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**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 02:02 AM

Baseball Capsules
July 31, 2016

TORONTO (AP) Jonathan Schoop singled home the go-ahead run in the 12th inning and the Baltimore Orioles ended a season-worst five-game losing streak, beating Toronto 6-2 Sunday to reclaim the AL East lead.

Adam Jones hit his 20th homer later in the 12th, a three-run shot that helped the Orioles avoid a three-game sweep and move a half-game ahead of the Blue Jays.

Mychael Givens (8-1) worked one inning for the victory as the Orioles won for the first time in six games at Toronto.

Pedro Alvarez walked to begin the 12th and moved up on a balk by Franklin Morales (0-1).

RAYS 5, YANKEES 3

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Rookie left-hander Blake Snell (3-4) struck out nine over 5 1/3 innings, Luke Maile had a key two-run single against Michael Pineda (5-10) and Tampa Bay completed a three-game sweep.

After winning eight of 10, New York lost its fourth straight game and fell to .500 at 52-52. Before the game, the Yankees traded reliever Andrew Miller to Cleveland for touted outfielder Clint Frazier and three others. New York had sent closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs on Monday.

Alex Colome got three outs for his 25th save.

INDIANS 8, ATHLETICS 0

CLEVELAND (AP) - Corey Kluber (10-8) limited Oakland to five hits in seven innings, Mike Napoli hit a two-run homer and Cleveland completed a three-game sweep.

Three relievers completed the six-hitter.

Sonny Gray (5-10) gave up seven runs and eight hits in 3 1/3 innings.

TIGERS 11, ASTROS 0

DETROIT (AP) - James McCann capped a six-run first inning with his first career grand slam and Miguel Cabrera homered twice and drove in four runs, helping Detroit complete a three-game sweep and stretch its winning streak to six.

Mike Pelfrey (4-9) allowed four hits in five innings and has given up one run or none in five of his last eight starts.

Dallas Keuchel (6-11) gave up seven runs and seven hits in five innings.

METS 6, ROCKIES 4

NEW YORK (AP) - Neil Walker hit a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh off Boone Logan (1-1) following James Loney's 10-pitch walk, helping New York stop a four-game losing streak that matched its season high.

Walker also had an RBI triple, but New York sustained another costly injury when shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera strained the patellar tendon in his left knee - the same injury that sidelined him for a little more than two weeks during spring training this year.

Carlos Gonzalez hit a tying RBI double in the fifth and a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh off winner Jerry Blevins (4-1). Jeurys Familia struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 37th save.

MARLINS 5, CARDINALS 4

MIAMI (AP) - Pinch-hitter Derek Dietrich had an RBI triple off Matt Bowman (1-3) with two outs in the ninth inning, earning Miami a split of the four-game series.

A.J. Ramos (1-0) pitched around a walk in the ninth.

Acquired from San Diego on Friday, Miami starter Andrew Cashner allowed two runs - one earned run - and four hits in six innings, including Greg Garza's homer.

Cardinals shortstop Aledmys Diaz left in the first inning with a bruised right hand after being hit by a pitch.

BRAVES 2, PHILLIES 1

ATLANTA (AP) - Jeff Francoeur hit a tiebreaking two-run homer off Andrew Bailey (3-1) in the seventh inning.

Mauricio Cabrera (2-0), the fourth of six Atlanta pitchers, pitched a one-hit seventh, and Jim Johnson pitched a hitless ninth for his sixth save.

BREWERS 4, PIRATES 2

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Jonathan Lucroy waved his helmet to acknowledge a standing ovation at Miller Park and, in what could be his final appearance for Milwaukee, flied out as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning.

Lucroy turned down a trade to AL Central-leading Cleveland over the weekend. But other teams want the All-Star catcher before Monday's deal deadline, and he has a limited no-trade clause.

Keon Broxton and Chris Carter hit solo home runs as Milwaukee completed a three-game sweep.

Matt Garza (2-4) gave up one earned run in five innings, and Jeremy Jeffress earned his fourth save in as many days and his 27th this season. Francisco Liriano (6-11) allowed four runs in five innings.

TWINS 6, WHITE SOX 4

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Brian Dozier homered twice and Ervin Santana (4-9) allowed three runs - one earned - in six innings

Kennys Vargas hit a two-run homer as part of a three-run first inning for Minnesota, which has won three of four games.

Carlos Rodon (2-8) gave up five runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings in his return from a sprained left wrist.

RANGERS 5, ROYALS 3

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Mitch Moreland homered for the fifth time in his last five starts and Lucas Harrell (3-2) won in his Texas as the Rangers finished a four-game sweep of the World Series champions.

Harrell gave up three runs and four hits - including solo home runs to Eric Hosmer and Drew Butera - in six innings. The 31-year-old right-hander was acquired from Atlanta last Wednesday to help the Rangers' injury-riddled starting rotation.

Sam Dyson got his 22nd save.

Dillon Gee (3-5) gave up four runs and seven hits in six innings.

RED SOX 5, ANGELS 3

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Dustin Pedroia hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off Huston Street (3-2) with two outs in the ninth inning and Xander Bogaerts followed with another home run.

Street (3-2) entered with a 3-0 lead and gave up Mookie Betts' RBI single before Pedroia homered.

Clay Buchholz (4-9) pitched three scoreless innings, and Brad Ziegler got three outs for his 20th save.

GIANTS 3, NATIONALS 1

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Matt Cain (3-6) threw five hitless innings for his 100th career victory, struck out five and walked four, leaving after 93 pitches. He handed off to George Kontos, who allowed a leadoff single to Bryce Harper in the sixth.

Santiago Casilla pitched the ninth for his 24th save. NL West-leading San Francisco has won two straight since losing 11 of 13 following the All-Star break.

Gio Gonzalez (6-9) allowed two runs - one earned - and six hits in six innings.

REDS 3, PADRES 2

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Homer Bailey (1-0) ) returned from forearm and elbow surgeries and allowed two runs, four hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Tony Cingrani worked the ninth for his 13th save.

Paul Clemens (1-2) made his second start with the Padres but was left after 4 2/3 innings because of a sore back.

DODGERS 14, DIAMONDBACKS 3

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Yasmani Grandal and Corey Seager hit three-run home runs and Joc Pederson added a two-run shot.

Louis Coleman (2-1) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Patrick Corbin (4-10) gave up six runs and eight hits over 5 1/3 innings for Arizona.

Jake Lamb scored Arizona's second run in the fourth inning on what was ruled a wild pitch. Ross Stripling's pitch, called a ball, deflected off catcher Yasmani Grandal's throat guard and lodged inside his chest protector.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 02:06 AM

August Pitchers Report
July 31, 2016

With the MLB trading deadline officially closed, and the NFL preseason whetting our pigskin palates, the month of August sets the table for the stretch run of the baseball season. Which pitchers can we count on to satisfy our tastes, and which ones figure to sour our stomachs?

Take a look below.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of August.

On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in August, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

To qualify pitchers must have made a minimum of 10 starts, with at least one start each April over the last three years. And for your convenience alongside each record we break down each pitcher’s greatest success or greatest failure rate either home (H) or away (A) within his good or bad month.

Note: * designates a categorical repeat appearance by this pitcher, maintaining status quo from last season’s August list.

I’ll be back next month with September’s Good Month Pitchers.

Until then, as legendary singer and songwriter Neil Diamond would say, enjoy the hot August nights.

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Arrieta, Jake - 10-5 (6-3 A)

After being Clayton Kershaw-like for nearly 12 months, the Cubs starter has "regressed" back to just being among the best starters in baseball. Arrieta has a nearly 3-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio and only allows a base hit 70 percent of the time in innings pitched this season, among the finest in the majors.

Duffy, Danny - 11-4 (6-1 H)

After starting the season as a reliever, the Kansas City left-hander was forced back into the rotation based on need and he has responded. Since June, after a pair of starts, Duffy has put up an ERA of just over 3.00 and opposing batters have just a .289 on-base percentage against him.

*Gallardo, Yovani - 9-4 (5-2 A)

Not close to the same pitcher he used to be with Milwaukee, with ERA so far this season approaching almost two runs higher than career average (5.37 vs. 3.73). The lost velocity is to blame and secondary pitches have less bite. For Baltimore to win AL East, Gallardo has to find some of his old magic.

Greinke, Zack - 10-5 (5-2 H)

After being on the shelf with oblique injury since late June, Greinke is close to returning for Arizona if no reoccurrence were to take place after a rehab start or two this month. After pathetic start to season, the D-Backs prized starter has cut ERA by 2 1/2 runs and is close to career norms in all major categories. Elite starter.

*Hamels, Cole - 12-6 (8-4 H)

Having typical Hamels season, with low numbers across the board. In bigger picture, underrated high level hurler who has not been getting acclaim after Phillies fall, but has been ace with Texas. As usual, left-handed batters have no chance with .176 batting average and .287 slugging percentage.

*Iwakuma, Hisashi - 12-5 (7-1 A)

Not having normal season for Seattle, with hits allowed much higher than usual for Iwakuma. However, has won four of five starts and the Mariners are 10-3 when the righty has toed the rubber since May 20. With Felix Hernandez back, this pair could lead Seattle charge to postseason.

Milone, Tom - 7-3 (4-1 A)

Milone starts for bad Minnesota club and is inconsistent as ever. Of his 74 hits allowed in only 59 2/3 innings, 11 have gone the yard. Maybe he can keep the ball down and spot his pitches better like previous August’s.

*Sanchez, Anibal - 9-3 (5-1 H)

With decreased velocity and no action on breaking pitches, Sanchez ERA has been six or higher almost all season. Not sure if he can respond this month, with opponents having BA over .300 and owning a WHIP of 1.64.

*Strasburg, Stephen - 13-3 (8-1 H)

Only July 21st, Strasburg suffered first loss of entire season after 13 consecutive wins. Though the fastball is no longer in upper 90's all the time, the breaking pitches disappear from batter's view and he's been exceptional. If Strasburg has true to form month, he will have real shot at 20 wins in 2016.

Teheran, Julio - 11-5 (7-2 H)

Suffered lat strain in late July and has been a victim of no run support from bad Braves club with 2.81 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and opposing batters at only .205 batting average. Note: Teheran’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

Weaver, Jered - 12-5 (7-3 A)

Shell of his former self at 33. Never a hard thrower, Weaver's fastball only occasionally makes the upper 80's these days and his once dominating changeup is a pitch batter's wait on now with lack of variance of speed of pitches. Will blend good and really awful performances these days.

*Zimmermann, Jordan - 12-6 (8-3 H)

On July 24th had excellent rehab start and will be rejoining Detroit this month. After sensational start with Tigers, Zimmermann was tagged for at least five runs in four of his last five outings. Detroit needs the Zimmermann they had early in the season to have chance to catch Cleveland in AL Central.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Gray, Sonny - 5-11 (0-7 A)

Given Gray's troubles this month, his woes of all season are very likely to continue. Gray simply has been more hittable the entire season, permitting those with bats to hit almost 50 points higher than normal batting average permitted of .233. Note: Gray’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Hellickson, Jeremy - 4-11 (2-9 A)

Back of the rotation starter, Hellickson has largely performed better than expected for Philadelphia and as this article went live, he was rumored to be traded. His KW ratio is significantly higher at 4 to 1 compared to 3 to 1 for his career. Will he be able to maintain the rest of season?

Kazmir, Scott - 5-11 (1-7 A)

The Dodgers port-sider has 9-4 record, but his 4.41 ERA is still above career average of 3.98. Durability has been issue all season, with too many starts around five innings for what is supposed to be Los Angeles No. 2 or 3 starter.

Koehler, Tom - 4-13 (0-10 A)

Above average arm but always up or down and unless he pulls a Rich Hill, at 30 is not likely to change. An 8-8 record, 4.18 ERA and WHIP of 1.46, is about what we have come to expect from Mr. Koehler. Note: Koehler’s record also represents his MLB career team start mark during the month of August.

*Miley, Wade - 5-11 (1-6 A)

Overrated lefty who does not miss many bats and fails to come anywhere close to averaging punch-out an inning. Strictly an innings-eater and provides nothing more than 50-50 chance to win.

Miller, Shelby - 5-11 (2-8 H)

Demoted to Triple-A in July after disastrous campaign. Miller hopes to regain confidence and repair mechanics that are really out of whack and return to Arizona yet this season.

Samardzija, Jeff - 5-13 (3-8 H)

After appearing as the No.3 starter San Francisco wanted for two months, Smards has returned to same old serviceable pitcher of the past and seen his ERA climb from 2.84 to present 4.30 heading into this month.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 02:09 AM

Orioles acquire LHP Miley from Mariners
August 1, 2016

CHICAGO (AP) Baltimore is hoping Wade Miley can turn his solid July into a big finish with the AL East leaders.

The Orioles acquired Miley in a trade with the Seattle Mariners on Sunday, giving manager Buck Showalter an experienced lefty for his rotation as the team tries to hold off Toronto and Boston for the division title.

''Wade Miley is a workhorse veteran left-handed starter who likes to pitch and compete,'' said Dan Duquette, the executive vice president of baseball operations for the Orioles. ''We think he will contribute to this year's club with some quality innings.''

Miley is 7-8 with a 4.98 ERA, but he had a 3.45 ERA in five July starts. He pitched seven innings of one-hit ball in Seattle's 4-1 victory against the major league-leading Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

''He was probably as good as he has been all year,'' Seattle manager Scott Servais said after Saturday's win at Wrigley Field. ''He kind of brought a different attitude, mentality, whatever you want to say to the mound today. He was very aggressive from the get-go.''

Miley was shagging fly balls before Sunday's 7-6 loss at Chicago when he left the field while Seattle continued taking batting practice. Servais soon followed him into the dugout.

Seattle received left-hander Ariel Miranda in the trade. The Cuban pitcher has spent most of the year with Triple-A Norfolk. He appeared in one game for Baltimore on July 3 at Seattle, allowing three runs and four hits in two innings.

''Ariel Miranda is a power left-handed pitcher with a four-pitch mix that is major league ready that provides us with flexibility,'' general manager Jerry Dipoto said in an email. ''We are very excited for what he can bring to the Mariners.''

The 29-year-old Miley was selected by Arizona with the 43rd pick in the 2008 amateur draft and made his major league debut with the Diamondbacks in 2011. He is 56-54 with a 4.07 ERA in six years in the majors.

Miley went 11-11 with a 4.46 ERA in 32 starts with Boston last year, and then was traded to Seattle in December.

''We are glad that Wade can go from one team in playoff contention to another, and to a division that he has had success in during his career,'' Dipoto said. ''This decision is the best move for the Mariners' present and future.''

Miley is making $6 million this season and is owed $8.75 million in 2017. His contract includes a $12 million club option for 2018 with a $500,000 buyout.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 02:12 AM

LEADING OFF: Trade deadline - Sale, Lucroy, Beltran moving?
July 31, 2016

A look at what's happening all around the majors on Monday:

TRADE WINDS

Lefty ace Chris Sale, All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy and postseason star Carlos Beltran might be on the move before the 4 p.m. EDT deadline for making trades without waivers. Jay Bruce, Brian McCann and Alexei Ramirez also could shift cities.

It's already been a busy trade market - Andrew Miller, Aroldis Chapman, Mark Melancon, Wade Miley, Andrew Cashner and Eduardo Nunez have been dealt in recent days.

SUBWAY SERIES

The Mets and Yankees open a four-game, two-ballpark matchup with the opener at Citi Field. The Yanks limp in with four straight losses that have dropped them back to .500, and they're now trading veteran stars for prospects. The Mets are struggling, too, especially after watching steady shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera hurt himself running the bases Sunday. He strained his left patellar tendon, the same injury that sidelined him for two weeks in spring training, and the team is waiting to see how long he'll be out.

STRASOPHERE

Nationals ace Stephen Strasburg tries to become the first pitcher in the majors with 15 wins this season when he starts at Arizona. Strasburg (14-1, 2.68) is tied with Chris Sale, Chris Tillman, J.A. Happ and Rick Porcello for the most victories.

MORE STEADY EDDY

Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (2-4, 6.51) has been much better since returning from a stint in the minors, a trend he'll try to keep up when Boston plays at Seattle. The Red Sox thought Rodriguez was tipping his pitches early this season and sent him to Triple-A for a few weeks to make a mechanical fix. In three starts since he returned, Rodriguez is 1-1 with a 3.06 ERA, cutting more than two runs from his season mark. James Paxton (3-5, 4.27) pitches for the Mariners.

ICHIRO UPDATE

Ichiro Suzuki popped out as a pinch hitter in Miami's win Sunday and remains at 2,998 career hits. Suzuki went 2 for 17 on the Marlins' homestand while starting just twice. ''He's swinging at some balls out of the strike zone, which is a little bit not like him,'' manager Don Mattingly said. Mattingly declined to say whether Suzuki will start at Wrigley Field.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 02:14 AM

Brewers C Lucroy blocks trade to Indians
July 31, 2016

MILWAUKEE (AP) For the second straight season, the Milwaukee Brewers hit a snag while trying to trade one of their key players before the deadline.

Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy has blocked his proposed trade to Cleveland after the teams had reached a preliminary agreement on a deal sending the two-time All-Star to the Indians. Lucroy said Sunday he wasn't going to go into the details behind his decision.

''When you are dealing with life-changing, life-altering decisions like this, there are a lot of factors that come into play, mostly family,'' he said. ''The other half of that is your future in this league and your career. There are a lot of different things to take in. Whenever those things don't line up, decisions have to be made that might be tough, but that's the way it has to be.''

Last year, Milwaukee had a deal fall through with the Mets that would have sent Carlos Gomez to New York. Gomez was traded to Houston instead.

Milwaukee general manager David Stearns said the Brewers would move on after Lucroy refused to waive the no-trade provision in his contract. Stearns said there was no chance of re-working the deal with Cleveland.

''We know this is part of the process,'' Stearns said. ''It is why we engage with multiple teams throughout the entirety of the negotiation. Jonathan elected to invoke the no-trade clause. We were aware that was a possibility.''

Cleveland, which leads the AL Central, has been looking for a catcher since Yan Gomes separated his shoulder.

The 30-year-old Lucroy is batting .300 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. He has a $4 million salary this year as part of a contract that includes a $5.25 million team option for 2017.

Lucroy said simply that there were ''circumstances that came up'' that caused him to block the deal.

''I'm not going to comment on any specifics, nothing like that, as much as I'd like to,'' he said. ''I'm respecting their process and what the Brewers are trying to do in terms of the trade. If that's going to happen or not, I don't know. As of right now, I'm still a Brewer and I'm going to be until somebody tells me different.''

The deadline for trades without waivers is Monday.

''I still expect the next 36 hours to be interesting and eventful,'' Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said. ''Luc has been here for six years, so having him here is business as usual.''

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 02:18 AM

Serie-ous deal: Indians acquire Andrew Miller from Yankees
July 31, 2016

CLEVELAND (AP) Serious about winning it all this season, the Cleveland Indians acquired left-handed reliever Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees on Sunday for four players.

The stunning trade came less than 12 hours after the AL Central leaders agreed with Milwaukee on a deal to send Brewers All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy to Cleveland.

However, that trade was stopped by Lucroy, who refused to waive his no-trade clause, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

Still, the Indians did land Miller, one of baseball's best setup men. Cleveland sent four minor leaguers, including highly touted outfielder Clint Frazier, to New York for the 31-year-old. The Indians have been lacking a quality lefty in the seventh and eighth innings, and Miller fills that void.

Cleveland had been interested in Miller for weeks, but the club was reluctant to part with any of its top prospects, especially Frazier, a 21-year-old who can hit with power and was recently promoted to Triple-A Columbus.

But with the Indians holding a 4 1/2-game lead in the AL Central over Detroit on Sunday, Indians owner Paul Dolan and president Chris Antonetti felt the time was right to go all in and see if they can win their first World Series since 1948.

''He's the perfect guy to have and we got him,'' Indians closer Cody Allen said before the club's series finale with Oakland. ''It breathes a lot of life into this clubhouse. We're in first place with the guys we have, but to get a game-changer like Miller, that lets us know everybody in the front office wants to win as badly as we do right now. We're not thinking about two years from now, we're thinking about winning in 2016.''

Miller's name had swirled in trade rumors for weeks. He was not shocked by the deal but admitted it won't be easy leaving the Yankees.

''I loved my time here. I enjoyed playing in New York. I liked living in New York,'' he said before the Yankees game Sunday in Tampa. ''I like the guys here. I'm going to miss that. It's a time I'm going to look back at fondly. For me now, it's a chance to go to a team that's in the thick of it and has big plans for this year. So, you have to look at the positives and helping those guys reach their goals.''

The Indians are also feeding off a positive vibe in the city started when the Cavaliers, their next-door-neighbors in Gateway Plaza, won the NBA championship last month to end Cleveland's 52-year title drought.

Indians manager Terry Francona applauded the team's bold move in getting Miller.

''We're getting one of the very elite relievers in all of baseball,'' he said. ''Chris and the guys just went and got the very best guy there was. If you don't think other teams wanted him, you're crazy. They didn't go halfway. They went and got the best there is. There's no better message.''

New York's decision to move Miller comes after the team traded closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs.

Possessing a nearly unhittable slider, Miller is 6-1 with a 1.39 ERA. He is signed through the 2018 season at $9 million per year. He's averaging an astounding 15.3 strikeouts per nine innings and has allowed runs in just eight of 44 appearances.

Miller owns a career ERA of 2.72 with Detroit, Florida, Boston, Baltimore and New York. Francona is expected to use him in the eighth inning along with right-hander Bryan Shaw as the bridge to Allen.

In addition to Frazier, the Yankees are getting minor league pitchers Justus Sheffield, Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen. Sheffield is a left-hander.

Shortly after they beat Oakland on Saturday night, the Indians struck an agreement with Milwaukee for Lucroy, who is batting .300 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. The Indians have been looking for a catcher - and a right-handed hitter - since Yan Gomes separated his shoulder earlier this month.

But Lucroy, who was in the final year of his contract with Milwaukee holding a contract option for 2017, decided to stay with the team that drafted him in 2007, according to the person familiar with the situation.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 02:19 AM

Braves acquire Matt Kemp, send Hector Olivera to San Diego
July 31, 2016

ATLANTA (AP) Braves general manager John Coppolella is sick of watching his team plummet to the bottom of the major leagues.

Trading for pricey slugger Matt Kemp might be a good way to send a message to disappointed Atlanta fans.

The Braves acquired Kemp, a two-time All-Star outfielder, and $10.5 million from San Diego for troubled outfielder Hector Olivera on Saturday night.

''It's a sign that we aren't happy losing,'' Coppolella said. ''We aren't trying to finish with the worst record ever so we can get the first (draft) pick. We want to win every night and making this trade now is a big deal to us because it helps us get better this year and the next three years after that.''

Kemp is expected to make his Atlanta debut on Tuesday when the Braves begin a three-game home series with Pittsburgh. President of baseball operations John Hart said there was no need for Kemp to hurry to Turner Field with an off day Monday.

Atlanta had tried for several months to deal Olivera following his April 13 arrest on domestic violence charges. He is eligible to play again in the major leagues on Tuesday following his 82-game domestic violence suspension.

The Padres plan to designate Olivera for assignment when he comes off the restricted list Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced.

Coppolella was pleased to put the Olivera chapter behind him. Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of his arrival.

''What happened with Hector is unfortunate and unacceptable,'' Coppolella told The AP. ''We're happy to have Matt Kemp.''

Despite arthritis in both hips, Kemp could boost the weakest offense in the major leagues. Atlanta has baseball's worst record and ranks last in runs scored and homers.

The Braves have just one marquee everyday player, first baseman Freddie Freeman, and need more star appeal as they move a few miles north into a new suburban ballpark next year.

Kemp has a $21.5 million salary this year and is owed the same amount in each of the next three seasons.

''We felt like it's just a situation where we can use that money down the road,'' Padres general manager AJ Preller said. ''Reallocate to our bigger club, reallocate it potentially to the amateur market, which is a spot where there's a lot of value in the flexibility with the dollars presented to us.''

San Diego is sending Atlanta $3 million this year as part of the trade: half on Aug. 15 and the rest on Sept. 15. From 2017-19, the Padres will pay the Braves $2.5 million annually, half each May 15 and July 15.

''To get him for roughly $8.5 million a year when you factor out Olivera, it made a lot of sense for us,'' Coppolella said. ''We didn't give up a draft pick. We didn't trade away any prospects. So we were able to stick with the plan that we had while still filling a major need for right-handed power.''

Olivera agreed in early 2015 to a $62.5 million, six-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, then was traded to the Braves last July. He has a $4 million salary this year, but lost $1,792,350 because of his suspension. He is owed $6 million next season, $6.5 million in 2018, $7.5 million in 2019 and $8.5 million in 2020.

San Diego acquired Kemp, a two-time All-Star outfielder with the Dodgers, from Los Angeles in December 2014. It took several days to consummate the trade because Kemp had to be cleared medically.

In 254 games with the Padres, Kemp is hitting .264 - 28 points lower than his nine-year batting average with the Dodgers - with 46 homers, 169 RBIs and 247 strikeouts.

Atlanta acquired Olivera from the Dodgers last July 30 in a three-team, 13-player swap that sent Alex Wood and Jose Peraza to Los Angeles.

This trade made financial sense with both teams trying to shed expensive contracts of players no longer fitting long-term plans.

Olivera is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett but was removed from the lineup before Saturday night's game.

He was arrested April 13 at a hotel near Washington, D.C., and Major League Baseball announced May 27 that he had agreed to the suspension, which was retroactive to April 30.

Olivera, who was moved from third base to left field before the start of spring training, hit .245 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 30 games with Atlanta. He has a pending court date in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Padres have been busy reworking their payroll during the last few days.

They traded outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. to Toronto on Tuesday for minor league right-hander Hansel Rodriguez. San Diego agreed to pay the Blue Jays $17,275,410, including $1,825,410 this year and $15.45 million next year - matching his entire 2017 salary.

On Friday, the Padres sent right-handers Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea plus pitching prospect Tayron Guerrero to Miami for right-handers Jarred Cosart and Carter Capps and two minor leaguers, pitching prospect Luis Castillo and first baseman Josh Naylor.

San Diego will give the Marlins $2,171,257 to cover most of the $2,539,617 remaining in Cashner's $7.15 million salary this year.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 02:21 AM

Clippard rejoins Yanks in deal with Dbacks
July 31, 2016

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) The New York Yankees have reacquired Tyler Clippard, obtaining the reliever from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Vicente Campos in a swap of right-handed pitchers.

The 31-year-old Clippard was 2-3 with one save and a 4.30 ERA in 40 relief appearances with the Diamondbacks, who signed him to a $12.25 million, two-year contract in February. New York hopes he fills a void created by the trades of Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller.

Clippard was drafted by the Yankees in 2003, made six starts as a rookie in 2007 and then was traded to Washington. He was an All-Star in 2011 and 2014 and is the only big league pitcher to appear in 69 games or more in each of the past six seasons.

He is making $4.1 million this year and is due $4.15 million next season in salary.

Campos was acquired in the 2012 trade that brought right-hander Michael Pineda to the Yankees. The 24-year-old Campos is 9-3 with a 3.20 ERA this year in 20 combined starts for Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 12:31 PM

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

— Cubs 7, Mariners 6– Jon Lester ended a weird game with a walk-off squeeze bunt. Pitcher Travis Wood played couple of innings in left field for the Cubs. Seattle led 6-0 early.

— Mariners won 116 games in 2001, haven’t been in playoffs since.

— Chargers still haven’t signed first round pick Joey Bosa.

— Sports Center is in the ashcan; they try to make it like a comedy show now. Just show the damn highlights.

— Yadier Molina has hit a double seven games in a row.

— Mets’ front office is in the tank; they added 34-year old CF Justin Ruggiano, who was hitting .229 in AAA. Awesome.

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Talkin’ baseball…….

I did some research this weekend on series openers and how teams react after they win lose a series opener. Here is some of what I found………

13) Road teams who win a series opener are 119-120 in second game of that series. Home teams who win series openers are 152-117 in the second series game.

12) Cubs (24-11), Mets (21-12), Padres/Indians (both 21-12) are best teams in series openers. Arizona, Philly and Minnesota (all 12-22) are the worst teams.

11) Padres are surprising 11-6 in road series openers, but are 4-13 in second game– when San Diego loses a series opener, home or away, they are 3-10 in second game– no bueno.

10) Texas Rangers are 6-0 in second game of a home series if they lost the opener.

9) Washington (14-5), Detroit (12-5). Baltimore (12-6) and Giants (11-5) have best records in second game of a series, if they won the opener. Colorado (6-12) and the Mets (9-12) have the worst.

8) Texas (11-4), Dodgers (12-7), San Francisco (11-7) have best records in second game of series if they lost opener. Padres (3-12), Reds (5-14), A’s (5-11), Bronx (5-10) have worst records.

7) Cubs are 15-3 in first game of a home series, Royals are 14-3, Mets are 12-5. On other end, Arizona is 3-14, Phillies 4-12.

6) San Diego is 11-6 in first game of road series, Toronto/Miami both 10-6. Royals are 4-13, Twins/Brewers both 5-11.

Elsewhere in baseball this weekend………
5) Indians tried to go all-in Sunday, acquiring Andrew Miller to bolster its bullpen, but another trade to get Jonathan Lucroy from Milwaukee fell thru when Lucroy vetoed the deal– he had Cleveland as one of 8 teams on his no-trade list.

4) Wade Miley lost his last six starts, but had a no-hitter going thru five innings at Wrigley Saturday; now he is on the Orioles, who acquired him for a 27-year old Cuban lefty with shoulder problems.

3) Matt Cain was lifted after five innings against the Nationals yesterday, despite not allowing any hits- he threw 93 pitches in his best effort in a long time.

2) In July, the Dodgers’ bullpen averaged getting 13 outs a game, that’s too much work. LA could use another starting pitcher, especially after Bud Norris got hurt again Sunday.

1– 30 years ago today, I went to Las Vegas for the first time, driving thru the desert from Anaheim with my sister. We stayed at a cruddy hotel across from Circus Circus, went to a lot of casinos and my head was spinning– sensory overload.

I tried to bet on the Mets against Montreal, but got screwed up on the time change and the game was in the fifth inning when I tried to bet it. The ticket writer was kind and didn’t mock me.

That was quite a vacation; Las Vegas and Rams’ training camp at Cal State-Fullerton, where I met Eric Dickerson, John Robinson, Dieter Brock and Nolan Cromwell. Great fun.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 12:36 PM

MLB

Armadillo's Write-Up

Monday, August 1

National League

Marlins @ Cubs

Conley is 3-0, 2.12 in his last five starts; under is 8-4 in his last 12. Miami is 6-5 in his road starts.
Hendricks is 4-1, 1.80 in his last five starts; his last three stayed under the total. Cubs won his last six home starts.
Marlins won five of last seven road games, are 10-6 in road series openers. Last five Miami games went over. Cubs are 15-3 in home series openers. Under is 10-3 in last 13 games at Wrigley Field.

Nationals @ Diamondbacks

Strasburg is 4-1, 1.94 in his last six starts; three of last four stayed under. Nationals are 7-1 in his road starts.
Bradley is 1-1, 2.50 in his last three starts; his last four stayed under the total. Arizona is 2-4 in his home starts.
Nationals are 5-8 in last 13 games, 10-8 in road series openers. Last five Washington games stayed under. Arizona lost nine of last 12 games, is 3-14 in home series openers. Over is 9-2-1 in last 12 games at Chase Field.

Brewers @ Padres

Nelson is 0-2, 11.17 in his last two starts; five of his last six stayed under total. Milwaukee is 4-5 in his road starts.
Cosart was 0-1, 6.41 in four starts (over 3-1) for Miami this year; this is his San Diego debut.
Brewers won six of last seven games; they’re 5-11 in road series openers. Under is 10-4 in their last 14 games. San Diego is 4-9 in last 13 games, 10-7 in home series openers. Under is 8-4 in their last 12 games.

American League

Royals @ Rays

Duffy is 4-0, 3.00 in his last six starts; under is 3-1-2 in his road starts- KC won four of those six games.
Archer is 1-3, 4.78 in his last four starts; six of his last nine stayed under. Tampa bay lost his last six home starts.
Royals lost 18 of last 24 games, is 4-13 in road series openers. Six of last eight KC road games stayed under. Tampa Bay won its last four home games, is 7-10 in home series openers. Under is 13-4 in Rays’ last 17 games.

Twins @ Indians

Berrios was 1-1, 10.20 in four starts back in May (over 2-1-1).
Salazar is 1-0, 6.55 in his last four starts; six of his last eight went over. Indians are 9-1 in his last 10 starts, 7-1 in his last eight at home.
Twins are 7-5 in last 12 games, 5-11 in road series openers. Over is 9-4 in Minnesota’s last 13 road games. Cleveland won four of last five games, is 11-5 in home series openers. Under is 3-0-1 in Tribe’s last four games.

Blue Jays @ Astros

Stroman is 2-0, 3.97 in his last five starts; his last three stayed over. Toronto is 5-4 in his road starts.
Fister is 2-4, 5.00 in his last six starts; four of his last five home starts went over. Astros are 5-3 in his home starts.
Blue Jays won five of last seven games, are 10-6 in road series openers. Over is 4-0-1 in last five Toronto games. Houston lost five of last six games, is 10-7 in home series openers. Under is 9-4-1 in last 14 Astro home games.

Red Sox @ Mariners

Rodriguez is 1-1, 3.06 in his last three starts (under 3-0). Boston won three of his four road starts.
Paxton is 1-2, 5.29 in his last three starts; four of his last six went over. He is 1-1, 8.62 in his last three home starts.
Red Sox lost seven of last ten games, are 9-6 in road series openers. Last eight Boston road games stayed under. Seattle won seven of last ten home games, is 9-7 in home series openers. Five of Mariners’ last seven games went over the total.

Interleague

Bronx @ Mets

Sabathia is 1-4, 6.51 in his last six starts; over is 4-2-1 in his last seven. Bronx is 6-4 in his home starts.
Verrett is 0-4, 6.38 in his last seven starts; four of his last five stayed under.
Bronx lost its last four games, is 8-9 in road series openers. Over is 14-5 in last 19 Bronx road games. Mets lost eight of last ten home games; they’re 12-5 in home series openers (4-4 in last 8). Over is 3-1-1 in last five Met games.

Teams’ record when this pitcher starts

Mia-Chi– Conley 12-9; Hendricks 11-8
Wsh-Az– Strasburg 17-2; Bradley 7-7
Mil-SD– Nelson 9-12; Cosart 0-0/1-3
KC-TB– Duffy 11-3; Archer 6-16
Min-Clev– Berrios 1-3; Salazar 13-6
Tor-Hst– Stroman 11-10; Fister 13-7
Bos-Sea– Rodriguez 3-6; Paxton 3-8
NYY-NYM– Sabathia 9-9; Verrett 3-6

Starting pitchers allowing 1+ runs in first inning:

Mia-Chi– Conley 6-21; Hendricks 5-19
Wsh-Az– Strasburg 5-19; Bradley 5-14

Mil-SD– Nelson 5-21; Cosart 2-4
KC-TB– Duffy 3-14; Archer 10-22
Min-Clev– Berrios 1-4; Salazar 2-19
Tor-Hst– Stroman 6-21; Fister 3-20
Bos-Sea– Rodriguez 3-9; Paxton 3-11
NYY-NYM– Sabathia 4-18 (4 of last 6); Verrett 1-9

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 12:38 PM

MLB

Monday, August 1

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:10 PM
KANSAS CITY vs. TAMPA BAY
Kansas City is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
Kansas City is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Tampa Bay
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 7 games at home
Tampa Bay is 1-10 SU in its last 11 games when playing Kansas City

7:10 PM
NY YANKEES vs. NY METS
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Mets
NY Yankees are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road
NY Mets are 2-6 SU in their last 8 games when playing NY Yankees
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Mets's last 7 games when playing at home against NY Yankees

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing on the road against Cleveland
Cleveland is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Cleveland is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota

8:05 PM
MIAMI vs. CHI CUBS
Miami is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Miami is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Chi Cubs's last 16 games
Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games

8:10 PM
TORONTO vs. HOUSTON
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Houston
Toronto is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing at home against Toronto
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Toronto

9:40 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ARIZONA
Washington is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Washington's last 13 games when playing on the road against Arizona
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Arizona's last 13 games when playing at home against Washington
Arizona is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Washington

10:10 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. SAN DIEGO
Milwaukee is 6-16 SU in its last 22 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Milwaukee's last 15 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games when playing at home against Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games

10:10 PM
BOSTON vs. SEATTLE
Boston is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 12:40 PM

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, August 1

Miami @ Chicago Cubs

Game 901-902
August 1, 2016 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Conley) 12.380
Chicago Cubs
(Hendrcks) 16.574
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 4
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-190
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-190); N/A

Washington @ Arizona

Game 903-904
August 1, 2016 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Strasbrg) 15.600
Arizona
(Bradley) 14.133
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-195
8
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-195); Over

Milwaukee @ San Diego

Game 905-906
August 1, 2016 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 14.905
San Diego
(Cosart) 13.476
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Diego
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-105); Under

Kansas City @ Tampa Bay

Game 907-908
August 1, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Duffy) 14.427
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 12.815
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1 1/2
5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-115
7
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(-105); Under

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 909-910
August 1, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Berrios) 13.975
Cleveland
(Salazar) 16.734
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-220
8
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-220); Over

Toronto @ Houston

Game 911-912
August 1, 2016 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 17.427
Houston
(Fister) 15.930
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-130
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-130); Over

Boston @ Seattle

Game 913-914
August 1, 2016 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Rdriguez) 15.595
Seattle
(Paxton) 14.065
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-135
9
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(+115); Under

NY Yankees @ NY Mets

Game 915-916
August 1, 2016 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Sabathia) 17.997
NY Mets
(Verrett) 16.459
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-105); Under

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 12:43 PM

MLB
Long Sheet

Monday, August 1

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

MIAMI (57 - 48) at CHICAGO CUBS (63 - 41) - 8:05 PM
ADAM CONLEY (L) vs. KYLE HENDRICKS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HENDRICKS is 13-4 (+10.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 57-48 (+6.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MIAMI is 41-29 (+10.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MIAMI is 380-438 (+42.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record in the second half of the season since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1551-1664 (-274.0 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 829-777 (-164.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 239-304 (-75.4 Units) against the money line in August games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1494-1577 (-248.8 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 256-249 (-61.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 741-811 (-194.3 Units) against the money line after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MIAMI is 3-1 (+3.3 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)

ADAM CONLEY vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

KYLE HENDRICKS vs. MIAMI since 1997
HENDRICKS is 1-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 1.96 and a WHIP of 1.091.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+1.0 units)

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

WASHINGTON (61 - 44) at ARIZONA (43 - 62) - 9:40 PM
STEPHEN STRASBURG (R) vs. ARCHIE BRADLEY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 144-123 (-20.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 12-17 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 143-122 (-20.2 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 91-82 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 108-95 (-16.4 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 60-62 (-17.3 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 71-56 (-17.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
STRASBURG is 17-2 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
STRASBURG is 17-2 (+13.5 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 43-62 (-18.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 17-35 (-24.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 7-15 (-11.1 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
ARIZONA is 42-61 (-19.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
ARIZONA is 14-23 (-13.9 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 29-47 (-16.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ARIZONA is 54-67 (-30.9 Units) against the money line in home games after allowing 10 runs or more since 1997.
ARIZONA is 12-20 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss this season.
ARIZONA is 71-131 (-45.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 16-37 (-16.2 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.

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

STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. ARIZONA since 1997
STRASBURG is 3-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.53 and a WHIP of 1.085.
His team's record is 4-3 (-0.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.1 units)

ARCHIE BRADLEY vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MILWAUKEE (47 - 56) at SAN DIEGO (45 - 60) - 10:10 PM
JIMMY NELSON (R) vs. JARRED COSART (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 75-116 (-33.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 33-45 (-23.7 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.
SAN DIEGO is 36-35 (+13.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 28-32 (+8.3 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-2 (+10.4 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN DIEGO is 2-2 (+0.5 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)

JIMMY NELSON vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
NELSON is 1-2 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 1.83 and a WHIP of 0.864.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)

JARRED COSART vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
COSART is 0-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

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

KANSAS CITY (49 - 55) at TAMPA BAY (42 - 61) - 7:10 PM
DANNY DUFFY (L) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
KANSAS CITY is 17-36 (-17.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 12-26 (-12.7 Units) against the money line in road games in night games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 13-31 (-17.2 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
KANSAS CITY is 9-23 (-13.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
KANSAS CITY is 155-127 (+22.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 38-18 (+17.2 Units) against the money line in August games over the last 3 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 42-61 (-25.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season.
TAMPA BAY is 25-38 (-18.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
TAMPA BAY is 22-30 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf this season.
TAMPA BAY is 25-36 (-17.7 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
ARCHER is 6-16 (-12.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 2-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in home games this season. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 2-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in games played in a dome this season. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 2-8 (-8.1 Units) against the money line in home games in games played on artificial turf this season. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
KANSAS CITY is 3-0 (+3.1 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)

DANNY DUFFY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
DUFFY is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 4.00 and a WHIP of 1.333.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

CHRIS ARCHER vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
ARCHER is 0-3 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.84 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.6 units)

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

MINNESOTA (40 - 64) at CLEVELAND (60 - 42) - 7:10 PM
JOSE BERRIOS (R) vs. DANNY SALAZAR (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 40-64 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 14-33 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
MINNESOTA is 11-25 (-11.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
MINNESOTA is 40-64 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-39 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-49 (-20.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 34-12 (+19.6 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 18-4 (+12.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
CLEVELAND is 30-13 (+14.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
CLEVELAND is 43-22 (+15.3 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 17-6 (+11.2 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
MINNESOTA is 62-60 (+13.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 35-52 (-32.5 Units) against the money line in home games after shutting out their opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 5-4 (+2.7 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.9 Units)

JOSE BERRIOS vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
BERRIOS is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 11.25 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.1 units)

DANNY SALAZAR vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
SALAZAR is 3-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.63 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 5-3 (+1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.1 units)

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

TORONTO (59 - 46) at HOUSTON (55 - 49) - 8:10 PM
MARCUS STROMAN (R) vs. DOUG FISTER (R)
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.

MARCUS STROMAN vs. HOUSTON since 1997
STROMAN is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 15.00 and a WHIP of 2.667.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

DOUG FISTER vs. TORONTO since 1997
FISTER is 2-2 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 4.01 and a WHIP of 1.101.
His team's record is 3-3 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-3. (-0.4 units)

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

BOSTON (57 - 46) at SEATTLE (52 - 51) - 10:10 PM
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. JAMES PAXTON (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 206-222 (-38.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 641-576 (-79.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
BOSTON is 120-117 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
BOSTON is 139-156 (-34.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 494-455 (-68.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters since 1997.
BOSTON is 95-111 (-28.4 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 3 seasons.
BOSTON is 89-113 (-28.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 128-137 (-25.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 13-25 (-16.0 Units) against the money line at home with a money line of -100 to -125 over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 61-68 (-28.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 120-133 (-30.6 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 43-49 (-22.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 36-55 (-23.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
PAXTON is 8-16 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
PAXTON is 1-8 (-8.7 Units) against the money line in games played on a grass field this season. (Team's Record)
PAXTON is 4-14 (-11.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 2-1 (+0.7 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. SEATTLE since 1997
No recent starts.

JAMES PAXTON vs. BOSTON since 1997
PAXTON is 1-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.875.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

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

NY YANKEES (52 - 52) at NY METS (54 - 50) - 7:10 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. LOGAN VERRETT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 23-5 (+19.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Monday over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 52-26 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.

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

C.C. SABATHIA vs. NY METS since 1997
SABATHIA is 4-2 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 3.22 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 5-2 (+2.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-1. (+5.1 units)

LOGAN VERRETT vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2016, 12:52 PM

Yankees, Mets hook up
August 1, 2016

NEW YORK YANKEES (52-52) at NEW YORK METS (54-50)

First pitch: Monday, 7:10 p.m. ET
Sportsbook.ag Line: NY Yankees -105, NY Mets -105, Total: 8.0

The Yankees will be looking to avoid a fifth straight loss when they face the Mets on Monday.

The Yankees are in a position that not many are used to, as the they have pretty much given up their hopes of making the postseason and have started to sell off their assets. They will, however, be giving it their all in this series, as this is still a local rivalry and the Yankees will be hoping to make things a bit tougher on the Mets to make the postseason. The Mets are coming off of a 6-4 victory over the Rockies on Sunday, but they had lost four straight games heading into that one and must start to rattle off some more wins soon.

The starters in this Monday matchup are set to be LHP C.C. Sabathia (6-8, 3.95 ERA, 81 K) for the Yankees and RHP Logan Verrett (3-6, 4.12 ERA, 51 K) for the Mets. One interesting thing worth noting is that the Mets are 23-5 against the money line when playing on Monday over the past two seasons. They are also 75-39 against the money line when the line is -100 to -150 over the past two seasons. OF Yoenis Cespedes (Quad) is, however, questionable for the Mets in this one.

Sabathia is coming off of a very good start for the Yankees, allowing just two earned runs in 6.2 innings of work. The lefty struck out five batters in that game, but he did allow two solo homers and will need to avoid making big mistakes like that on Monday. He has now allowed two homers in two of his past five starts and needs to keep the ball in the park on Monday.

Offensively, the Yankees have no experience against Verrett. They also could be without OF Carlos Beltran (.304, 22 HR, 64 RBI), who is their best hitter by a mile and also their top asset ahead of Monday’s trade deadline. If he is no longer on the team then it’ll be tough for the Yankees to score moving forward. Another guy to keep an eye on for the Yanks is SS Didi Gregorius (.292, 11 HR, 43 RBI). Gregorius has surprisingly emerged as one of the best hitters on this team and the Yankees can use some production out of him on Monday. He is, however, 0-for-7 over the past two contests and needs to break out of this slump.

Logan Verrett will be on the mound for the Mets on Monday and he has pitched very well for the Mets recently. In Verrett’s last 18.1 innings of work, he has allowed just seven earned runs. If he could come through with something close to a quality start on Monday then the Mets would be in very good shape, as they should be able to hit Sabathia in this one.

Offensively, the Mets to keep an eye on are OF Yoenis Cespedes (.291, 22 HR, 58 RBI) and 2B Neil Walker (.259, 17 HR, 45 RBI). Cespedes might not play in this game, but he is this team’s bet source of power and it would be big if he were to be in the lineup on Monday. With Sabathia’s inability to throw his fastball with any velocity, Cespedes could easily send one out of the park in this one. Walker, meanwhile, is on a tear for the Mets, as he has gone 12-for-19 with a homer and five RBI over the past five games. He’ll be hoping to keep it up in this game against the Yankees.

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