The Bum's MLB Best Bets - Trends - News Thru the World Series !

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Adams set to join Braves, Yankees-Rays reset
May 20, 2017

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

WELCOME

First baseman Matt Adams is expected to join the Braves in time for their game at SunTrust Park against Washington. Atlanta acquired Adams this weekend from St. Louis, hoping he can help fill the void left by injured star Freddie Freeman - the All-Star was hitting .341 with 14 home runs when he was hit by pitch Wednesday, breaking his wrist and sidelining him for 10 weeks.

Adams hit .292 with a homer and seven RBIs coming off the bench this season for the Cardinals.

WE COOL?

The Yankees and Rays resume at Tropicana Field, a day after their game included three hit batters, three ejected and an animated argument by New York manager Joe Girardi, who used his hands to cover home plate with dirt. Tampa Bay pitcher Matt Andriese was tossed after plunking Aaron Judge with a pitch. Judge hit his big league-leading 15th home run and a double, and has a career-high eight-game hitting streak.

CHECK HIM

The Tigers will see how second baseman Ian Kinsler is feeling. He exited Saturday night's game against Texas because of tightness in his left hamstring. The team said it was a precautionary move to pull him. It's the same hamstring that caused Kinsler to miss a week earlier this month.

STREAKING

Dustin Pedroia has a 23-game hitting streak against the Athletics, the longest active string in the majors for one player vs. any single team. The Boston star can extend the run in the series wrapup at Oakland.

WORKING OVERTIME

The AL Central-leading Twins are set to play their second doubleheader in four days when they host Kansas City. A rainout Saturday forced the twinbill, with the makeup game starting 30 minutes after the nightcap.

Minnesota split a doubleheader Thursday at home against Colorado. The Twins have been postponed five times this season, including three at Target Field. A rainout in April will result in a doubleheader on the road vs. the Royals on July 1.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB notebook: Astros place Keuchel (neck) on DL
May 20, 2017

Houston Astros ace Dallas Keuchel, who is 7-0 this season, was placed on the 10-day on disabled list Saturday because of pinched nerve in his neck.

Keuchel, who was scheduled to start on Monday against the Detroit Tigers, is expected miss only one turn in the rotation, according to the Astros.

The move is retroactive to Wednesday and the stint on the disabled list is the first in Keuchel's major league career.

The left-hander has a 1.84 ERA with 54 strikeouts and 14 walks, and held opposing hitters to a .186 batting average in nine starts over 63 2/3 innings this season.

Keuchel leads the American League in wins and ERA, ranks second in innings pitched and WHIP (0.86) and third in batting average allowed. The Astros are 8-1 when he starts this season.

Keuchel, who won the Cy Young Award in 2015, pitched only five innings in his last start -- a 12-2 win over the Marlins on Tuesday when he allowed two runs on four hits while striking out four.

--Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda has been hospitalized for several days, the Orange County Register reported.

Specifics of Lasorda's illness and condition have been kept private, but the newspaper reported the Hall of Famer been in the intensive care unit at a Los Angeles hospital.

Lasorda, 89, has a history of heart problems and was hospitalized following a heart attack as recently as 2012.

Lasorda is serving as a special advisor to the chairman while in his 68th season with the Dodgers. He managed the club from 1976-96, winning four National League pennants and two World Series.

--Boston Red Sox left-hander David Price will make one more minor league rehab start on Wednesday in his recovery from a strained pitching elbow before rejoining his teammates for his season debut.

Manager John Farrell told reporters he spoke with Price by phone on Saturday morning and they agreed he needed another start with Triple-A Pawtucket.

Price struggled on Friday night in Buffalo, N.Y., for Pawtucket, throwing 65 pitches in two innings and giving up five hits -- including a home run -- and three runs while striking out four and walking one.

Price returned to Boston and was working out at Fenway Park on Saturday. He is scheduled to throw a light bullpen session on Sunday before making the start for Pawtucket with a target of 85 to 90 pitches.

The 31-year-old Price has been out since mid-March because of a left elbow strain as the 2012 American League Cy Young Award winner opened the season on the disabled list.

Price was 17-9 with a 3.99 ERA in 2016 and led the AL with 35 starts and 230 innings. He is in the second season of a seven-year, $217 million contract.

--Cuban prospect Luis Robert agreed to a contract with the Chicago White Sox, multiple media outlets reported.

Robert, a 19-year-old outfielder who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, and the White Sox reportedly agreed to a deal worth at least $25 million.

Clubs have been aware of Robert since he was 15, and he became eligible to be signed as a free agent on Saturday, after Major League Baseball informed teams last month that he would not be subject to the June first-year player draft.

The White Sox also acquired two international bonus pool slots worth $756,300 from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for minor-league pitcher Alex Katz.

In the transaction, the White Sox acquired the 45th slot (valued at $451,400) and the 75th slot ($304,900) from the Orioles.

Katz, a 22-year-old left-hander, is 0-1 with a 4.40 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 10 games for Class A Kannapolis this season. He is 0-4 with a 3.09 ERA and 114 strikeouts over three minor-league seasons after being selected by the White Sox in the 27th round of the June 2015 draft.

--The Oakland Athletics reinstated right-hander John Axford from the 10-day disabled list and placed right-hander Ryan Dull on the DL because of a strained right knee.

Axford was on Oakland's Opening Day roster but was placed on the disabled list on April 5 (retroactive to April 2) because of a strained right shoulder before appearing in a game. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Nashville on May 13 and did not allow a run in three appearances over 3 1/3 innings. It was his first career stint on the disabled list.

Dull was 2-2 with a 6.32 ERA in 18 relief appearances with Oakland before straining his right knee in Friday night's 3-2, 10-inning win over the Red Sox. He has a .233 opponents batting average but has issued nine walks and has five wild pitches in 15 2/3 innings this season. He is 2-2 with a 6.32 ERA.

********************************

Blue Jays' Sanchez goes on DL again
May 20, 2017

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Aaron Sanchez was placed on the 10-day disabled list for the third time this season Saturday with a finger injury. His latest ailment is a blister on his right middle finger.

Sanchez's prior stints on the disabled list occurred because of a blister and a split fingernail on his right middle digit.

The 24-year-old yielded three runs on six hits with two walks against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

Sanchez, who led the American League with a 3.00 ERA in 2016, owns an 0-1 mark with a 3.33 ERA this season.

Also on Saturday, Toronto activated catcher Russell Martin off the disabled list and recalled right-hander Cesar Valdez from Triple-A Buffalo.

The 34-year-old Martin, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury since May 7, was batting .205 with three homers and seven RBIs in 24 games this season.

Valdez, 32, recorded a 9.64 ERA without notching a decision in four appearances this season with the Oakland Athletics.

Outfielder Kevin Pillar returned from his two-game, team-issued suspension for uttering an anti-gay slur.

Catcher Mike Ohlman was designated for assignment and outfielder Dwight Smith Jr. was optioned to Buffalo in corresponding moves.

***********************************

Padres put Jered Weaver on 10-day DL with ailing hip
May 20, 2017

SAN DIEGO (AP) The San Diego Padres have placed right-handed pitcher Jered Weaver on the 10-day disabled list with inflammation in his left hip.

The team also recalled right-hander Jose Valdez from Triple-A El Paso to take Weaver's roster spot on Saturday.

Weaver has been hit hard since joining San Diego in the offseason on a $3 million, one-year contract. On Friday night, he was booed of the field after recording only two outs in the first inning. In nine starts, Weaver is 0-5 with a 7.44 ERA and has allowed 16 home runs, tied for the most in baseball.

''He has been battling it and hasn't felt at full health,'' Padres manager Andy Green said. ''He just doesn't have freedom to pitch the way that he feels he can pitch. It just continues to bother him.''

Over 11-plus seasons, Weaver has a career 150-98 record and 3.63 ERA, including three All-Star appearances.

**********************************

[StarDust Bum]

May's MLB Picks
Overall Picks of the Day DOGS AND TOTALS ONLY )
Date W-L-T % Units Record

05/20/2017........... 11-11-0........ 50.00%........... +5.00
05/19/2017........... 16-3-0......... 84.21%.......... +75.75

05/18/2017............4-11-1..........26.67%.............-37.75
05/17/2017........... 7-12-0......... 36.84%............ -28.25
05/16/2017............. 9-9-2......... 50.00%............. -1.75
05/12/2017........... 6-13-0......... 31.58%............ -38.75
05/11/2017............. 9-3-1......... 75.00%........... +29.75
05/10/2017............ 6-15-0......... 28.57%............ -45.25
05/09/2017............ 8-12-2......... 40.00%............ -19.75
05/08/2017............. 6-6-1.......... 50.00%............. -1.00
05/07/2017........... 10-10-1........ 50.00%.............. -0.75
05/06/2017........... 12-9-0.......... 57.14% ...........+13.75
05/05/2017........... 4-13-0.......... 23.53%............ -50.00
05/04/2017........... 7-11-0.......... 38.89%............ -22.50
05/03/2017.......... 11-12-0.......... 47.83%............. -5.00
05/02/2017.......... 11-11-0.......... 50.00%............. -1.50
05/01/2017.......... 9 -8 - 0.......... 52.94%........... +11.25

Totals.................146 - 169 .........46.34%.............- 115.25

Best Bets Daily: ( DOGS AND TOTALS ONLY )
Sides / Totals.

05/20/2017..........4 - 4..........50.00%.........+1.60........9 - 6.........60.00%........+0.40
05/19/2017..........7 - 1..........87.50%.........+8.35........9 - 2.........81.81%........+6.90
05/18/2017..........2 - 3..........40.00%..........-0.75........2 - 7.........22.22%.........-5.50
05/17/2017..........1 - 3..........25.00%..........-1.85........4 - 4.........50.00%.........-0.40
05/16/2017..........1 - 2..........33.00%..........-0.95........4 - 4.........50.00%.........-0.40
05/12/2017..........2 - 3..........40.00%..........-0.25........4 - 10........40.00%.........-7.20
05/11/2017..........1 - 2..........33.33%..........-0.95........4 - 1..........80.00%.........+2.90
05/10/2017..........3 - 7..........30.00%..........-3.75........3 - 8..........37.50%.........-5.80
05/09/2017..........3 - 4..........42.85%..........-0.10........8 - 6.........57.44%.........+1,40
05/08/2017..........0 - 4..........00.00%..........-4.00........6 - 2.........75.00%.........+3.28
05/07/2017..........4 - 4..........50.00%.........+0.45........7 - 6.........53.84%.........+0.40
05/06/2017..........1 - 5..........20.00%..........-3.85.......10 - 5........66.66%.........+4.50
05/05/2017..........0 - 3..........00.00%..........-3.00........4 - 9..........30.76%.........- 5.90
05/04/2017..........3 - 4..........42.85%..........-0.80........4 - 7..........36.36%.........- 3.70
05/03/2017..........3 - 5..........37.50%..........-1.40........8 - 6..........57.44%.........+2.40
05/02/2017..........2 - 5..........28.57%.........- 2.70........9 - 6..........60.00%.........+ 3.30
05/01/2017..........4 - 2..........66.66 %.......+ 3.85........5 - 5..........50.00%.........- 0.50

Totals...............41 - 61.........40.19%.........- 10.13......100 - 94.........51.54%........+ 5.92

[StarDust Bum]

Moneyline:

1:35 pm 5/21/2017
(969) TORONTO @(970) BALTIMORE
Play ON BALTIMORE using the money line in Home games against right-handed starters.
The record is 49 Wins and 21 Losses for the last two seasons (+23.8 units)

Rating: 2.07

2:10 pm 5/21/2017
(971) KANSAS CITY @(972) MINNESOTA
Play AGAINST MINNESOTA using the money line in Home games against right-handed starters.
The record is 25 Wins and 49 Losses for the last two seasons (-27.85 units)

Rating: 2.04

2:10 pm 5/21/2017
(971) KANSAS CITY @(972) MINNESOTA
Play AGAINST KANSAS CITY using the money line in All games against division opponents.
The record is 3 Wins and 13 Losses this season (-11.15 units)

Rating: 2.56

2:15 pm 5/21/2017
(959) SAN FRANCISCO @(960) ST LOUIS
Play AGAINST ST LOUIS using the money line in All games when playing with a day off.
The record is 9 Wins and 23 Losses for the last two seasons (-19.6 units)

Rating: 3.14

2:15 pm 5/21/2017
(959) SAN FRANCISCO @(960) ST LOUIS
Play AGAINST ST LOUIS using the money line in Home games when playing with a day off.
The record is 4 Wins and 14 Losses for the last two seasons (-14.95 units)

Rating: 3.39

4:10 pm 5/21/2017
(953) MIAMI @(954) LA DODGERS
Play AGAINST MIAMI using the money line in All games in May games.
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses this season (-13.15 units)

Rating: 2.29

8:05 pm 5/21/2017
(965) TEXAS @(966) DETROIT
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games in May games.
The record is 48 Wins and 28 Losses for the last three seasons (+31.47 units)

Rating: 2.58

8:05 pm 5/21/2017
(965) TEXAS @(966) DETROIT
Play ON TEXAS using the money line in All games when the total is 9 to 9.5.
The record is 57 Wins and 31 Losses for the last two seasons (+27.25 units)

Rating: 2.30

[StarDust Bum]

Runline:

2:10 pm 5/21/2017
(973) CLEVELAND @(974) HOUSTON
Play ON HOUSTON using the run line in All games vs. right-handed starters.
The record is 21 Wins and 10 Losses this season (+13.8 units)

Rating: 2.20

2:20 pm 5/21/2017
(961) MILWAUKEE @(962) CHICAGO CUBS
Play ON MILWAUKEE using the run line in All games in May games.
The record is 15 Wins and 2 Losses this season (+13.8 units)

Rating: 2.54

4:10 pm 5/21/2017
(953) MIAMI @(954) LA DODGERS
Play AGAINST MIAMI using the run line in All games in May games.
The record is 3 Wins and 15 Losses this season (-14.3 units)

Rating: 2.26

[StarDust Bum]

Overs:

1:10 pm 5/21/2017
(979) LA ANGELS @(980) NY METS
Play OVER NY METS on the total in All games in all games.
The record is 25 Overs and 9 Unders this season (+14.85 units)

Rating: 2.62

1:10 pm 5/21/2017
(967) NY YANKEES @(968) TAMPA BAY
Play OVER TAMPA BAY on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 16 Overs and 3 Unders this season (+12.55 units)

Rating: 3.37

2:10 pm 5/21/2017
(971) KANSAS CITY @(972) MINNESOTA
Play OVER MINNESOTA on the total in All games when playing against a team with a losing record.
The record is 45 Overs and 21 Unders for the last two seasons (+21.8 units)

Rating: 2.37

2:20 pm 5/21/2017
(961) MILWAUKEE @(962) CHICAGO CUBS
Play OVER CHICAGO CUBS on the total in Home games in May games.
The record is 10 Overs and 1 Unders this season (+8.95 units)

Rating: 2.28

*********************************
Under:

2:10 pm 5/21/2017
(971) KANSAS CITY @(972) MINNESOTA
Play UNDER KANSAS CITY on the total in All games when playing against a team with a winning record.
The record is 4 Overs and 16 Unders this season (+11.7 units)

Rating: 2.74

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Baseball Trend Report

WASHINGTON (25 - 17) at ATLANTA (18 - 22) - 1:35 PM

STEPHEN STRASBURG (R) vs. JAIME GARCIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 16-27 (-17.5 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 44-42 (+16.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 42-42 (+14.8 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
STRASBURG is 24-3 (+20.2 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-3 (+0.5 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)
STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. ATLANTA since 1997
STRASBURG is 9-8 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 3.78 and a WHIP of 1.290.
His team's record is 12-12 (-5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 12-12. (-1.9 units)
JAIME GARCIA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
GARCIA is 5-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 3.26 and a WHIP of 1.410.
His team's record is 6-3 (+3.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.7 units)

MIAMI (15 - 27) at LA DODGERS (25 - 19) - 4:10 PM
VANCE WORLEY (R) vs. BRANDON MCCARTHY (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 2-1 (+0.4 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)
VANCE WORLEY vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
WORLEY is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 6.43 and a WHIP of 1.929.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.0 units)
BRANDON MCCARTHY vs. MIAMI since 1997
MCCARTHY is 1-0 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.556.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

COLORADO (27 - 17) at CINCINNATI (20 - 22) - 1:10 PM
KYLE FREELAND (L) vs. BRONSON ARROYO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 302-414 (-100.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
COLORADO is 110-199 (-65.5 Units) against the money line in road games in May games since 1997.
COLORADO is 27-17 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 14-7 (+9.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 12-5 (+8.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
COLORADO is 64-67 (+15.8 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 18-40 (-19.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 3 seasons.
CINCINNATI is 392-420 (-97.0 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 1-1 (+0.0 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
2 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.0 Units)
KYLE FREELAND vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
No recent starts.
BRONSON ARROYO vs. COLORADO since 1997
ARROYO is 5-4 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.01 and a WHIP of 1.412.
His team's record is 6-7 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-2.1 units)

PHILADELPHIA (15 - 25) at PITTSBURGH (19 - 24) - 1:35 PM
AARON NOLA (R) vs. CHAD KUHL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 389-342 (+53.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 71-89 (-28.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHILADELPHIA is 1-1 (+0.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
AARON NOLA vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
NOLA is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 13.50 and a WHIP of 2.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
CHAD KUHL vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
KUHL is 1-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.667.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

SAN FRANCISCO (19 - 25) at ST LOUIS (21 - 19) - 2:15 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 30-37 (-16.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 69-70 (-24.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 173-101 (+36.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 59-28 (+21.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 84-42 (+27.9 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-16 (+17.3 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 791-790 (+39.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997.
ST LOUIS is 18-28 (-23.5 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 49-56 (-30.5 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 40-39 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-0 (+2.6 Units) against ST LOUIS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
MATT CAIN vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
CAIN is 3-6 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 5.61 and a WHIP of 1.393.
His team's record is 4-9 (-5.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-7. (-3.4 units)
ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 5-8 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 3.06 and a WHIP of 1.184.
His team's record is 6-9 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-8. (-2.6 units)

MILWAUKEE (25 - 18) at CHICAGO CUBS (21 - 20) - 2:20 PM
CHASE ANDERSON (R) vs. JAKE ARRIETA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MILWAUKEE is 96-169 (-52.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
MILWAUKEE is 25-18 (+11.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 13-7 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 12-5 (+9.1 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 20-13 (+10.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 1620-1706 (-261.7 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 866-797 (-155.6 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-19 (-14.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 184-209 (-49.4 Units) against the money line when playing with a day off since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 405-370 (-84.5 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 833-854 (-159.1 Units) against the money line in day games since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 14-17 (-11.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 3-4 (+0.8 Units) against CHICAGO CUBS this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.2 Units)
CHASE ANDERSON vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
ANDERSON is 2-0 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 2.65 and a WHIP of 0.983.
His team's record is 2-2 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)
JAKE ARRIETA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
ARRIETA is 7-4 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 3.00 and a WHIP of 0.988.
His team's record is 8-5 (+0.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-6. (-1.5 units)

ARIZONA (26 - 18) at SAN DIEGO (15 - 30) - 4:40 PM
ZACK GODLEY (R) vs. CLAYTON RICHARD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
RICHARD is 42-33 (+16.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents since 1997. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 26-18 (+8.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 15-7 (+13.3 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 3 seasons.
ARIZONA is 100-69 (+25.5 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 4-14 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in May games this season.
SAN DIEGO is 7-24 (-14.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Sunday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 18-44 (-19.2 Units) against the money line in day games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 6-3 (+2.4 Units) against SAN DIEGO this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.7 Units)
ZACK GODLEY vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
GODLEY is 1-0 when starting against SAN DIEGO with an ERA of 4.15 and a WHIP of 1.692.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)
CLAYTON RICHARD vs. ARIZONA since 1997
RICHARD is 9-4 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 4.21 and a WHIP of 1.450.
His team's record is 10-5 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-6. (+2.8 units)

TEXAS (23 - 21) at DETROIT (21 - 20) - 8:05 PM
YU DARVISH (R) vs. MATT BOYD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
DETROIT is 107-95 (+11.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 60-46 (+13.5 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
DETROIT is 57-47 (+13.7 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 118-91 (+28.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 74-58 (+26.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 96-90 (+31.7 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 29-18 (+15.6 Units) against the money line in May games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 87-62 (+26.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 63-55 (+18.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 44-31 (+18.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TEXAS is 1-1 (+0.3 Units) against DETROIT this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
YU DARVISH vs. DETROIT since 1997
DARVISH is 6-0 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 3.46 and a WHIP of 1.104.
His team's record is 6-0 (+6.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-0. (+6.0 units)
MATT BOYD vs. TEXAS since 1997
BOYD is 1-3 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 5.24 and a WHIP of 1.253.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-0. (+4.1 units)

NY YANKEES (24 - 16) at TAMPA BAY (23 - 22) - 1:10 PM
C.C. SABATHIA (L) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 15-33 (-16.2 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 61-52 (+13.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 91-116 (-28.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ARCHER is 15-27 (-15.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 6-16 (-11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 4-18 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
TAMPA BAY is 4-4 (+0.3 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)
C.C. SABATHIA vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
SABATHIA is 15-14 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.76 and a WHIP of 1.254.
His team's record is 22-20 (-3.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 19-21. (-4.5 units)
CHRIS ARCHER vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
ARCHER is 6-5 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.63 and a WHIP of 0.938.
His team's record is 8-6 (+1.8 units) in these starts. The OVER is 6-7. (-1.6 units)

TORONTO (18 - 26) at BALTIMORE (25 - 16) - 1:35 PM
MARCO ESTRADA (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 112-103 (-20.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 45-54 (-23.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 25-16 (+8.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
BALTIMORE is 14-5 (+9.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
BALTIMORE is 59-40 (+17.3 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 15-3 (+11.7 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 30-11 (+17.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 17-9 (+8.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 11-1 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 65-48 (+17.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 51-24 (+18.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 111-152 (-66.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Sunday since 1997.
MILEY is 1-10 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents over the last 3 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 7-1 (+6.5 Units) against TORONTO this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.0 Units)
MARCO ESTRADA vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ESTRADA is 4-1 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 2.79 and a WHIP of 1.092.
His team's record is 7-3 (+3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-3. (+3.7 units)
WADE MILEY vs. TORONTO since 1997
MILEY is 2-4 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 5.40 and a WHIP of 1.539.
His team's record is 3-4 (-0.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-4. (-1.4 units)

KANSAS CITY (17 - 24) at MINNESOTA (21 - 17) - 2:10 PM
IAN KENNEDY (R) vs. PHIL HUGHES (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-0 (+6.4 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)
IAN KENNEDY vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
KENNEDY is 4-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 3.74 and a WHIP of 1.170.
His team's record is 6-3 (+1.9 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-7. (-6.4 units)
PHIL HUGHES vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
HUGHES is 8-5 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.07 and a WHIP of 1.371.
His team's record is 9-5 (+4.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-7. (-0.3 units)

CLEVELAND (22 - 19) at HOUSTON (29 - 14) - 2:10 PM
DANNY SALAZAR (R) vs. JOE MUSGROVE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 29-14 (+11.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 23-9 (+12.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 15-4 (+11.4 Units) against the money line after getting shut out over the last 3 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 69-35 (+23.0 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 36-20 (+14.3 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 20-28 (-15.6 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 4-1 (+3.3 Units) against HOUSTON this season
4 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)
DANNY SALAZAR vs. HOUSTON since 1997
SALAZAR is 0-0 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 1.47 and a WHIP of 1.146.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-0. (+2.0 units)
JOE MUSGROVE vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
No recent starts.

BOSTON (21 - 21) at OAKLAND (20 - 23) - 4:05 PM
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ (L) vs. ANDREW TRIGGS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 157-210 (-46.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 82-102 (-30.4 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 38-63 (-25.6 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
OAKLAND is 3-0 (+3.9 Units) against BOSTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)
EDUARDO RODRIGUEZ vs. OAKLAND since 1997
RODRIGUEZ is 0-0 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 0.375.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
ANDREW TRIGGS vs. BOSTON since 1997
TRIGGS is 0-0 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.000.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.3 units)
CHI WHITE SOX (19 - 22) at SEATTLE (20 - 24) - 4:10 PM
DEREK HOLLAND (L) vs. CHRIS HESTON (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 2-1 (+1.5 Units) against SEATTLE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)
DEREK HOLLAND vs. SEATTLE since 1997
HOLLAND is 11-6 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 3.72 and a WHIP of 1.263.
His team's record is 12-9 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 11-8. (+1.9 units)
CHRIS HESTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.

LA ANGELS (22 - 23) at NY METS (18 - 23) - 1:10 PM
JESSE CHAVEZ (R) vs. TOM MILONE (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHAVEZ is 11-23 (-14.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHAVEZ is 3-14 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHAVEZ is 6-17 (-13.3 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILONE is 70-54 (+19.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
LA ANGELS are 177-145 (+43.2 Units) against the money line in road games in day games since 1997.
NY METS are 18-23 (-10.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 54-50 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 49-45 (-19.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-0 (+2.0 Units) against LA ANGELS this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
JESSE CHAVEZ vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.
TOM MILONE vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
MILONE is 6-2 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 4.68 and a WHIP of 1.485.
His team's record is 8-4 (+5.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 8-3. (+5.0 units)

KANSAS CITY (17 - 24) at MINNESOTA (21 - 17) - 5:45 PM
JASON HAMMEL (R) vs. ADALBERTO MEJIA (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-0 (+6.4 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.8 Units)
JASON HAMMEL vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
HAMMEL is 2-2 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.80 and a WHIP of 1.356.
His team's record is 4-4 (-1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.1 units)
ADALBERTO MEJIA vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

FOUR UNDERPERFORMING PITCHERS TO MONITOR FOR YOUR MLB DAILY FANTASY LINEUP

All that matters in daily fantasy is the scoring. If you have the most points at the end of a given contest, you win — and it doesn't matter how you earn those points. Once they're in the bank, they're yours to keep.

That said, numbers don't necessarily tell the story when it comes to evaluating solid fantasy plays. A pitcher might miss his location by a quarter of an inch, and see that pitch wind up on the other side of the outfield wall for a grand slam. A hitter might make great contact with a fastball, only to have it get caught up in the wind and land in an outfielder's glove rather than in the bleachers.

Monty Andrews presents you with four pitchers who have been somewhat unlucky to date, making them terrific options for a bounceback at a salary that should be much friendlier than it was earlier in the season.

RHP Jeff Samardzija, San Francisco Giants

Samardzija is the poster boy for bad luck so far this season. Both his Fielding-Independent Pitching and his xFIP — two metrics that evaluate a pitcher's results independent of how his defense has performed — reveal a startling disconnect between his numbers and his actual performance; despite a 1-5 record and a 5.26 ERA, his FIP is just 3.12 while his xFIP is even better at 2.80.

What does this mean? Basically, Samardzija has been snake-bitten by subpar defense and a high opponent's BABIP (.343) — two factors that should improve over time. The veteran righty could do himself more favors by lowering his HR/FB rate (15.9 percent), but positive regression is coming — and soon. Take a chance on him in some of your tournament lineups next time out.

RHP Charlie Morton, Houston Astros

The gap between Morton's ERA through eight starts (3.97) and his FIP/xFIP (3.33/3.33) isn't nearly as pronounced as that of Samardzija, but it's still significant enough to monitor. Morton has made great strides in Houston, rocking an amazing 10.72 K/9 while giving up fewer than 0.8 home runs per nine innings so far this season.

Like Samardzija, the major issue with Morton is an inflated BABIP (.336) which should normalize before long. If it does — and if Morton can maintain most of his K/9 gains in the process — you could be looking at a fantasy ace in the making. Morton is looking like the real deal and can be rostered in all formats thanks in large part to his enormous strikeout potential.

RHP Josh Tomlin, Cleveland Indians

Tomlin is off to a dreadful start to the season, carrying a 6.86 ERA through is first eight outings. But he isn't entirely to blame for that inflated rate, as his FIP/xFIP (3.75/3.33) would suggest. Tomlin made a living in 2016 out of keeping the walks to a minimum, and he is doing the same thing this year (four walks in 40 2/3 innings) — but the home runs are a big problem.

Tomlin has already allowed six long balls in 2017, and surrendered a whopping 36 a season ago. A reduction in BABIP from .364 should help his ERA, but his ceiling is limited by a modest 7.1 K/9 rate and an inability to pitch deep into games. You might be better off limiting Tomlin's daily fantasy usage to only the most positive matchups — and beware the homers.

RHP Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals

Wainwright sports an unsightly 5.31 ERA through eight starts, well below his FIP (3.84) and xFIP (4.05). Yet, while Wainwright has certainly been flummoxed by an incredible .390 BABIP against — the worst rate of any qualifying starter — he also has himself to blame in part, as his 3.61 BB/9 rate is the highest of his career.

Add in a modest 7.7 K/9 rate, and can you really trust Wainwright in FanDuel? Probably not for the foreseeable future. Even if his BABIP returns to a more reasonable rate, there are too many other red flags. He won't rack up the Ks, and those walks can get him into trouble even if he's giving up fewer hits. Leave him unrostered.

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday's Diamond Notes
May 21, 2017

Hottest team: Rangers (10-1 past 11 games overall)

The Rangers saw their 10-game winning streak go up in smoke against Justin Verlander and Tigers at Comerica Park on Saturday. All good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean the Rangers need to follow up their win streak with a losing skid. They'll turn to Yu Darvish for Sunday's series finale on national television. Texas has won each of Darvish's past five outings, they're 6-1 in his past seven on the road and they're 5-2 in his past seven assignments against teams with an overall winning mark. In addition, he enters well rested. The Rangers are 8-2 across Darvish's past 10 outings with four days of rest.

Coldest team Blue Jays (1-5 past six games overall, 4-8 past 12 road games)

The Blue Jays wrap up a three-game set on Sunday and they're looking to avoid the sweep. Toronto continues to limp along with just eight victories over their past 25 road games, although they're 9-4 in their past 13 road games against a left-handed starter. They have been solid behind Marco Estrada lately, going 7-3 in his past 10 road assignments facing off against a team with a winning overall record. Toronto has won just once in the past six outings and they're just 1-7 over the past eight outings vs. LHP.

Hottest pitcher: Andrew Triggs, Athletics (5-2, 2.12 ERA)

Triggs has come out of nowhere to rank fifth overall in the majors in ERA. A big key to his success has been his ability to keep the ball down and in the park, allowing just two homers across 46 2/3 innings over eight starts. Opponents are hitting just .209 against Triggs and he has posted a respectable 1.03 WHIP in eight outings. The A's have won four straight outings at home while going 4-1 in their past five overall. In addition, the A's are 6-2 in their past eight tries against a left-handed starter and 6-2 in Triggs' past eight assignments. He'll look to add to Boston's woes in the Bay Area, as they're 16-35 over their past 51 trips to Oaktown.

Coldest pitcher: Bronson Arroyo, Reds (3-3, 6.31 ERA)

Arroyo's record isn't terrible, but it's more the result of good run support and nothing he has been doing. He has coughed up at least four earned runs in four of his past eight outings, and 45 hits with 13 walks over 41 1/3 innings this season. Cincinnati has won just once in the past eight games and they're 19-39 in their past 58 against left-handed starting pitching. The good news for bettors is that the Reds are 4-1 in Arroyo's past five home outings against the Rockies.

Biggest UNDER run: Royals (6-2 past eight games)

The 'under' hit in Friday's series opener in Minnesota, and the 'under' is 7-5 in the past 12 road outings for Kansas City. However, the 'over' is 3-0-2 in the previous five meetings this season. The 'under' is 8-2 in Kansas City's past 10 tries against a left-handed starter and an amazing 16-4-1 in the past 21 for the Royals against a team with a winning overall record. The under is also 10-2-1 in Ian Kennedy's past 13 road starts while going 8-1-2 in his past 11 road starts against a team with a winning record.

Biggest OVER run: Mets (6-2-1 past nine games)

The 'over' has been the play for the Mets lately, going 32-14-6 in their past 52 games overall, including an impressive 17-6-4 mark in their past 27 outings at Citi Field. If you think that's impressive you'll really be bowled over by the fact the 'over' is 19-3-4 in New York's past 26 against right-handed starting pitching and 13-2-1 in their past 16 games after scoring five or more runs in their previous outing. The 'over' will be put to the test against the Halos, as the 'under' is 22-9 in their past 31 road outings. However, the 'over' is 4-1 in the past five for the Angels against left-handed starting pitching.

Matchup to watch: Tigers vs. Rangers

The Tigers cooled off the Rangers in Saturday's middle game, snapping a 10-game winning streak. They'll turn to southpaw Matthew Boyd trying to piece together a win streak. He was bounced around for seven earned runs, eight hits and two walks over 2 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Orioles last time out. He has also yielded at least three earned runs in each of his past four assignments. The Tigers are just 1-5 over Boyd's past six home outings, however, and 0-4 in his past four starts overall. The Rangers, on the other hand, are 5-0 in Darvish's past five outings nad 6-1 in his past seven assignments on the road.

Betcha didn’t know: The White Sox piled up 16 runs in Saturday's rout of the Mariners in Safeco Field, forcing Dillon Overton to work in relief. That left an open spot in the rotation for Sunday's series finale, so the club will recall Chris Heston from Triple-A Tacoma. He was pasted for five runs and seven hits across two innings in a relief outing on April 25, his only appearance of the season at the big-league level. It might be another successful outing for the White Sox offense unless Heston turns things around.

Biggest public favorite: Cubs (-200) vs. Brewers

Biggest public underdog: Giants (+155) at Cardinals

Biggest line move: Cubs (-175 to -200) vs. Brewers

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, MAY 21

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

NYY at TB 01:10 PM

NYY +115

O 8.0

COL at CIN 01:10 PM

O 9.5

LAA at NYM 01:10 PM

O 8.5

TOR at BAL 01:35 PM

U 8.0

PHI at PIT 01:35 PM

U 8.5

WAS at ATL 01:35 PM

O 8.5

CLE at HOU 02:10 PM

O 8.0

SF at STL 02:15 PM

SF +140

U 9.0

MIL at CHC 02:20 PM

MIL +170

O 10.5

BOS at OAK 04:05 PM

OAK +100

O 8.0

MIA at LAD 04:10 PM

MIA +170

O 9.0

CHW at SEA 04:10 PM

CHW +105

U 9.0

ARI at SD 04:40 PM

SD +110

U 8.0

KC at MIN 06:10 PM

U 8.5

TEX at DET 08:05 PM

U 8.5

[StarDust Bum]

MLB roundup: Estrada K's 12 as Jays top Orioles
May 21, 2017

BALTIMORE -- Marco Estrada tied a career high with 12 strikeouts, Devon Travis homered, and the Toronto Blue Jays avoided a three-game sweep with a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday.

Estrada (3-2) allowed one run and five hits with a walk in 7 2/3 innings.

Jonathan Schoop committed an error on a routine grounder by Kendrys Morales with two outs in the first that proved costly for the Orioles. The Blue Jays took advantage with a single from Justin Smoak followed by Travis' three-run homer.

Yankees 3, Rays 2

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Brett Gardner's two-run homer in the top of the second inning lifted New York over Tampa Bay.

Gardner took the first offering from Chris Archer (3-3) and sent the pitch over the right field wall to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Didi Gregorius tied the score earlier in the inning with an RBI single that scored Jacoby Ellsbury.

Yankees starter CC Sabathia (4-2) gave up a two runs (one earned) while striking out six in five-plus innings. Three Yankees relievers combined for four no-hit innings, with Dellin Betances getting the last four outs for his second save.

Pirates 1, Phillies 0

PITTSBURGH -- Aaron Nola yielded four hits in seven innings and the lone run of the game when he hit David Freese with the bases loaded in the sixth inning as Pittsburgh edged Philadelphia.

Nola was returning from a back injury that kept him out for a month.

Chad Kuhl, who has not won since April 8 and came into the game with a 6.69 ERA, left with a no-decision but pitched five shutout innings, giving up one hit. Wade LeBlanc (3-0), Juan Nicasio, Felipe Rivero and Tony Watson preserved the shutout. Rivero struck out Aaron Altherr with two outs and two aboard in the eighth inning.

Angels 12, Mets 5

NEW YORK -- C.J. Cron's grand slam powered a five-run first inning for Los Angeles in its win over New York.

The Angels led 5-0 before recording an out in the first against Tommy Milone (1-2), who allowed a leadoff single to Cameron Maybin and a double to Andrelton Simmons before intentionally walking Mike Trout. Milone then walked Jefry Marte to force home a run before Cron homered deep into the left field seats for his second career grand slam.

The Angels chased Milone in the second, when Trout crushed a two-run homer to center immediately before Marte homered to left.

Nationals 3, Braves 2

ATLANTA -- Stephen Strasburg continued his dominance against Atlanta, striking out a season-high 11 in Washington's win.

Strasburg (5-1) pitched 7 2/3 innings and allowed two runs, both coming in the eighth inning. Koda Glover worked 1 1/3 innings without allowing a run for his third save.

Washington opened the scoring in the second inning when Daniel Murphy hit a long solo homer. It was Murphy's second homer of the series and his third in the last four games. The Nationals added two unearned runs in the third inning.

Rockies 6, Reds 4

CINCINNATI -- Colorado collected four homers, including one by pitcher Kyle Freeland, and beat Cincinnati in the finale of a three-game series.

Carlos Gonzalez hit his 200th career home run in the fourth inning, Freeland added his first career homer in the fifth, and DJ LeMahieu and Pat Valaika also went deep off Bronson Arroyo. LeMahieu went 4-for-5 with a double and homer.

Joey Votto and Scott Schebler homered for the Reds, who have lost seven of eight. Votto went 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

Cardinals 8, Giants 3

ST. LOUIS -- Randal Grichuk knocked in four runs and Adam Wainwright pitched into the seventh inning for his fourth straight win as St. Louis walloped San Francisco.

Grichuk started the scoring with a three-run double in the bottom of the second inning, then finished it with a double in the eighth. He led St. Louis' 12-hit attack that handed Matt Cain (3-2) his sixth loss in eight career decisions against the Cardinals.

Wainwright (4-3) also turned in his second straight quality start, allowing one run and five hits in 6 1/3 innings with three walks and six strikeouts.

Royals 6, Twins 4 (Game 1)

MINNEAPOLIS -- Brandon Moss homered twice among three hits to support Jake Junis' first major league start, and Kansas City powered past Minnesota in the first game of a doubleheader.

Salvador Perez and Jorge Bonifacio each hit two-run homers for Kansas City. Bonifacio and Moss went back-to-back in the fourth inning, and three blasts came against Minnesota starter Phil Hughes (4-3) as the Royals beat the Twins for the first time in seven games this season.

Indians 8, Astros 6

HOUSTON -- Yan Gomes followed his run-scoring double in the second inning with a three-run homer in the third, leading Cleveland over Houston and a series sweep.

Gomes finished 2-for-3 with five RBIs, including his third homer of the season. The Indians saddled the Astros with just their second three-game skid.

Edwin Encarnacion reached base three times, scored three runs, and tacked on an RBI single to kick-start the Indians' three-run fourth inning.

Cubs 13, Brewers 6

CHICAGO -- Kris Bryant hit two home runs and reached base safely in all five of his plate appearances as Chicago cruised past Milwaukee.

Ben Zobrist and Anthony Rizzo also homered as the Cubs scored in every inning except the second. Chicago won for the fourth time in the past five games.

Jonathan Villar went 3-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base to lead the Brewers, whose four-game winning streak ended.

White Sox 8, Mariners 1

SEATTLE -- Chicago scored five first-inning runs and went on to defeat Seattle at Safeco Field.

Derek Holland pitched eight strong innings and Tim Anderson homered for the White Sox, who won the final three games of the four-game series after snapping a seven-game road losing streak.

Holland (4-3) allowed one run on six hits and two walks. He struck out six, including the side in his eighth and final inning. He threw 105 pitches, 70 of which were strikes.

Dodgers 6, Marlins 3

LOS ANGELES -- Adrian Gonzalez had three hits and drove in three runs, and Brandon McCarthy retired the first 14 batters and threw six sharp innings as Los Angeles beat Miami at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers won three of the four games in the series. Meanwhile, the Marlins lost for the 11th time in 13 games. They are 5-20 in their last 25.

Yasmani Grandal also had three hits for the Dodgers, who finished with 12 hits, seven for extra bases.

Diamondbacks 5, Padres 1

SAN DIEGO -- Clayton Richard threw a complete-game five-hitter and drove in a run with a single as San Diego defeated Arizona at Petco Park to end a pair of five-game streaks.

The Diamondbacks had won five straight games and outscored the Padres 19-2 in the first two games of the series. The Padres had lost five in a row and were 3-13 over their previous 16 games.

Arizona right-hander Zack Godley (1-1) gave up six hits in a three-run Padres fifth.

Red Sox 12, A's 3

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Eduardo Rodriguez pitched eight strong innings and Mitch Moreland hit a two-run homer, lifting Boston over Oakland at the Oakland Coliseum.

After losing the first three games in the series, the Red Sox won the finale to avoided getting swept.

Rodriguez (3-1) allowed three runs on six hits in his second career start against the A's. He struck out eight, walked one and had his sixth straight quality start.

Rangers 5, Tigers 2

DETROIT -- Yu Darvish maintained his perfect record against Detroit as Texas won for the 11th time in 12 games.

Darvish improved to 7-0 against the Tigers by allowing two runs and five hits in five innings. Mike Napoli and Pete Kozma hit solo home runs for Texas.

Detroit's Ian Kinsler homered and Miguel Cabrera went 3-for-4

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Astros face adversity; Giants-Cubs rematch
May 21, 2017

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

BUMP IN THE ROAD

Houston still has the best record in baseball at 29-15, but the Astros have run into some adversity lately. Ace pitcher Dallas Keuchel (pinched nerve in neck) and catcher Brian McCann (concussion) went on the disabled list over the weekend, and Houston was swept at home by AL champion Cleveland. Next up, Brad Peacock makes his first start this season in the opener of a four-game series against Detroit. Peacock (2-0, 1.10 ERA) has pitched well out of the bullpen all year and will make a spot start in place of Keuchel. Michael Fulmer (5-1, 2.72), last season's AL Rookie of the Year, goes for the visiting Tigers.

BACK FOR MORE

It's a rematch of last year's playoff series when Buster Posey and the Giants face the World Series champion Cubs in the opener of a four-game set at Wrigley Field. Chicago is coming off a 13-6 win over Milwaukee on Sunday, when Kris Bryant homered twice. Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist also went deep. ''I think we were kind of due as a team offensively,'' Bryant said. ''We haven't really been doing much early on here. I think it was just a matter of time for us.''

SECOND CHANCES

Royals left-hander Jason Vargas (5-2, 2.03 ERA) gets another shot at the Yankees, this time in New York. Vargas had a 1.01 ERA, lowest in the majors, going into his home start against New York last week. But he was roughed up for six runs and seven hits in four innings, falling to 0-6 with a 7.15 ERA in his career vs. the Bronx Bombers. Vargas gave up as many runs in the fourth inning as he had in his first seven starts combined. Michael Pineda (4-2, 3.42) pitches again for New York after winning the previous matchup 11-7. He'll try to slow down Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez, who hit three homers in Sunday's doubleheader at Minnesota.

BATTLE OF OHIO

The Indians and Reds begin their annual interleague series in Cincinnati. Coming off a terrible start, Josh Tomlin (2-5, 6.86 ERA) pitches for Cleveland against Scott Feldman (2-4, 4.29). The Reds have lost eight of nine, with none of their starters going more than 5 1/3 innings.

UBALDO TRIES AGAIN

Orioles right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez (1-2, 6.52 ERA) hasn't won since April 19. During the dry spell, he's started four games and pitched once out of the bullpen. He gets another shot at it against the Minnesota Twins, who split a doubleheader at home against Kansas City on Sunday and were scrambling to find a starter in Baltimore for the opener of a three-game series. Jimenez is 5-3 lifetime against Minnesota.

[StarDust Bum]

May's MLB Picks
Overall Picks of the Day DOGS AND TOTALS ONLY )
Date W-L-T % Units Record

05/21/2017........... 12-8-2......... 60.00%.......... +19.50
05/20/2017........... 11-11-0........ 50.00%........... +5.00
05/19/2017........... 16-3-0......... 84.21%.......... +75.75
05/18/2017............4-11-1..........26.67%.............-37.75
05/17/2017........... 7-12-0......... 36.84%............ -28.25
05/16/2017............. 9-9-2......... 50.00%............. -1.75
05/12/2017........... 6-13-0......... 31.58%............ -38.75
05/11/2017............. 9-3-1......... 75.00%........... +29.75
05/10/2017............ 6-15-0......... 28.57%............ -45.25
05/09/2017............ 8-12-2......... 40.00%............ -19.75
05/08/2017............. 6-6-1.......... 50.00%............. -1.00
05/07/2017........... 10-10-1........ 50.00%.............. -0.75
05/06/2017........... 12-9-0.......... 57.14% ...........+13.75
05/05/2017........... 4-13-0.......... 23.53%............ -50.00
05/04/2017........... 7-11-0.......... 38.89%............ -22.50
05/03/2017.......... 11-12-0.......... 47.83%............. -5.00
05/02/2017.......... 11-11-0.......... 50.00%............. -1.50
05/01/2017.......... 9 -8 - 0.......... 52.94%........... +11.25

Totals.................158 - 177 .........47.16%.............- 95.75

Best Bets Daily: ( DOGS AND TOTALS ONLY )
Sides / Totals.

05/21/2017..........3 - 4..........42.85%..........-0,70........9 - 4.........69.23%........+4.60
05/20/2017..........4 - 4..........50.00%.........+1.60........9 - 6.........60.00%........+0.40
05/19/2017..........7 - 1..........87.50%.........+8.35........9 - 2.........81.81%........+6.90
05/18/2017..........2 - 3..........40.00%..........-0.75........2 - 7.........22.22%.........-5.50
05/17/2017..........1 - 3..........25.00%..........-1.85........4 - 4.........50.00%.........-0.40
05/16/2017..........1 - 2..........33.00%..........-0.95........4 - 4.........50.00%.........-0.40
05/12/2017..........2 - 3..........40.00%..........-0.25........4 - 10........40.00%.........-7.20
05/11/2017..........1 - 2..........33.33%..........-0.95........4 - 1..........80.00%.........+2.90
05/10/2017..........3 - 7..........30.00%..........-3.75........3 - 8..........37.50%.........-5.80
05/09/2017..........3 - 4..........42.85%..........-0.10........8 - 6.........57.44%.........+1,40
05/08/2017..........0 - 4..........00.00%..........-4.00........6 - 2.........75.00%.........+3.28
05/07/2017..........4 - 4..........50.00%.........+0.45........7 - 6.........53.84%.........+0.40
05/06/2017..........1 - 5..........20.00%..........-3.85.......10 - 5........66.66%.........+4.50
05/05/2017..........0 - 3..........00.00%..........-3.00........4 - 9..........30.76%.........- 5.90
05/04/2017..........3 - 4..........42.85%..........-0.80........4 - 7..........36.36%.........- 3.70
05/03/2017..........3 - 5..........37.50%..........-1.40........8 - 6..........57.44%.........+2.40
05/02/2017..........2 - 5..........28.57%.........- 2.70........9 - 6..........60.00%.........+ 3.30
05/01/2017..........4 - 2..........66.66 %.......+ 3.85........5 - 5..........50.00%.........- 0.50

Totals...............44 - 65.........40.36%.........- 10.83......109 - 98.........52.65%........+ 10.52

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Monday's six-pack

Some over/under win totals for college football this coming fall:

— Texas 7.5, under -$120

— UCLA 6, over -$135

— Nebraska 6, over -$125

— Michigan State 6.5, under -$130

— USC 9.5, over -$135

— LSU 9, over -$120

**********

Armadillo: Monday's List of 13: Wrapping up a fun weekend…….

13) Had an excellent time Sunday night at the Upstate New York Basketball Hall of Fame induction dinner in Troy; my friend Rob got inducted- he was a great player at U of Albany and also won a gold medal in the 1980 Empire State Games, when he was a teammate of Mavericks’ coach Rick Carlisle- their team played small ball and beat teams with more famous players.

Carlisle, former NBA coach Kevin O’Neill and former Marquette coach Mike Deane all spoke at the dinner. Albany Great Danes’ coach Will Brown was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. All in all, an excellent evening.

12) Odd Sunday in baseball; 30 of 32 starting pitchers got decisions in their games. None of the 16 games played saw the game-winning run score after the 6th inning. Very unusual day.

11) Over is 14-1 in last fifteen games played at Wrigley Field; wind was blowing straight in on Friday and the game still went over the total.

10) Friday night, the Dodgers’ Corey Seager swung at a 3-0 pitch while LA led 5-0, which for some reason ticked off Miami manager Don Mattingly. Soon after that, the Marlins drilled Brett Eibner with a pitch, so then the Dodgers threw a ball behind Giancarlo Stanton.

Stanton got hit in the face with a pitch a couple years ago in Milwaukee and still wears an extra face guard, so Mattingly endangered his best player’s health because an opponent swung at a 3-0 pitch in a 5-0 game. Brilliant!!!

9) Movie recommendation: Wizard of Lies on HBO, with Robert DeNiro playing Bernie Madoff, the Ponzi scheme huckster who bilked a lot of people out of billions of dollars. It isn’t a pleasant movie or at all uplifting, but it is really well done.

8) Indiana Tech, a college in Fort Wayne, is offering scholarships to video gamers who play League of Legends and Hearthstone. This is a world I know nothing about, but apparently it is a growing industry. Go figure.

Too bad they didn’t offer Pac-Man scholarships back in the day; could’ve saved some money.

7) Astros catcher Brian McCann (concussion) goes on 7-day DL. Dodgers sent Julio Urias down to AAA, called Josh Ravin up for some bullpen depth.

6) Brewers-Cubs game was rained out very early Saturday morning, but then it didn’t rain in the afternoon, so the game could/should have been played. It was the Cubs’ decision and the Milwaukee people didn’t see too happy about it; they also seemed a little mystified as to why.

Milwaukee called up pitcher Tyler Cravy from AAA Saturday; the game got rained out, then Ryan Braun got activated off the DL and Cravy was sent back to Colorado Springs. No bueno.

5) Jose Reyes got his 2,000th hit Saturday night; 1,398 of them have come with the Mets. He sat out Sunday’s game with a “tweaked rib cage”.

4) Looks like Kawhi Leonard will sit out tonight’s Game 4 of Spurs-Warriors series, meaning we won’t see him play until next fall, since Golden State will end this series tonite.

David Lee has a partially torn patella; been a rough couple weeks for the Spurs.

3) In the last 24 days, utility infielder Chase d’Arnaud has gone from the Braves to the Red Sox to the Padres, who need all the major leaguers they can get. He was a 1.000 hitter for Boston (1-1 with two runs scored in two games).

2) Celtics 111, Cavaliers 108— Cleveland led by 21 points against a Boston team playing without star Isaiah Thomas, but Celtics rallied and pulled a huge upset. Good for the Celtics, good for Brad Stevens, great for the NBA, which desperately needs some competitive playoff games.

1) What would happen if American Idol had one season where all the contestants were 50+ years old? I think it would be a big hit. Would be a gamble, but in my opinion, a winning one.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Monday, May 22


Chicago White Sox @ Arizona

Game 917-918
May 22, 2017 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Gnzalez) 14.704
Arizona
(Greinke) 17.291
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Arizona
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-200
9
Dunkel Pick:
Arizona
(-200); Over

Cleveland @ Cincinnati

Game 915-916
May 22, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Tomlin) 14.709
Cincinnati
(Feldman) 16.248
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cincinnati
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
Cincinnati
(-105); Over

Detroit @ Houston

Game 913-914
May 22, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Fulmer) 15.358
Houston
(Peacock) 16.801
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Houston
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Houston
(-120); Under

LA Angels @ Tampa Bay

Game 911-912
May 22, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Ramirez) 17.578
Tampa Bay
(Odorizzi) 14.644
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+100); Over

Minnesota @ Baltimore

Game 909-910
May 22, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Gibson) 14.227
Baltimore
(Jimenez) 15.639
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Baltimore
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-130
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Baltimore
(-130); Under

Kansas City @ NY Yankees

Game 907-908
May 22, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Kansas City
(Vargas) 16.864
NY Yankees
(Pineda) 14.327
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 2 1/2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-175
8
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
(+155); Under

San Francisco @ Chicago Cubs

Game 905-906
May 22, 2017 @ 8:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Blach) 14.812
Chicago Cubs
(Lackey) 16.401
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-185
No Total
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-185); N/A

Pittsburgh @ Atlanta

Game 903-904
May 22, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Cole) 13.405
Atlanta
(Fltynwcz) 16.515
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 3
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-120
8
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+100); Under

Colorado @ Philadelphia

Game 901-902
May 22, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Hoffman) 16.494
Philadelphia
(Eickhoff) 14.806
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
-115
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-105); Over