing so over eight straight in July 1993.

After going 5 for 8 in his first two career games at Coors Field, Cruz is batting .433 with 10 of his 31 home runs and 14 RBIs during a 15-game hitting streak.

'I hope he continues to impress me,' Seattle manager Lloyd McLendon said.

McClendon is growing fond of Walker (8-7, 4.73 ERA), who went 0-1 with an 8.02 ERA in four starts prior to yielding only a fourth-inning home run and matching a career high with 11 strikeouts in Friday's 6-1 victory at Minnesota.

'It's coming,' McClendon said. 'You can see what this young man is going to become. It's going to be special.

"This guy, he's got a great repertoire and when it's on, it's on.'

In his first full major league season, Walker has lasted at least eight innings three times over 21 starts. He went 1-4 with a 9.76 ERA in his first six road starts this year but is 5-0 with a 2.06 ERA in the last six.

"I just have to move on now and get ready for the next one," the right-hander, who turns 23 next week, told MLB's official website.

Looking to help Seattle (50-58) to a fourth straight win, Walker makes his first appearance against a Colorado team that's dropped three straight and six of its last seven.

One of two Rockies to face Walker, Jose Reyes is 0 for 6 with two strikeouts and a walk against him.

The veteran shortstop is 3 for 9 with two RBIs in this series to raise his average to .208 in six games since he was acquired by the Rockies (44-61) in the deal that sent Troy Tulowitzki to Toronto.

"He's doing a nice job in a tough situation for him," manager Walt Weiss said. "You can never replace a guy like Tulo, but he's not caught up in any of that. He's himself. He's an established veteran, an All-Star.

"He's done it all in this game, and he's showing up with the same joy, enthusiasm and passion that he has for his whole career."

Teammate Kyle Parker also is 3 for 9 in the set and hit his first home run in 23 career games Tuesday.

Chris Rusin (3-4, 4.61) had a better game at the plate than on the mound Thursday when he homered and singled but gave up six runs and 10 hits in five innings while not factoring in the decision of Colorado's 9-8 loss to St. Louis. The left-hander has not won since June 21 and is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in his last three starts.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Rockies
Mon, Aug 3 Final 8 to 7
Boxscores

GAME 2
Mariners at Rockies
Tue, Aug 4 Final 10 to 4
Boxscores

GAME 3
Mariners at Rockies
Wed, Aug 5 - 3:10PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 10:27 AM

Preview: Indians (49-57) at Angels (56-50)
Game: 3
Venue: Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Date: August 05, 2015 3:35 PM EDT

The once-surging Los Angeles Angels shot to the top of their division behind an offense firing on all cylinders.

Now a troubling slump is seeing them slide further into what's shaping up to be an unforgiving AL wild-card race.

Wednesday's matchup figures to be challenging too with the Cleveland Indians' Danny Salazar riding one of the best runs of his career.

The Angels (56-50) averaged 5.7 runs during a 17-3 stretch from June 27-July 22 to take a two-game lead over Houston in the AL West, but have since been held to three runs or fewer eight times while dropping 10 of 12. They trail the Astros by three games, and though they own the top wild-card spot, five clubs are within three games. Two of those teams - Tampa Bay and Texas - have won three in a row, while Toronto has won six of seven.

Just when an 11-hit performance in Monday's 5-4 series-opening victory seemed to suggest an end to the slump, Los Angeles scraped together only two singles in a 2-0, 12-inning loss Tuesday, with just one during Carlos Carrasco's nine innings. Mike Trout and Albert Pujols were both 0 for 4, falling to a combined 7 for 40 over their last five games.

They're each 1 for 3 off Salazar (9-6, 3.47 ERA), who has recorded a personal-high four straight quality starts - holding opponents to a .139 batting average - with the most recent coming in dominant fashion. He limited Oakland to one hit and an unearned run over eight innings in a 2-1 win Friday.

The right-hander wasn't missing bats as often as he usually does - striking out four after entering averaging 10.7 per nine innings - but walked only one after issuing three free passes in back-to-back starts.

Salazar experienced mixed results in two previous matchups with the Angels. He was pounded for six runs in 4 2-3 innings of a 12-3 loss on Sept. 8, but had previously held them to a solo homer over 5 1-3 innings in a 4-1 road win Aug. 20, 2013.

Cleveland (49-57) recorded 10 hits but had trouble stringing them together and struck out 13 times before going ahead on rookie Giovanny Urshela's two-run homer, snapping a three-game slide.

The Indians have had success facing Angels starter Hector Santiago (7-5, 2.70), who is 1-1 with a 5.48 ERA in five career starts against Cleveland.

While the left-hander has already set a career high for wins, he's is looking to break out of a mini-rut, having given up eight earned runs over 10 innings in his last two starts. The nine hits he allowed over five-plus innings of Friday's 5-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers matched a season high. He surrendered two home runs after yielding as many in his previous six outings.

"It looked like he was searching," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Not only was he trying to find his release point to execute pitches and repeat his delivery - which he was been doing really well this year - but also searching to get back into his game plan."

Santiago hasn't lost at home since his first start of the year there April 10, going 3-0 with a 2.23 ERA in 11 outings since. Houston's Dallas Keuchel, 10-0 at home on the year, is the only other pitcher to make at least 10 home starts since then without a loss.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Indians at Angels
Mon, Aug 3 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Indians at Angels
Tue, Aug 4 Final 2 to 0
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Indians at Angels
Wed, Aug 5 - 3:35PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 10:29 AM

Preview: Orioles (54-52) at Athletics (48-60)
Game: 3
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 05, 2015 3:35 PM EDT

T.J. McFarland's two scoreless innings of one-hit relief in the Baltimore Orioles' loss in the middle game of this series may not seem significant - except that it marked the first time in six games that the Oakland Athletics faced a left-handed pitcher.

It hardly seems like enough preparation for seeing another one less than 16 hours later considering the Athletics' woes versus Wei-Yin Chen.

Chen can improve to 5-0 in his career against Oakland by helping visiting Baltimore capture this three-game set Wednesday.

Oakland (48-60) had not faced a lefty starter or reliever in the first six games of this 11-game homestand before McFarland - called up from the minors before the game - entered in the seventh inning and yielded only Ike Davis' double in the Orioles' 5-0 defeat.

"He really makes the bullpen better," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. "It's good to get him back."

Now the Athletics will try to improve upon a league-worst 8-19 mark versus lefty starters as they face Chen (5-6, 3.24 ERA), who has a 1.69 ERA in five starts against them for his lowest mark against an opponent he has faced multiple times.

Chen may have a matchup problem with Billy Butler, who is 8 for 18 against him. Josh Reddick is hitless in nine at-bats versus Chen but has yet to play in this series due to lingering stiffness in his lower back.

Oakland's three RBI leaders can't regularly hit lefties with Reddick at .190, Butler at .189 and Stephen Vogt at .226. Vogt is also in a 2-for-34 funk after striking out three times in four hitless at-bats Tuesday.

Chen has never faced Billy Burns, a .327 hitter against southpaws. Utility man Danny Valencia, who is 4 for 15 against Chen, could make his Oakland debut after being claimed off waivers from Toronto on Monday.

Chen's streak of yielding three runs or fewer in 11 straight games ended in Friday's 8-7 victory over Detroit in which he was charged with six runs over a season-low 3 1-3 innings.

Baltimore (54-52) lost for the third time in 11 games, going 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position as its streak of homering in 10 straight was snapped. Chris Bassitt earned his first victory by striking out seven in seven innings.

The day game after a night game means that both Vogt and the Orioles' Matt Wieters may not be behind the plate. Wieters hasn't started at catcher in consecutive games since July 6-7.

"We're going to talk about it a little bit after the game, see how he feels," Showalter said.

Slugger Chris Davis is hitting .310 with five homers and 15 RBIs in his last eight games. Jonathan Schoop is 8 for 14 in his last four.

A's starter Kendall Graveman (6-7, 3.84) took a step in the right direction by yielding an unearned run in 6 2-3 innings in Friday's 2-1 loss to Cleveland in which he avoided defeat. He posted a 10.22 ERA in losing his previous three starts, recording only four outs in the last of them.

"I was getting ahead of hitters and trusting everything I threw," Graveman said.

The right-hander recorded five outs and allowed a double to J.J. Hardy over two relief appearances against the Orioles last year.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Orioles at Athletics
Mon, Aug 3 Final 9 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Orioles at Athletics
Tue, Aug 4 Final 0 to 5
Boxscores

GAME 3
Orioles at Athletics
Wed, Aug 5 - 3:35PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 10:33 AM

Preview: Royals (63-42) at Tigers (51-55)
Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 05, 2015 7:08 PM EDT

Johnny Cueto was solid and workmanlike in his Royals debut against baseball's best offense.

He could be in line for a more dominant outing Wednesday night against the Detroit Tigers, who have been bottled up in recent meetings with Kansas City.

Cueto, one of the most highly sought-after players at last week's trade deadline, faced a tough assignment in his first start for his new club. He gave up three runs over six innings of Kansas City's 7-6 loss Friday at Toronto, which averages a major league-best 5.3 runs. He exited with a 5-3 lead.

"He pitched really well," manager Ned Yost told MLB's official website.

The six runs of support were more than he received in 18 of his 19 outings for Cincinnati.

He matched up with Detroit for the first time in his career June 17, allowing three runs - all on a Miguel Cabrera homer - over 5 1-3 innings. Cabrera remains sidelined with a strained calf, and Cueto has given up one home run over 46 innings since that outing.

The Tigers (51-55) were limited to five hits in Tuesday's 5-1 loss, a tenuous start to a new era of sorts for the franchise. It was the first game since announcing Dave Dombrowski's exit as president and general manager earlier in the day, a move that surprised many. He was replaced by Al Avila, who had served as Dombrowski's assistant since 2002.

Detroit has won a franchise-record four consecutive division titles under Dombrowski's watch, a streak nearly certain to end this year with the Tigers 12 1/2 games behind the first-place Royals (63-42).

"This does not mean we have given up on this season," said Avila, father of catcher Alex Avila. "We were sellers at the deadline, but we still have a good enough nucleus to win this season. The pedal is still to the metal."

Avila's words ring somewhat hollow given the reality of the Tigers' situation, though. They're in danger of falling five games below .500 for the first time since they were 28-33 through June 12, 2012.

Detroit has been run-deprived lately in the series, scoring two runs or fewer in seven of the last nine meetings with only two homers. The Tigers have also tallied two or fewer in eight of 12 overall, and dropped eight of 13 at home.

The Royals had lost four of five before Salvador Perez went 3 for 4 with his 16th home run and three RBIs on Tuesday. He's one homer away from tying last year's career high and is batting .359 in his last eight matchups.

Perez and company will face rookie left-hander Matt Boyd (0-2, 14.85), who was acquired from Toronto in last week's David Price deal.

He hasn't pitched in the majors since a horrendous second career start July 2 when he failed to record an out in a 12-6 loss to Boston, giving up seven runs and six hits, including back-to-back homers.

"Count on me learning from this and being better from this," he said. "It won't happen again."

Boyd will be looking to draw on the minor league success he's had this year, going 9-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 19 starts spanning three clubs.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 5
Royals at Tigers
Tue, Aug 4 Final 5 to 1
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 6
Royals at Tigers
Wed, Aug 5 - 7:08PM EDT

GAME 7
Royals at Tigers
Thu, Aug 6 - 1:08PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 10:34 AM

B]Preview: Red Sox (47-60) at Yankees (60-45)
Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 05, 2015 7:05 PM EDT[/B]

Luis Severino, one of the majors' most highly touted pitching prospects, figures to draw a lot of eyeballs when he makes his debut against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium.

Given the New York Yankees' offensive surge, he could draw a lot of run support, too.

Severino is a 21-year-old right-hander and the crown jewel of New York's farm system. He's 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA through 11 starts for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, surrendering no home runs in 61 1-3 innings. He boasts a fastball that can reach the high-90s, along with a change-up and slider.

General manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday he'd remain in the rotation regardless of Wednesday's performance.

"If he performed up to his capabilities, we felt he would pitch for us from August on at some point," Cashman told MLB's official website. "And here we are. So now it's, let's see what we've got."

New York's offense is certainly capable of backing Severino up. The Yankees (60-45) won 13-3 Tuesday, getting three-run homers by Brian McCann and Chris Young during a nine-run seventh inning. They've won 11 of 15 and have 90 runs and 21 homers over their last 10 games.

They were 8 for 15 with runners in scoring position, and Chase Headley is batting .435 with 12 RBIs during a 12-game hitting streak after a 2-for-5 night.

"Honestly, the blunt way to say it is we have a lot of really good hitters," Young said. "Everybody's a threat right now."

The status of McCann, who has three home runs in his last five games, is uncertain after he tweaked his knee and moved to first base Tuesday. Joe Girardi said the team would learn more about the situation Wednesday.

New York has averaged 7.3 runs in taking seven of the last eight meetings

The Red Sox (47-60) have been limited to 16 runs during an eight-game road losing streak, and haven't lost nine in a row away from home since a 10-game slump Aug. 25-Sept. 29, 2001.

They'll counter Severino with Steven Wright (4-4, 4.53 ERA), a 30-year-old journeyman drafted in 2006 by Cleveland. Wright enjoyed his best outing of the season Thursday, striking out a career-high eight while limiting the Chicago White Sox to two runs over seven innings in an 8-2 victory.

Home runs remain a concern - both runs came on Jose Abreu's homer - the eighth allowed by Wright over 39 1-3 innings in seven starts.

Wright won his only appearance against New York this year, permitting two runs over five innings of relief in a 6-5, 19-inning road victory on April 10. Mark Teixeira homered against him.

Pablo Sandoval has hit safely in 12 straight against the Yankees after homering Tuesday.

New York placed outfielder Dustin Ackley on the disabled list prior to the series opener due to a strained lower back and is expected to miss a month or more. He was 0 for 3 through two appearances off the bench for the Yankees since being acquired from Seattle last week.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Red Sox at Yankees
Tue, Aug 4 Final 3 to 13
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Red Sox at Yankees
Wed, Aug 5 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Red Sox at Yankees
Thu, Aug 6 - 7:05PM EDT

**StarDust Bum** · 08-05-2015, 10:37 AM

Preview: Twins (54-52) at Blue Jays (56-52)
Game: 3
Venue: Rogers Centre
Date: August 05, 2015 7:07 PM EDT

As the Toronto Blue Jays continue to surge, the Minnesota Twins can't seem to shake their lingering struggles.

The Blue Jays can record a fourth consecutive victory by handing the visiting Twins their fourth loss in a row Wednesday night.

Troy Tulowitzki and Josh Donaldson each homered to help Toronto (56-52) move ahead of Minnesota in the AL wild-card standings with a 3-1 victory Tuesday. The Blue Jays have won six of seven after falling 3-2 to Philadelphia to open a 10-game homestand.

The Twins (54-52), meanwhile, have dropped 12 of 16 and been held to one run in three straight contests and four of the last five. They've managed 16 hits in those five contests, including five in the first half of this four-game series.

'The thing we've done great all year is not worry about what's happened the day before so we're not going to let it get to us now,' said infielder Trevor Plouffe, who is 1 for 10 in the last three games.

Donaldson continues to shine opposite the Twins, batting .398 with six home runs and 20 RBIs during a 22-game hitting streak against them - the longest active streak for any player against an opponent. He's hit .379 with four of his 28 home runs - one shy of his career high - and 10 RBIs in the last seven games overall.

'He's had a very good year, an MVP-caliber year,' said Toronto bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who ran the team Tuesday while manager John Gibbons served a one-game suspension for his role in Sunday's brawl with Kansas City.

Toronto has won all six contests started by Tulowitzki, who is batting .333 with two homers and five RBIs in seven games since coming over from Colorado.

Donaldson and Tulowitzki provide a daunting challenge for Minnesota's Tyler Duffey, who makes his major league debut Wednesday. Called up to replace the injured Tommy Milone, Duffey went 6-8 with a 2.66 ERA and allowed one home run in 21 starts this season between Double-A Chattanooga and Triple-A Rochester.

"I can't even put into words what it feels like to be here right now," the right-hander told MLB's official website. "I'm excited to be here.

"I just have to go out and compete. I'm just going to try to go out and pitch my game and try to give my team a chance to win.

He'll be opposed by Drew Hutchison (9-2, 5.42 ERA), who went 1-1 with a 6.93 ERA in five July starts but throws at home where he's received an average of 6.24 runs of support while going 7-1 with a 2.47 ERA in 10. The right-hander allowed four runs and seven hits in five-plus innings but Toronto won its sixth straight home contest with him on the mound, 7-6 over Kansas City in 11 innings Friday.

Hutchison gave up four runs and seven hits over 5 1-3 innings while not factoring in the decision of a 6-5 loss May 31 at Minnesota. He's 2-1 with a 9.00 ERA and has a major league-leading 9.53 run-support average in 11 road starts.

All-Star Brian Dozier is 4 for 6 with three doubles against Hutchison but is batting .152 with 12 strikeouts in the last eight games.

SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Twins at Blue Jays
Mon, Aug 3 Final 1 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Twins at Blue Jays
Tue, Aug 4 Final 1 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 3
Twins at Blue Jays
Wed, Aug 5 - 7:07PM EDT

GAME 4
Twins at Blue Jays
Thu, Aug 6 - 7:07PM EDT

Announcement

The Bum's Sports Page For Friday August 5th Best Bets-Trends-News !

The Bum's Sports Page For Friday August 5th Best Bets-Trends-News !

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment