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

[StarDust Bum]

June's Best Bets and Opinions:

Date W-L-T % Units Record

06/21/2017.................. 12-16-0..........................42.86%................. -35.20
06/20/2017................... 9-18-1......................... 33.33%................. -49.95
06/19/2017................... 11-8-0......................... 57.89%................. +11.40
06/18/2017................... 8-12-2......................... 40.00%.................. -20.25
06/17/2017................... 6-10-1 ..........................37.50%................. -22.50
06/16/2017................... 13-8-0 ..........................61.90%................. +23.50
06/15/2017.................... 9-7-0........................... 56.25%................. +10.00
06/14/2017................... 12 - 10 - 1..................... 54.55%................. +14.50
06/13/2017................... 11 - 8 - 2 ......................57.89%.................. +17.00
06/12/2017.................... 6 - 7 - 2 .......................46.15%....................-.1.25
06/11/2017.................... 3 - 8 -1....................... 27.27%.................... -25.00
06/10/2017.................... 9 - 16 - 0..................... 36.00%................... -31.00
06/09/2017................... 10 - 10 - 0..................... 50.00%................... +1.75
06/08/2017.................... 7 - 9 - 0....................... 43.75%.................... -8.50
06/07/2017.................... 8 - 12 - 1..................... 40.00%................... -18.50
06/06/2017.................... 9 - 11 - 1..................... 45.00%................... -11.25
06/05/2017.................... 6 - 2 - 1....................... 75.00%.................. +20.50
06/04/2017.................... 8 - 10 - 0...................... 44.44%.................. -10.00
06/03/2017.................... 8 - 8 - 0........................ 50.00%................... -2.50
06/02/2017.................. 10 - 10 - 1....................... 50.00%.................. - 2.25
06/01/2017.................... 6 - 5 - 0....................... 54.55%.................. + 7.25

Totals:.........................181 - 205 - 14..................46.89%................. - 99.75


June's Best Bets:
Ats..................Totals:

06/21/2017................0 - 4..............-4.00.................7 - 7 ...............- 0.70
06/20/2017................1 - 6.............- 3.85.................5 - 8.................-3.80
06/19/2017................1 - 2..............-0.85.................5 - 5.................-0.50
06/18/2017................4 - 3.............+1.85.................2 - 6 - 1...........- 4.60
06/17/2017................1 - 3.............- 2.00.................4 - 4 - 1...........- 0.40
06/16/2017................4 - 3............+ 1.20.................7 - 4...............+ 2.60
06/15/2017................5 - 1............+ 4.60.................3 - 4................- 1.40
06/14/2017................5 - 3............+ 3.60.................4 - 4 - 1............- 0.40
06/13/2017................2 - 4...............-2.66................4 - 4 - 2.............-0.40
06/12/2017................2 - 4...............-0.95................3 - 2.................+0.80
06/11/2017................1 - 2..............- 0.60................1 - 3.................- 2.30
06/10/2017................3 - 7..............- 3.70................6 - 9.................- 3.90
06/09/2017................4 - 2............+ 2.65................3 - 7 .................- 4.70
06/08/2017................3 - 2............+ 2.00................4 - 4...................-0.40
06/07/2017................2 - 2............+ 0.80................5 - 6..................- 1.60
06/06/2017................4 - 2............+ 2.65................4 - 7..................- 3.70
06/05/2017................3 - 1............+ 2.35................5 - 1.................+ 3.90
06/04/2017................2 - 4..............- 1.60...............5 - 3.................+ 3.30
06/03/2017................0 - 3..............- 3.30...............8 - 5.................+ 2.50
06/02/2017................3 - 3.............+ 0.15...............5 - 6..................- 1.60
06/01/2017................3 - 0.............+ 3.95...............3 - 5..................- 2.50

Totals:....................52 - 59...........+ 2.19..............89 - 87 - 5............- 20.60

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Thursday, June 22


Detroit @ Seattle

Game 973-974
June 22, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Norris) 15.893
Seattle
(Moore) 13.229
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-115
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-105); Under

LA Angels @ NY Yankees

Game 971-972
June 22, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Chavez) 15.210
NY Yankees
(Severino) 18.821
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 3 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-240
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-240); Over

Cleveland @ Baltimore

Game 969-970
June 22, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Clevnger) 17.175
Baltimore
(Miley) 13.521
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 3 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-125
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-125); Over

Houston @ Oakland

Game 967-968
June 22, 2017 @ 3:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Paulino) 15.142
Oakland
(Hahn) 17.031
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-140
10
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+120); Under

Toronto @ Texas

Game 965-966
June 22, 2017 @ 2:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Stroman) 14.561
Texas
(Perez) 15.689
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-130
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(+110); Over

Chicago White Sox @ Minnesota

Game 963-964
June 22, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago White Sox
(Quntana) 15.965
Minnesota
(Turley) 12.569
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago White Sox
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-125
10
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago White Sox
(-125); Under

NY Mets @ LA Dodgers

Game 961-962
June 22, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Matz) 16.468
LA Dodgers
(Ryu) 14.883
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-195
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(+170); Over

San Francisco @ Atlanta

Game 959-960
June 22, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Cain) 14.405
Atlanta
(Garcia) 15.462
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-160
9
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(-160); Under

Chicago Cubs @ Miami

Game 957-958
June 22, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Arrieta) 15.978
Miami
(Locke) 14.521
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-130
9
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-130); Over

Arizona @ Colorado

Game 955-956
June 22, 2017 @ 3:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Arizona
(Godley) 15.803
Colorado
(Snzatela) 17.220
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Colorado
-110
11 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(-110); Under

Pittsburgh @ Milwaukee

Game 953-954
June 22, 2017 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Nova) 15.313
Milwaukee
(Andrson) 13.754
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Pittsburgh
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Milwaukee
-125
9
Dunkel Pick:
Pittsburgh
(+105); Over

St. Louis @ Philadelphia

Game 951-952
June 22, 2017 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
St. Louis
(Mrtinez) 11.872
Philadelphia
(Nola) 13.953
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-155
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+135); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Thursday, June 22

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

2:05 PM
ST. LOUIS vs. PHILADELPHIA
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 9 games when playing Philadelphia
St. Louis is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Philadelphia
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
Philadelphia is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing St. Louis

2:10 PM
CHI WHITE SOX vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Chi White Sox are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi White Sox

3:05 PM
TORONTO vs. TEXAS
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Texas's last 7 games when playing at home against Toronto

3:10 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. MILWAUKEE
Pittsburgh is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Pittsburgh is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Milwaukee is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
Milwaukee is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

4:10 PM
ARIZONA vs. COLORADO
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Arizona's last 19 games when playing Colorado
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Arizona's last 6 games when playing Colorado
Colorado is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Colorado's last 6 games

4:35 PM
HOUSTON vs. OAKLAND
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oakland's last 6 games when playing at home against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Oakland's last 5 games at home

8:05 PM
LA ANGELS vs. NY YANKEES
LA Angels are 1-10 SU in their last 11 games when playing on the road against NY Yankees
LA Angels are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games
NY Yankees are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games when playing LA Angels
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Yankees's last 5 games at home

8:05 PM
CLEVELAND vs. BALTIMORE
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Cleveland's last 10 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Cleveland is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Baltimore
Baltimore is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games
Baltimore is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Cleveland

8:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs's last 9 games when playing Miami
Chi Cubs are 3-11 SU in their last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Miami is 15-8 SU in its last 23 games

8:35 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. ATLANTA
San Francisco is 1-8 SU in its last 9 games
San Francisco is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Atlanta's last 11 games at home

11:10 PM
DETROIT vs. SEATTLE
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Detroit is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Seattle's last 12 games when playing Detroit

11:10 PM
NY METS vs. LA DODGERS
NY Mets are 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games when playing on the road against LA Dodgers
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

Always consider the home plate umpire when betting MLB totals

In 2017, the Under is a sterling 11-2 with Barksdale behind home plate, with those 13 contests averaging a grand total of just 7.36 runs per game.

On April 18 of this year, two gas cans masquerading as starting pitchers who operate under the names of Matt Cain and Jason Hammel squared off against one another in Kansas City in a 2014 World Series rematch between the Giants and Royals. Hammel closed as a razor-thin -113 favorite over Cain, but more importantly, the total for this showdown closed with a lofty Over/Under of 9.5 runs, which is significant for reasons you are about to discover.

Through the first 35 games of the 2017 season, this was the only Kansas City matchup that featured a total exceeding 9.0 runs. Additionally, this was just the second San Francisco contest through the club’s initial 16 outings that eclipsed a 9.0-run total. If nothing else, the bookmakers and early bettors were sending up a flare: Matt Cain? Jason Hammel? We better brace for some early fireworks in Kansas City.

But when the sun finally set in the ever-tranquil Midwest on that late April evening, the Giants had squeezed out a shockingly uneventful 2-1 victory.

So as it pertains to the total, what in the hell happened?

Well, as in virtually all cases as it pertains to Major League Baseball, a variety of factors converged in Kansas City on April 18 to help produce a grand total of just three runs in a game that closed with a total of 9.5.

And one of those factors just so happened to be home plate umpire Lance Barksdale.

A native of Brookhaven, Mississippi, the 50-year-old Barksdale has been umpiring in both the American and National Leagues since 2000. But as it pertains to both this specific article and that aforementioned matchup between the Royals and Giants, the significance of having Barksdale behind the dish is more than worth studying because of one very simple reason:

In 2017 alone, the Under is a sterling 11-2 with Barksdale behind home plate, with those 13 contests averaging a grand total of just 7.36 runs per game. For those keeping score at home, only four umpires who have officiated more than seven games this season have produced a lower average total than Barksdale.

For those who know where to look (HEY, CLICK HERE AND YOU TOO CAN STUDY UMPIRE BETTING TRENDS!), this Barksdale information shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as the under went 98-78 (.556) from 2010-2015 with the Mississippi native behind the dish. But the last two seasons have seen a sharp uptick in Barksdale’s average total strikeouts per game (15.8 in 2016, second-highest since 2010, 16.6 in 2017, highest since 2010) as well as his Under percentage (30-13 entering Thursday night, good for an Under winning percentage of .697).

The moral of the story here is a simple one: If you want to gain an edge as it pertains to MLB wagering, you can afford to leave no stone unturned. And that means each game you consider wagering requires a deep dive into the man behind the mask.

The good news is that we at *********** have you - how do I say this delicately - covered, as all you need to do is hover your mouse over the “MLB” tab above and then scroll to the right side where it says, “Umpires.”

But before we bid you adieu and goodbye for the weekend, here’s a rundown of some of the key umpiring trends that have developed so far during the 2017 season:

Stats updated through June 20, 2017.

MOST PROFITABLE HOME UMPIRES

Chad Whitson: 11-0, +948
Gerry Davis: 10-3, +720
Ted Barrett: 11-4, +614
Phil Cuzzi: 11-4, +609
Sam Holbrook: 10-3, +605

LEAST PROFITABLE HOME UMPIRES

Brian Gorman: 2-10, -878
Jordan Baker: 3-9, -708
Lance Barrett: 4-9, -627
D.J. Reyburn: 4-10, -605
Bill Miller: 6-10, -550

BEST OVER UMPIRES

Manny Gonzalez: 9-1
Doug Eddings: 11-2
Alfonso Marquez: 10-2
Tom Hallion: 12-3
Angel Hernandez: 10-3

BEST UNDER UMPIRES

Dan Bellino: 8-1
Lance Barksdale: 11-2
Eric Cooper: 9-3
Paul Nauert: 8-3
Todd Tichenor: 8-3

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Baseball Trend Report

ST LOUIS (33 - 37) at PHILADELPHIA (22 - 48) - 1:05 PM
CARLOS MARTINEZ (R) vs. AARON NOLA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ST LOUIS is 33-37 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 63-52 (+13.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 36-25 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
PHILADELPHIA is 22-48 (-21.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 135-151 (-42.2 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-36 (-20.0 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-36 (-19.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 5-0 (+5.0 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.9 Units)
CARLOS MARTINEZ vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
MARTINEZ is 3-0 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.900.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
AARON NOLA vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
NOLA is 1-1 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)

PITTSBURGH (33 - 39) at MILWAUKEE (39 - 35) - 2:10 PM
IVAN NOVA (R) vs. CHASE ANDERSON (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 77-100 (-36.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 83-102 (-30.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 39-35 (+10.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 39-29 (+12.0 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 31-26 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NOVA is 21-11 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in road games when playing against a team with a winning record since 1997. (Team's Record)
MILWAUKEE is 75-99 (-35.5 Units) against the money line in home games when playing on Thursday since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
PITTSBURGH is 4-2 (+2.0 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)
IVAN NOVA vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
NOVA is 1-0 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 0.750.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (+0.0 units)
CHASE ANDERSON vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
ANDERSON is 3-2 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.43 and a WHIP of 1.474.
His team's record is 4-4 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-4. (-0.3 units)

SAN FRANCISCO (27 - 47) at ATLANTA (33 - 38) - 7:35 PM
MATT CAIN (R) vs. JAIME GARCIA (L)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-47 (-22.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 6-17 (-11.8 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 13-29 (-15.9 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 5-14 (-11.2 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 75-85 (-23.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-16 (-12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 17-10 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 81-96 (+10.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 216-194 (+36.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
ATLANTA is 32-54 (-20.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
GARCIA is 2-8 (-9.7 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 9-14 (-11.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
GARCIA is 40-47 (-26.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 3-3 (+0.2 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.9 Units)
MATT CAIN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
CAIN is 4-3 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 2.83 and a WHIP of 1.319.
His team's record is 4-6 (-2.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.9 units)
JAIME GARCIA vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
GARCIA is 4-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 2.31 and a WHIP of 1.025.
His team's record is 5-3 (+1.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-4. (-1.5 units)

NY METS (31 - 40) at LA DODGERS (47 - 26) - 10:10 PM
STEVEN MATZ (L) vs. HYUN-JIN RYU (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 31-40 (-16.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 7-19 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 24-5 (+17.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
RYU is 25-8 (+14.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 26-14 (+13.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 108-85 (+37.4 Units) against the money line in road games when playing on Thursday since 1997.
NY METS are 421-434 (+34.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997.
LA DODGERS are 98-78 (-11.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 33-36 (-13.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LA DODGERS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against NY METS this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+3.0 Units)
STEVEN MATZ vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
MATZ is 2-1 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 2.65 and a WHIP of 1.118.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.1 units)
HYUN-JIN RYU vs. NY METS since 1997
RYU is 2-0 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.100.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

HOUSTON (49 - 24) at OAKLAND (31 - 41) - 3:35 PM
DAVID PAULINO (R) vs. JESSE HAHN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
HOUSTON is 7-16 (-12.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 174-100 (+57.3 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997.
HOUSTON is 49-24 (+16.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 15-4 (+11.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 26-8 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 25-10 (+10.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 39-15 (+19.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 33-16 (+12.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
OAKLAND is 168-228 (-52.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 90-110 (-30.1 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 41-69 (-22.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 58-75 (-25.2 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 50-84 (-28.6 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 7-1 (+5.5 Units) against OAKLAND this season
5 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.7 Units)
DAVID PAULINO vs. OAKLAND since 1997
No recent starts.
JESSE HAHN vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HAHN is 1-3 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 5.58 and a WHIP of 1.448.
His team's record is 1-3 (-2.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-2. (-0.1 units)

CLEVELAND (38 - 32) at BALTIMORE (35 - 36) - 7:05 PM
MIKE CLEVINGER (R) vs. WADE MILEY (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CLEVELAND is 20-24 (-15.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 16-18 (-14.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
BALTIMORE is 124-110 (+13.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 15-6 (+8.9 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-13 (+10.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 21-8 (+12.7 Units) against the money line in home games in June games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 18-8 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
BALTIMORE is 18-9 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
CLEVELAND is 33-14 (+15.5 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 28-12 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against BALTIMORE this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.1 Units, Under=-0.2 Units)
MIKE CLEVINGER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
CLEVINGER is 0-0 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 9.00 and a WHIP of 1.750.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.2 units)
WADE MILEY vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MILEY is 1-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.29 and a WHIP of 1.977.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-2. (-1.0 units)

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday's Diamond Notes
June 22, 2017

Hottest team: Dodgers (12-1 last 13) vs. Mets

The talk of the NL West this season has been the emergence of the Rockies and Diamondbacks. However, the old hat Dodgers are right in the mix for the top spot of the division as they go for the four-game sweep of the Mets. Los Angeles’ offense exploded again on Wednesday for eight runs as the Dodgers have plated 30 runs in the first three victories of this series. The Dodgers have won four consecutive series since dropping two of three at home to the Nationals earlier this month.

Looking to finish off the sweep tonight is southpaw Hyun-Jin Ryu, who is coming off his third win of the season in his last start against the Reds in a 10-2 blowout. Ryu has been up and down when pitching at Chavez Ravine as the Dodgers own a 3-2 record in his five home starts, while allowing four earned runs in three separate outings.

Coldest team: Yankees (1-7 last eight) vs. Angels

New York did end its seven-game skid last night in an 8-4 triumph over Los Angeles, but the Yankees still aren’t out of the woods yet. The Bronx Bombers have given up at least four runs in seven straight contests, while their offense busted past the three-run mark for the first time since Friday’s 7-6 defeat at Oakland.

Luis Severino looks to give the Yankees the series victory this evening as New York has compiled a perfect 5-0 record this season when he takes the mound after the team lost in his previous start. Severino picked up a no-decision in Friday’s setback to the Athletics, but he returns home where he is unbeaten in his previous three starts.

Hottest pitcher: Zack Godley, Diamondbacks (2-1, 2.34 ERA)

Past Zack Greinke and Robbie Ray, Godley has been a terrific third wheel in this Arizona rotation. Godley is unbeaten in his last four trips to the hill since suffering a 5-1 defeat at San Diego on May 21, while allowing three runs or less in all eight of his starts this season. The D-backs’ right-hander struck out a season-high eight batters in last Saturday’s win over the Phillies, while cashing the UNDER in five of his past seven starts. Godley faces a Rockies’ squad this afternoon that is trying to avoid back-to-back home losses for the first time since late May.

Coldest pitcher: Matt Cain, Giants (3-6, 4.99 ERA)

The veteran right-hander had a solid start to the season as San Francisco won three of his first four starts. However, Cain is starting to wear down as the Giants have dropped five of his past six outings, including three straight away from AT&T Park. In this stretch, Cain has given up at least five earned runs three times, but one of his best starts came against the Braves, tonight’s opponent. On May 26, Cain lost a 2-0 decision to Atlanta in spite of allowing two runs (one earned) in seven innings of work.

Biggest OVER run: Angels (5-1-1 last seven)

Los Angeles has alternated wins and losses in each of its past five games, coming off last night’s 8-4 setback to the Yankees. When the Angels win, they score plenty of runs as the Halos have put up at least seven runs in six of the past seven victories. L.A. has cashed the OVER in four of five opportunities this season as an underdog of +160 or higher, as Jesse Chavez takes the mound, who has seen the OVER hit in three of his past four road starts.

Biggest UNDER run: Cubs (5-0 last five)

Chicago and Miami hook up for their second series this month after the Cubs captured two of three matchups at Wrigley Field in early June. The Cubs’ offense didn’t produce much in their three-game set against the Padres by scoring only nine runs, while getting held to two runs in Thursday’s loss. On the flip side, Chicago has pitched well during this UNDER streak by allowing only 10 runs as Jake Arrieta tries to get on track tonight. Arrieta has cashed the UNDER in four straight road starts, but the Cubs are winless in his previous six away outings.

Matchup to watch: Indians vs. Orioles

Two teams headed in different directions finish off their four-game series at Camden Yards. Cleveland cruised past Baltimore, 5-1 on Wednesday to pick up its seventh win in the last eight games, while the Orioles fell to 4-10 in the last 14 contests. However, Baltimore looks to improve on a 4-1 record in its last five home series finales as it is listed as a home underdog tonight.

Southpaw Wade Miley hasn’t won consecutive starts this season as the Orioles’ hurler cruised to a 15-7 victory in his last outing against the Cardinals. Miley allowed six runs in 5.2 innings, but Baltimore’s offense staked him an early 9-1 lead. The veteran has received plenty of run support of late as the Orioles have scored at least seven runs in his last four starts, resulting in four OVERS.

Mike Clevinger seeks his third victory of the season for Cleveland as the righty has not lasted past the fourth inning in each of his previous two starts. Clevinger has actually fared well away from Progressive Field this season as the Tribe is 3-1 in his four road starts, including wins in scoreless efforts against the Royals and Astros.

Betcha didn’t know: The Astros own the Athletics. Simple as that. Houston has won seven of eight matchups this season, including a perfect 5-0 mark at the Coliseum. Dating back to last season, the Astros have compiled an incredible 14-1 record against the A’s, while winning nine consecutive matchups in Oakland.

Biggest public favorite: Yankees (-225) vs. Angels

Biggest public underdog: Giants (+135) at Braves

Biggest line move: Diamondbacks (+120 to +100) at Rockies

[StarDust Bum]

THURSDAY, JUNE 22

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

STL at PHI 01:05 PM

PHI +120

O 8.5

CHW at MIN 01:10 PM

O 10.5

TOR at TEX 02:05 PM

TOR -141

PIT at MIL 02:10 PM

PIT +100

U 9.0

ARI at COL 03:10 PM

ARI +100

O 11.5

HOU at OAK 03:35 PM

HOU -141

U 9.5

CLE at BAL 07:05 PM

CLE -125

O 10.5

LAA at NYY 07:05 PM

LAA +195

O 9.0

CHC at MIA 07:10 PM

MIA +110

U 9.0

SF at ATL 07:35 PM

ATL -152

U 9.0

NYM at LAD 10:10 PM

NYM +195

DET at SEA 10:10 PM

U 9.5

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Armadillo's Write-Up

Friday, June 23

National League
Reds @ Nationals
Castillo is making his big league debut; he is 4-4, 2.58 in 14 starts in AA this season.

Strasburg is 5-1, 3.48 in his last seven starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Washington is 4-2 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 8-6 (8-1 last 9)

Reds lost 11 of their last 12 games; they’re 6-6 in road series openers. Reds’ last five games went over the total. Washington lost three of last four games; they’re 8-4 in home series openers. Over is 8-2 in their last ten games.

Cubs @ Marlins
Lackey is 1-4, 5.82 in his last six starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Cubs are 4-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 3-10-1

Urena is 2-0, 3.18 in his last three starts; over is 4-1-1 in his last six. Miami is 3-2 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-2-1

Cubs won five of last seven games; under is 5-1 in their last six games. Miami won seven of its last nine home games; over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 home games.

Brewers @ Braves
Nelson is 3-0, 2.31 in his last five starts; under is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Milwaukee is 3-2 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 5-8-1

Foltynewicz is 2-0, 2.00 in his last three home starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine starts. Braves are are 4-2 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 5-5-2

Milwaukee is 7-3 in its last ten games, 6-4 in road series openers; over is 5-2 in their last seven road games. Atlanta won six of last eight games; under is 9-4-1 in their last 14 games. Braves are 6-5 in home series openers.

Pirates @ Cardinals
Taillon is 1-2, 6.00 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Pirates’ 1st 5-inning record with him: 3-3-2

Wainwright is 1-2, 17.42 in his last three starts; over is 9-3 in his last 12. St Louis is 5-2 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-5-2

Pirates are 3-5 in their last eight games, 4-8 in road series openers; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine games. St Louis lost six of last nine games, is 5-7 in home series openers. Over is 7-1-1 in their last nine games.

Phillies @ Diamondbacks
Leiter is making his first MLB start here; he’s allowed 12 runs in 19 IP in 12 relief stints. He was 1-0, 4.74 in five AAA games (3 starts) this year.

Corbin is 2-2, 8.71 in his last four starts (over 3-0-1). Arizona won his last six home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him:

Phillies lost 12 of last 14 games, are 5-7 in road series openers. Under is 5-3 in their last eight road games. Arizona won nine of its last games; they’re 8-3 in home series openers. Over is 6-1 in their last seven home games.

Rockies @ Dodgers
Freeland is 3-1, 3.38 in his last four starts; his last three stayed under. Colorado is 6-1 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 9-4-1

Wood is 6-0, 1.94 in his last seven starts; over is 5-3-1 in his last nine. Dodgers are 5-0 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-2-1

Colorado won six of its last eight games but lost last two, allowing 26 runs; they’re 6-6 in road series openers. Over is 5-2 in their last seven games. Dodgers won 13 of last 14 games; over is 12-1 in their last 13 games. LA is 9-3 in home series openers.

Mets @ Giants
Lugo is 1-1, 3.29 in two starts this year (over 1-1). Mets’ 1st 5-inning record with him: 1-1

Blach is 0-2, 7.36 in his last three starts; over is 5-0-1 in his last six. Giants are 2-4 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-4

Mets lost seven of last eight games; they’re 1-5 in last six road series openers. Over is 9-1 in their last ten games. San Francisco lost nine of last ten games, are 4-6 in home series openers. Over is 7-3-1 in their last 11 games.

——————————–

American League
Rangers @ New York
Darvish is 1-3, 4.45 in his last five starts; under is 8-0-1 in his last nine. Texas is 4-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-4-4

Tanaka is 0-6, 9.45 in his last seven starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. New York is 3-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-6-1

Texas won six of last seven road games; they’re 5-6 in road series openers. Over is 6-1-1 in their last eight games1 New York lost eight of its last nine games; over is 8-2 in New York’s last ten home games. NY is 2-5 in last seven home series openers.

Orioles @ Rays
Jimenez is 1-2, 8.01 in his last six starts (over 5-0-1); Orioles split his four road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 3-5-1

Archer is 2-1, 3.74 in his last five starts; under is 4-2 in his last six. Rays are 5-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 8-2-5

Baltimore is 4-11 in its last 15 games; they’re 3-8 in road series openers. Over is 10-4 in their last 14 games. Tampa Bay won four of last five games, is 4-8 in home series openers. Rays’ last eight home games went over.

Angels @ Red Sox
Meyer is 0-2, 3.48 in in his last four starts; under is 4-1 in his last five. Angels are 1-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 3-5

Porcello is 0-4, 6.68 in his last five starts (under 4-1); Boston is 3-5in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him:

Angels are 6-3 in last nine road games, 6-6 in road series openers. Over is 6-1 in their last seven road games. Boston are 9-2 in last 11 hone games, 8-4 in home series openers. Three of their last four games went over.

Twins @ Indians
Mejia is 0-2, 6.29 in his last five starts (under 5-3-1). Minnesota’s 1st 5-inning record with him: 3-3-3

Bauer is 1-1, 4.08 in his last four starts; under is 7-3 in his last ten. Indians are 3-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-5-2

Minnesota lost five of last seven games; they’re 8-2 in road series openers. Under is 6-2 in their last eight games. Cleveland won eight of last nine games; they’re 4-7 in home series openers. Over is 4-2 in their last six home games.

A’s @ White Sox
Cotton is 1-4, 6.95 in his last six starts; over is 4-2-2 in his last eight. Oakland is 2-4 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-7-1

Pelfrey is 3-1, 2.61 in his last six starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Chicago is 2-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 5-4-2

Oakland lost its last four games; they’re 2-9 in road series openers. Over is 5-0-1 in their last six road games. White Sox lost three of last four games, is 4-5 in home series openers. Under is 5-4-1 in their last ten home games.

Blue Jays @ Royals
Happ is 2-0, 2.13 in his last two starts; over is 3-1-1 in his last five. Toronto’s 1st 5-inning record with him: 2-5

Junis is 1-1, 7.40 in four starts this year (over 3-0-1). Royals’ 1st 5-inning record with him: 2-2

Toronto won four of last six road games, is 7-5 in road series openers. Over is 6-2 in their last eight games. Royals woo nine of last 11 games, is 6-6 in home series openers. Over is 12-3-1 in their last 16 games.

Astros @ Mariners
Musgrove is 1-3, 6.20 in his last four starts; over is 2-0-1 in his road starts. Houston is 3-0 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-8

Hernandez is making his first start since April 25; he is 2-2, 4.91 in five starts this year (over 3-2). Seattle’s 1st 5-inning record with him: 2-3

Houston won its four games; they’re last 10-1 in road series openers. Over is 8-4 in their last 12 road games. Mariners are 9-3 in their last 12 home games; five of their last seven home games stayed under. Seattle is 10-2 in home series openers.

__________________________

Interleague

Tigers @ Padres
Fulmer is 1-4, 4.64 in his last five starts; over is 6-3-1 in his last ten. Detroit is 3-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-5-1

Lamet is 2-2, 8.25 in five starts this year; his last three went over. San Diego’s 1st 5-inning record with him: 2-3

Detroit lost its last six games; they’re 6-6 in road series openers. Over is 4-1-1 in their last six road games. San Diego lost four of last six games, is 9-3 in home series openers. Padres’ last four games stayed under the total.

______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
Cin-Wsh: Castillo 0-0; Strasburg 10-4
Chi-Mia: Lackey 7-7; Urena 6-3
Mil-Atl: Nelson 7-7; Foltynewicz 6-7
Pitt-StL: Taillon 3-5; Wainwright 8-6
Phil-Az: Leiter 0-0; Corbin 8-6
Col-LA: Freeland 10-4; Wood 7-3
NY-SF: Lugo 1-1; Blach 4-7

American League
Tex-NY: Darvish 8-7; Tanaka 6-8
Balt-TB: Jimenez 6-3; Archer 9-6
LA-Bos: Meyer 2-6; Porcello 6-9
Min-Clev: Mejia 3-6; Bauer 7-7
A’s-Chi: Cotton 4-8; Pelfrey 5-6
Tor-KC: Happ 3-4; Junis 3-1
Hst-Sea: Musgrove 5-7; Hernandez 2-3

Interleague
Det-SD: Fulmer 7-6; Lamet 3-2

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:

National League
Cin-Wsh: Castillo 0-0; Strasburg 2-14
Chi-Mia: Lackey 8-14; Urena 1-9
Mil-Atl: Nelson 2-14; Foltynewicz 2-13
Pitt-StL: Taillon 2-8; Wainwright 4-14 (3 of last 3)
Phil-Az: Leiter 0-0; Corbin 8-14
Col-LA: Freeland 3-14; Wood 1-10
NY-SF: Lugo 1-2; Blach 2-11

American League
Tex-NY: Darvish 3-15; Tanaka 8-14
Balt-TB: Jimenez 3-9; Archer 4-15
LA-Bos: Meyer 4-8; Porcello 5-15
Min-Clev: Mejia 3-9; Bauer 2-14
A’s-Chi: Cotton 5-12; Pelfrey 2-11
Tor-KC: Happ 2-7; Junis 1-4
Hst-Sea: Musgrove 3-12; Hernandez 3-5

Interleague
Det-SD: Fulmer 4-13; Lamet 2-5

_________________________

Umpires
National League

American League

Interleague

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 40-22 AL, favorites +$18
AL @ NL– 37-35 AL, favorites -$629
Total: 77-57 AL, favorites -$611

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 40-26-1
AL @ NL: Over 41-26-2
Total: Over 81-52-3

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 6/22/17
Ariz 14-15-9……21-9–5……….34-24
Atl 15-16-4……14-20-4……..29-36
Cubs 14-18-1……18-15-5………..32-33
Reds 9-22-3……14-20–2………23-42
Colo 24-9-5…….19-16-2……….43-25
LA 15-16-4……26-11-2……….41-27
Miami 14-19-2…….18-13-4……..32-32
Milw 17-9-6…….19-18-6…….36-27
Mets 16-15-1……..17-21-2……33-36
Philly 9-21-6……11-17-6……….20-38
Pitt 16-18-2…..13-17-7……….29-35
St. Louis 14-16-3……..20-10-6……..34-26
SD 9-24-5…….16-15–4………25-39
SF 8-28-7……..13-15-4……..24-43
Wash 28-10-2……17-12-3………..45-22

Orioles 11-19-4……..17-18-3………28-37
Boston 16-19-5………15-15-2…….31-34
White Sox 14-24-6……..14-11–2……..28-35
Cleveland 20-15-4……..15-14-3……..34-29
Detroit 15-18-5…….16-14-4……..31-32
Astros 18-10-7……..22-15-2…….40-25
KC 12-17-6………16-15-6…….28-32
Angels 13-20-6………17-13-6…….30-33
Twins 17-8-3………15-20-6……..32-28
NYY 16-17-3……….22-10-1…..…38-27
A’s 10-19-4……..17-14-8……..27-33
Seattle 12-21-5……..19-13-5……..31-34
TB 16-12-8……..24-10-5……..40-22
Texas 17-10-5……..17-15-7………34-25
Toronto 13-21-2……..11-17-6……..24-38

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 6/22/17)
Ariz 12-38……..15-35……….27
Atl 8-35……..9-38………….17
Cubs 9-34……..16-38………..25
Reds 12-34……..16-37………28
Colo 9-38……..10-37..………19
LA 9-35……..16-38..……..25
Miami 13-35……..12-35………25
Milw 12-32……18-43…..…..30
Mets 13-32……..15-39……….28
Philly 12-37……..9-34………..21
Pitt 10-36……..12-37………22
StL 9-34……..10-36………..19
SD 17-38……..10-35………..27
SF 8-46……..9-32………….17
Wash 15-40……..14-32………29

Orioles 4-34……..15-39……….19
Boston 12-40……..8-31……….20
White Sox 14-44…….9-27……….23
Clev 9-40……..11-32……….20
Detroit 8-38…….16-34………24
Astros 11-35……..17-39………28
KC 5-35……..5-35…………10
Angels 17-40…….10-37………27
Twins 6-29……..11-42……….17
NYY 9-36……..13-34……….22
A’s 5-34……..12-40………17
Seattle 15-38…….14-38………29
TB 10-36……..18-39……..28
Texas 9-33……..18-39………27

[StarDust Bum]

Armadillo: Friday's six-pack

— Mets put P Zach Wheeler (biceps tendinitis) on the DL.

— Red Sox put 3B Pablo Sandoval on DL (inner ear infection)

— Angels put closer Bud Norris (knee) on the DL

— A’s DFA’d Stephen Vogt, put Matt Chapman (knee infection) on the DL

— Cubs sent Kyle Schwarber to AAA Iowa, put Jason Heyward (hand) on the DL

— Pirates put Francisco Cervelli (concussion) on the DL.


**********

Armadillo:Friday's Den: Random stuff, mostly about basketball……

With the NBA Draft going on, here are some basketball-related thoughts……..

— My friend Joe Gill pointed this out to me yesterday— how much the NBA has changed.

The 3-point shot came into the NBA in the 1979-80 season, Magic/Bird’s rookie season. Here are the Lakers’ TEAM TOTALS FOR THE SEASON on 3-point shooting in their first six years the 3-point shot was in the NBA:

1979-80: 20-100, 20%
1980-81: 17-94, 18.1%
1981-82: 13-94, 13.8%
1982-83: 10-96, 10.4%
1983-84: 58-226, 25.7%
1984-85: 90-295, 30.5%

This past season, 2016-17, Lakers were 730-2110 (34.0%) on 3-pointers for the season; Golden State was 982-2563 (38.3%).

The game has changed in 37 years. A lot.

— Magic Johnson’s first six years in the NBA, he was 29-164 (17.7%) behind the arc; in his last seven NBA seasons, he improved to 32.5% on 3-pointers.

— Wednesday, CBS SportsNet ran an hour special on the draft; their four experts all picked who they thought the best player in the draft was- they gave four different answers, which sums this draft up well. There is no one player who is head and shoulders above the rest.

— 76ers have sold out over 14,000 season tickets for next year, a franchise record; their corps of talented young players have to prove they have the durability to play an 82-game season.

— Chicago Bulls traded Jimmy Butler to Minnesota for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the 7th pick, who wound up being Lauri Markkanen from Arizona.

— Little odd that the last two #1 picks in the draft (Fultz, Ben Simmons) had a combined record of 29-36 in their one season of college basketball and both coaches got fired within a year of coaching that player.

— Four quick non-basketball notes:
a) Weird Al Yankovic is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
b) Jose Abreu is the first major leaguer since 1966 whose first 13 home runs have all been on the road.
c) I graduated high school 40 years ago tonight.
d) I just realized a Saskatchewan-Montreal CFL game is on ESPNews.

— First seven picks in the draft were all college freshmen; Knicks broke the trend by taking Frank Ntilikina, an 18-year old point guard from Europe— he is 6-5.

— Jay Bilas’ comment on NC State’s Dennis Smith, #9 pick by the Mavericks: “He is not always a focused defender.” A nice way of saying, “He sucks on defense.”

— Sacramento traded the #10 pick to Portland for picks #15 and #20; Gonzaga’s Zach Collins was the #10 pick.

— December of 2013, just 3.5 years ago, I sat in the gym at Bishop Gorman HS in Las Vegas with my friend Mike and we watched some high school basketball. Bishop Gorman’s 3rd-string center was a 10th grader who played pretty well when he got into the game- that was Zach Collins.

Last night, Collins was the 10th pick in the NBA Draft, by Portland. Not bad for a kid who was a 3rd-string center on his high school team three years ago, behind Stephen Zimmerman and Chase Jeter. Zimmerman is in the D-League with Orlando, Jeter just transferred from Duke to Arizona. Collins has a shot to be the best of the three.

— NBA commissioner Adam Silver is a tall, bald man who wears glasses, which obviously makes him very handsome— ha!!! Oh, Charlotte just took Malik Monk, best shooter in the draft who apparently is also adept at hunting squirrels.

— Detroit took Duke’s Luke Kennard with the #12 pick; he plays basketball lefty, but when he was a high school QB, he threw the ball righty. Go figure.

— Utah traded Trey Lyles and the #24 pick to Denver for the #13 pick- Jazz took Donovan Mitchell from Louisville.

— Halftime: Saskatchewan 10, Montreal 7. Season opener for both clubs. We’ll have write-ups on all the CFL games, starting next week.

— ESPN’s guy with the touchscreen who is a salary cap guru predicts the Bulls will buy out Dwyane Wade’s contract as they totally rebuild. Thats an expensive deal right there.

— John Calipari was in Colorado Springs Thursday morning coaching the U19 team, then was in Brooklyn for the draft; I’m assuming he is headed back to Colorado as soon as all of his guys get drafted. I’m assuming Calipari has a really nice house, but is he ever home?

Calipari is now holding court on ESPN; in eight years at Kentucky, he’s coached 64 players. Half of those 64 players have been drafted by the NBA.

— I’ll say this: Oklahoma State guard Jawun Evans is really good. He’ll be a very good NBA player, but he hasn’t been taken yet.

— In his next contract, Paul George will either get $177M for five years or $132M for four years, depending on if he switches teams or not.

— Sacramento took Harry Giles, who has already torn the ACL in both knees and wasn’t good at Duke last year— there is very little chance this ends well. Giles scored 3.9 pts/game while playing in 20% of Duke’s possessions last year. Can he recover enough to withstand an 82-game schedule? Wish the young man well, but this figures to be another Sacramento disaster.

— My point here: Taking Giles over Jawun Evans is basketball malpractice.

— Oklahoma City took Terrance Ferguson with the #21 pick; he skipped college (Arizona) and shot 30% in an Australian pro league LY. They say he needs to get stronger- if he such a great shooter, why did he shoot 30% in an Australian league? He is a developmental project.

— Host Brooklyn Nets took Jarrett Allen, a big kid from Texas. He scored 13.4 pts/game with 8.4 reb/game LY. This young man built his own computer, which is very impressive.

Nets are 41-123 the last two years; three short years ago, they were 44-38 and in Eastern Conference semis. It is easier to get worse than it is to get better. They need a lot of players.

— Denver grabs Tyler Lydon from Syracuse, who is a good shooter but apparently has 13% body fat, which means he needs to get himself in better shape, especially since he’ll have to play man defense for the first time since high school or AAU ball- Syracuse plays all 2-3 zone.

— Caleb Swanigan was drafted by Portland; hard not to root for this guy. By the time he was 13 years old, he had gone to 13 different schools. He was adopted by a guardian angel who gave him structure in his life and then he lost 100 pounds in high school and became a really good player. We wish him well.

— Spurs took Derrick White with the 29th pick; kid played D-2 ball because that was the only offer he got coming out of high school. Then he transferred to Colorado and now he is a first round draft pick- Spurs’ track record of picking guys lower than 20th and having them be really good players is pretty amazing.

— 16 college freshmen were taken in the first round; Derrick White was the first senior taken, at #29.

— New Orleans just traded for Duke’s Frank Jackson after Charlotte picked him so now I’m annoyed; he is NOT BETTER than Juwan Evans. You wonder if coach Brad Underwood had stayed at Oklahoma State if Evans would’ve stayed, too, but Underwood had a spat with the AD and bolted to Illinoi$.

— Finally…..the 76ers take Juwan Evans with the 39th pick. Now I can go write my baseball article. Take your measurables and stick ‘em— this kid can play.

P.S. Evans is getting traded to the Clippers. Jerry West works for the Clippers now— that makes me feel good.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Friday, June 23

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

7:05 PM
CINCINNATI vs. WASHINGTON
Cincinnati is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cincinnati's last 5 games
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing Cincinnati

7:05 PM
TEXAS vs. NY YANKEES
Texas is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 8 games on the road
NY Yankees are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against Texas
NY Yankees are 6-2 SU in their last 8 games at home

7:10 PM
BALTIMORE vs. TAMPA BAY
Baltimore is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games when playing Tampa Bay
Baltimore is 1-12 SU in its last 13 games on the road
Tampa Bay is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Tampa Bay's last 9 games when playing at home against Baltimore

7:10 PM
LA ANGELS vs. BOSTON
LA Angels are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games when playing Boston
LA Angels are 12-6 SU in their last 18 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Boston's last 9 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 6 games when playing at home against LA Angels

7:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. MIAMI
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Chi Cubs's last 18 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games on the road
Miami is 1-6 SU in their last 7 games when playing Chi Cubs
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs

7:10 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CLEVELAND
Minnesota is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games
Cleveland is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Cleveland's last 6 games

7:35 PM
MILWAUKEE vs. ATLANTA
Milwaukee is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Milwaukee is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Milwaukee

8:10 PM
OAKLAND vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Oakland's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Oakland's last 15 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi White Sox's last 5 games when playing Oakland
Chi White Sox are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games when playing Oakland

8:15 PM
TORONTO vs. KANSAS CITY
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Toronto's last 8 games when playing Kansas City
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 6 games when playing on the road against Kansas City
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Kansas City's last 7 games at home
Kansas City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games at home

8:15 PM
PITTSBURGH vs. ST. LOUIS
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
St. Louis is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis's last 7 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh

9:40 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. ARIZONA
Philadelphia is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games when playing Arizona
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia's last 9 games when playing Arizona
Arizona is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Arizona is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing Philadelphia

10:10 PM
COLORADO vs. LA DODGERS
The total has gone UNDER in 18 of Colorado's last 25 games when playing LA Dodgers
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games

10:10 PM
HOUSTON vs. SEATTLE
Houston is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Houston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing Houston
Seattle is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games

10:10 PM
DETROIT vs. SAN DIEGO
Detroit is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Detroit is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Diego's last 5 games
San Diego is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

10:15 PM
NY METS vs. SAN FRANCISCO
NY Mets are 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Mets's last 5 games on the road
San Francisco is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing NY Mets
San Francisco is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Friday, June 23


Detroit @ San Diego

Game 929-930
June 23, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Detroit
(Fulmer) 15.718
San Diego
(Perdomo) 12.682
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 3
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
-130
7 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
(-130); Over

Houston @ Seattle

Game 927-928
June 23, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Houston
(Musgrve) 15.241
Seattle
(Hrnandez) 17.306
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Seattle
-115
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(-115); Over

Toronto @ Kansas City

Game 925-926
June 23, 2017 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Toronto
(Happ) 15.873
Kansas City
(Junis) 14.490
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Toronto
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Toronto
-130
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Toronto
(-130); Under

Oakland @ Chicago White Sox

Game 923-924
June 23, 2017 @ 8:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Oakland
(Cotton) 16.932
Chicago White Sox
(Pelfrey) 13.566
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 3 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago White Sox
-120
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
(+100); Under

Minnesota @ Cleveland

Game 921-922
June 23, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Mejia) 12.968
Cleveland
(Bauer) 17.110
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 4
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
-185
10
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
(-185); Over

LA Angels @ Boston

Game 919-920
June 23, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Angels
(Meyer) 17.722
Boston
(Porcello) 16.241
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Angels
by 1 1/2
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-165
10 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
LA Angels
(+145); Under

Baltimore @ Tampa Bay

Game 917-918
June 23, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Baltimore
(Jimenez) 13.586
Tampa Bay
(Archer) 15.376
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Tampa Bay
-200
9
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(-200); Over

Texas @ NY Yankees

Game 915-916
June 23, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Darvish) 15.736
NY Yankees
(Tanaka) 17.307
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Yankees
-115
10
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(-115); Over

NY Mets @ San Francisco

Game 913-914
June 23, 2017 @ 10:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Mets
(Lugo) 14.625
San Francisco
(Blach) 12.411
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Mets
by 2
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
San Francisco
-115
8
Dunkel Pick:
NY Mets
(-105); Under

Colorado @ LA Dodgers

Game 911-912
June 23, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Freeland) 14.730
LA Dodgers
(Wood) 16.726
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
-200
8
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
(-200); Over

Philadelphia @ Arizona

Game 909-910
June 23, 2017 @ 9:40 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Leiter) 15.742
Arizona
(Corbin) 14.669
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Philadelphia
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
N/A

Pittsburgh @ St. Louis

Game 907-908
June 23, 2017 @ 8:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Pittsburgh
(Taillon) 12.839
St. Louis
(Wnwrght) 15.082
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
St. Louis
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
St. Louis
(-115); Under

Milwaukee @ Atlanta

Game 905-906
June 23, 2017 @ 7:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Milwaukee
(Nelson) 16.229
Atlanta
(Fltynwcz) 13.456
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Milwaukee
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Atlanta
-110
9
Dunkel Pick:
Milwaukee
(-110); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Miami

Game 903-904
June 23, 2017 @ 7:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Lackey) 16.927
Miami
(Urena) 13.572
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-125
9
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-125); Under

Cincinnati @ Washington

Game 901-902
June 23, 2017 @ 7:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cincinnati
(Castillo) 13.441
Washington
(Strasburg) 15.681
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
-255
9
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-255); Over

[StarDust Bum]

Pro Baseball Trend Report

CINCINNATI (30 - 41) at WASHINGTON (43 - 29) - 7:05 PM
LUIS CASTILLO (R) vs. STEPHEN STRASBURG (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 30-11 (+15.4 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
WASHINGTON is 9-14 (-13.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
LUIS CASTILLO vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
No recent starts.
STEPHEN STRASBURG vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
STRASBURG is 2-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 4.35 and a WHIP of 1.323.
His team's record is 2-4 (-3.8 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.9 units)

CHICAGO CUBS (37 - 35) at MIAMI (32 - 39) - 7:10 PM
JOHN LACKEY (R) vs. JOSE URENA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 37-35 (-14.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 412-441 (-93.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
CHICAGO CUBS are 26-29 (-17.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 30-33 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 795-756 (-159.6 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
LACKEY is 12-15 (-13.2 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
MIAMI is 36-46 (-19.8 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.
MIAMI is 83-102 (-26.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 3-1 (+1.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.9 Units)
JOHN LACKEY vs. MIAMI since 1997
LACKEY is 1-2 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 5.01 and a WHIP of 1.330.
His team's record is 3-2 (-0.6 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-4. (-3.5 units)
JOSE URENA vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
URENA is 1-1 when starting against CHICAGO CUBS with an ERA of 4.91 and a WHIP of 1.182.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

MILWAUKEE (40 - 35) at ATLANTA (34 - 38) - 7:35 PM
JIMMY NELSON (R) vs. MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 102-131 (+5.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 18-10 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 82-96 (+11.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 49-52 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 45-60 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 40-35 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 54-50 (+9.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
MILWAUKEE is 19-13 (+12.3 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 27-21 (+11.5 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MILWAUKEE is 32-26 (+11.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
ATLANTA is 33-54 (-19.4 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 2-1 (+1.2 Units) against MILWAUKEE this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)
JIMMY NELSON vs. ATLANTA since 1997
NELSON is 0-2 when starting against ATLANTA with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.740.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 2-1. (+0.9 units)
MIKE FOLTYNEWICZ vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
FOLTYNEWICZ is 1-1 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 1.40 and a WHIP of 0.827.
His team's record is 1-2 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-3. (-3.3 units)

PITTSBURGH (33 - 40) at ST LOUIS (33 - 38) - 8:15 PM
JAMESON TAILLON (R) vs. ADAM WAINWRIGHT (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PITTSBURGH is 77-101 (-37.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
PITTSBURGH is 18-30 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
PITTSBURGH is 83-103 (-31.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WAINWRIGHT is 177-103 (+37.9 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WAINWRIGHT is 86-43 (+28.5 Units) against the money line after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
ST LOUIS is 33-38 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 56-61 (-29.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 13-19 (-11.5 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
ST LOUIS is 79-79 (-16.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 45-43 (-16.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ST LOUIS is 3-0 (+3.0 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
3 of 3 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.0 Units)
JAMESON TAILLON vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
TAILLON is 0-0 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 3.60 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 1-0 (+1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
ADAM WAINWRIGHT vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
WAINWRIGHT is 15-7 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 3.82 and a WHIP of 1.283.
His team's record is 20-10 (+4.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 18-8. (+9.9 units)

PHILADELPHIA (23 - 48) at ARIZONA (46 - 27) - 9:40 PM
MARK LEITER JR (R) vs. PAT CORBIN (L)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
ARIZONA is 3-0 (+3.2 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
1 of 2 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=-0.2 Units, Under=-0.1 Units)
MARK LEITER JR vs. ARIZONA since 1997
No recent starts.
PAT CORBIN vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
CORBIN is 2-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 5.61 and a WHIP of 1.189.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.3 units)

COLORADO (47 - 28) at LA DODGERS (48 - 26) - 10:10 PM
KYLE FREELAND (L) vs. ALEX WOOD (L)
Top Trends for this game.
LA DODGERS are 25-5 (+18.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 47-28 (+21.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 11-4 (+7.9 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
COLORADO is 21-18 (+13.5 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 25-13 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 11-4 (+7.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 this season.
COLORADO is 25-13 (+13.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 14-8 (+9.5 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 20-11 (+12.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
LA DODGERS are 59-49 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 99-78 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
LA DODGERS are 34-36 (-12.8 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
WOOD is 39-48 (-20.3 Units) against the money line in all games since 1997. (Team's Record)
WOOD is 4-14 (-15.1 Units) against the money line after 3 or more consecutive wins since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 5-4 (+3.0 Units) against LA DODGERS this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.6 Units)
KYLE FREELAND vs. LA DODGERS since 1997
FREELAND is 1-0 when starting against LA DODGERS with an ERA of 1.80 and a WHIP of 1.400.
His team's record is 2-0 (+2.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-2. (-2.2 units)
ALEX WOOD vs. COLORADO since 1997
WOOD is 3-2 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 5.59 and a WHIP of 1.297.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-3. (+0.9 units)

NY METS (31 - 41) at SAN FRANCISCO (27 - 48) - 10:15 PM
SETH LUGO (R) vs. TY BLACH (L)
Top Trends for this game.
NY METS are 31-41 (-17.9 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 83-86 (-22.9 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 17-24 (-11.2 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
NY METS are 57-54 (-21.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
NY METS are 26-15 (+12.6 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 27-48 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 34-42 (-18.1 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 5-15 (-12.2 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 75-86 (-24.8 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 17-31 (-17.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 2-12 (-10.9 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-17 (-13.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against SAN FRANCISCO this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)
SETH LUGO vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
LUGO is 0-1 when starting against SAN FRANCISCO with an ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.199.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.1 units)
TY BLACH vs. NY METS since 1997
No recent starts.

TEXAS (36 - 36) at NY YANKEES (39 - 31) - 7:05 PM
YU DARVISH (R) vs. MASAHIRO TANAKA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 71-44 (+17.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
NY YANKEES are 53-29 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 131-106 (+28.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 103-96 (+36.5 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 30-16 (+17.5 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 38-27 (+15.9 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 95-74 (+23.7 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 100-79 (+22.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 76-54 (+22.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 51-40 (+18.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
YU DARVISH vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
DARVISH is 3-1 when starting against NY YANKEES with an ERA of 2.01 and a WHIP of 1.149.
His team's record is 3-2 (+0.6 units) in these starts. The OVER is 0-5. (-5.2 units)
MASAHIRO TANAKA vs. TEXAS since 1997
TANAKA is 0-1 when starting against TEXAS with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.750.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.7 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.1 units)

BALTIMORE (35 - 37) at TAMPA BAY (39 - 36) - 7:10 PM
UBALDO JIMENEZ (R) vs. CHRIS ARCHER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
JIMENEZ is 30-56 (-25.8 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 30-20 (+10.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
BALTIMORE is 124-111 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 61-53 (+12.9 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 90-75 (+13.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
JIMENEZ is 34-18 (+15.0 Units) against the money line in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 17-9 (+10.3 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
JIMENEZ is 32-19 (+14.2 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
TAMPA BAY is 107-130 (-28.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 66-85 (-23.3 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
ARCHER is 19-29 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 9-15 (-10.0 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARCHER is 6-17 (-12.8 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 2-1 (+0.6 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.9 Units)
UBALDO JIMENEZ vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
JIMENEZ is 5-2 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 3.47 and a WHIP of 1.193.
His team's record is 7-2 (+5.9 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-5. (-2.5 units)
CHRIS ARCHER vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ARCHER is 3-6 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 4.79 and a WHIP of 1.390.
His team's record is 5-8 (-4.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-5. (+0.2 units)

LA ANGELS (38 - 38) at BOSTON (40 - 32) - 7:10 PM
ALEX MEYER (R) vs. RICK PORCELLO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 11-26 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
LA ANGELS are 525-499 (+43.2 Units) against the money line in road games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 98-69 (+37.6 Units) against the money line in road games in June games since 1997.
BOSTON is 21-25 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
ALEX MEYER vs. BOSTON since 1997
No recent starts.
RICK PORCELLO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
PORCELLO is 5-6 when starting against LA ANGELS with an ERA of 6.26 and a WHIP of 1.455.
His team's record is 7-7 (-0.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 9-5. (+3.7 units)

MINNESOTA (36 - 34) at CLEVELAND (39 - 32) - 7:10 PM
ADALBERTO MEJIA (L) vs. TREVOR BAUER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 95-137 (-27.6 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-69 (-19.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CLEVELAND is 34-14 (+16.5 Units) against the money line in June games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 20-9 (+14.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
MINNESOTA is 23-14 (+9.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
MINNESOTA is 15-6 (+11.3 Units) against the money line in road games against right-handed starters this season.
MINNESOTA is 9-2 (+8.2 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss this season.
CLEVELAND is 2-6 (-10.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -175 to -250 this season.
CLEVELAND is 15-17 (-13.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
CLEVELAND is 21-24 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
CLEVELAND is 4-9 (-11.4 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CLEVELAND is 8-2 (+5.0 Units) against MINNESOTA this season
7 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+3.8 Units)
ADALBERTO MEJIA vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
MEJIA is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 3.85 and a WHIP of 1.713.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)
TREVOR BAUER vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
BAUER is 4-5 when starting against MINNESOTA with an ERA of 4.84 and a WHIP of 1.219.
His team's record is 6-8 (-5.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 7-6. (+0.3 units)

OAKLAND (31 - 42) at CHI WHITE SOX (32 - 39) - 8:10 PM
JHAREL COTTON (R) vs. MIKE PELFREY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
OAKLAND is 168-229 (-53.1 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 5-16 (-11.2 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
OAKLAND is 9-25 (-14.4 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
OAKLAND is 21-41 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 50-85 (-29.7 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 66-93 (-29.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
PELFREY is 13-4 (+10.1 Units) against the money line in home games in June games since 1997. (Team's Record)
OAKLAND is 136-119 (+35.4 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 10 to 10.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
JHAREL COTTON vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
No recent starts.
MIKE PELFREY vs. OAKLAND since 1997
PELFREY is 0-4 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 7.96 and a WHIP of 1.917.
His team's record is 0-4 (-4.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 3-1. (+2.0 units)

TORONTO (35 - 37) at KANSAS CITY (35 - 36) - 8:15 PM
J.A. HAPP (L) vs. JAKE JUNIS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TORONTO is 75-75 (-22.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 4-10 (-10.5 Units) against the money line after allowing 10 runs or more over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 46-47 (-19.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 116-117 (+5.5 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 69-47 (+21.5 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 66-51 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 13-6 (+9.4 Units) against the money line in June games this season.
KANSAS CITY is 91-62 (+19.2 Units) against the money line in home games in night games over the last 3 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 62-54 (+12.1 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
KANSAS CITY is 270-388 (-109.2 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
J.A. HAPP vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
HAPP is 2-2 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 5.96 and a WHIP of 1.367.
His team's record is 2-2 (-0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 2-2. (-0.2 units)
JAKE JUNIS vs. TORONTO since 1997
No recent starts.

HOUSTON (50 - 24) at SEATTLE (38 - 37) - 10:10 PM
JOE MUSGROVE (R) vs. FELIX HERNANDEZ (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 89-69 (+14.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HERNANDEZ is 31-14 (+16.2 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997. (Team's Record)
HOUSTON is 50-24 (+17.6 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
HOUSTON is 16-4 (+12.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 27-8 (+18.0 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
HOUSTON is 26-10 (+11.7 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
HOUSTON is 36-18 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
HOUSTON is 40-15 (+20.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
HOUSTON is 34-16 (+13.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
HOUSTON is 12-3 (+8.8 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
SEATTLE is 615-562 (-90.6 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 47-54 (-22.7 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
HOUSTON is 5-2 (+2.6 Units) against SEATTLE this season
4 of 7 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+0.6 Units)
JOE MUSGROVE vs. SEATTLE since 1997
MUSGROVE is 1-0 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.36 and a WHIP of 1.549.
His team's record is 1-1 (-0.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.2 units)
FELIX HERNANDEZ vs. HOUSTON since 1997
HERNANDEZ is 3-6 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 4.25 and a WHIP of 1.517.
His team's record is 4-7 (-6.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-6. (-2.6 units)

DETROIT (32 - 40) at SAN DIEGO (29 - 44) - 10:10 PM
MICHAEL FULMER (R) vs. DINELSON LAMET (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN DIEGO is 21-16 (+13.5 Units) against the money line when playing on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
SAN DIEGO is 72-87 (+8.5 Units) against the money line in night games over the last 2 seasons.
FULMER is 26-13 (+12.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
There were no past matchups in this series during this time period.
MICHAEL FULMER vs. SAN DIEGO since 1997
No recent starts.
DINELSON LAMET vs. DETROIT since 1997
No recent starts.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday's Diamond Notes
June 23, 2017

Hottest team: Indians (8-1 last nine) vs. Twins

Cleveland finished off a terrific 7-1 road swing after sweeping Minnesota and grabbing three of four from Baltimore. The Indians’ offense is heating up by eclipsing the five-run mark in each of the past nine contests, while plating 28 runs the last four nights at Camden Yards. Following a slow start to the season, the defending American League champions are back in first place as they begin the weekend owning a 2 ½-game edge over Minnesota.

The Twins invade Progressive Field trying to avenge the four-game sweep to Cleveland last weekend. Trevor Bauer takes the mound in the series opener for the Tribe, as the right-hander owns a perfect 3-0 record against the Twins this season, while striking out 22 batters in 19.1 innings of work.

Coldest team: Tigers (2-8 last 10) vs. Padres

Detroit began last weekend with a pair of solid victories over Tampa Bay, including dropping 13 runs in last Friday’s blowout. The Tigers lost the final two games of their series with the Rays and scored only three runs in those defeats. Detroit traveled out to the Pacific Northwest and were smoked in a four-game set by Seattle to lose the final six meetings with the Mariners.

The Tigers sit in last place of the AL Central heading into the weekend as Detroit heads to San Diego to face the Padres. Detroit owns a 1-3 record in four interleague games this season (all against Arizona), while dropping four of its last five road series openers. Michael Fulmer has struggled recently for Detroit by allowing 16 earned runs in his past five starts, while the Tigers have limped to a 1-4 record in this stretch.

Hottest pitcher: Jimmy Nelson, Brewers (5-3, 3.28 ERA)

Milwaukee reached the 40-win mark with Thursday’s 4-2 victory over Pittsburgh to grab a split of its four-game set. Nelson looks to keep up that momentum in Atlanta in the series opener as the right-hander is fresh off a complete game, six-hitter in a 2-1 triumph over San Diego last Sunday. In three of his last five starts, Nelson has struck out at least 10 batters, but his second-worst start of the season came against the Braves in late April as he allowed 11 hits and five earned runs in five innings of an 11-3 loss.

Coldest pitcher: Rick Porcello, Red Sox (3-9, 5.05 ERA)

Last season, Porcello captured the American League Cy Young Award by compiling a 22-4 record and 3.15 ERA. This season has gone the opposite direction as the right-hander owns the highest ERA of his career, while giving up 20 hits and 12 earned runs in his past two outings. However, Porcello hasn’t been helped out by his offense as the Red Sox have scored two runs or less in four of his previous five trips to the mound. The Red Sox host the Angels as Boston owns a 2-5 record in his last seven starts at Fenway Park, while allowing at least nine hits in each of his past four home outings.

Biggest OVER run: Reds (9-2-1 last 12)

It’s fair to say the wheels have fallen off the wagon in Cincinnati as the Reds have dropped 11 of their last 12 games. In this stretch, the OVER has hit nine times, while the Reds have allowed at least five runs nine times. The offense has been one of the reasons for the recent struggles by plating three runs or fewer seven times, while the OVER is 7-1-1 in the past nine road contests. Cincinnati travels to Washington as is riding an 8-2 OVER stretch the last 10 games.

Biggest UNDER run: Padres (4-0 last four)

Granted, it’s only four games, but San Diego’s offense has dried up during this stretch. Putting it into perspective, the Padres posted seven runs in an extra innings victory last Saturday, but have scored only six runs total in the past four contests. The Padres return home after capturing the finale against the Cubs on Wednesday as San Diego battles Detroit for an interleague matchup. San Diego has won nine of 12 home series openers this season, while scoring at least five runs in all nine victories.

Matchup to watch: Rockies vs. Dodgers

The three-horse race in the NL West continues to heat up as Colorado was tripped up in the final two games of its home set with Arizona. In fact, the Rockies allowed 26 runs in a pair of losses to the Diamondbacks to drop out of first place in the division. The Dodgers took advantage of Colorado’s recent misfortune by sweeping a four-game set from the Mets at Chavez Ravine to improve to 13-1 in the last 14 games.

Southpaw Alex Wood looks to stay unbeaten on the season for the Dodgers as he owns a 7-0 record to go along with a 1.90 ERA. Wood shut down the Rockies the last time he faced them at Coors Field on May 13 by tossing six scoreless innings and striking out 10 in a 4-0 victory. The Dodgers are perfect at home this season when Wood starts by compiling a 5-0 record, while Los Angeles has won eight straight at Dodger Stadium overall.

The Rockies look to snap this two-game skid with left-hander Kyle Freeland taking the mound. Freeland has picked up eight victories in his rookie season for Colorado, while the Rockies have put together a solid 6-1 mark in his seven road starts. Freeland’s first Major League start came against the Dodgers at Coors Field on April 7 as the Rockies won as a home underdog, 2-1, while the southpaw scattered four hits and one earned run in six innings.

Colorado has captured five of nine meetings from Los Angeles this season, although seven matchups have taken place in Denver. The two division rivals split a pair of games in L.A. back in April as Freeland beat the Dodgers for a second time, 4-3 as a +155 underdog.

Betcha didn’t know: The Athletics are buried in the basement of the AL West, as Oakland heads to Chicago to face the White Sox. Oakland has compiled a dreadful 2-9 record in road series openers, but one of those victories came with right-hander Jharel Cotton on the mound, who gets the start on Friday night. The Sox have won three straight home series openers with those triumphs coming over Boston, Baltimore, and Detroit.

Biggest public favorite: Nationals (-255) vs. Reds

Biggest public underdog: Pirates (+105) at Cardinals

Biggest line move: Red Sox (-150 to -165) vs. Angels

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Friday
June 23, 2017

TOP SU TREND

-- The Phillies are 0-14 since May 02, 2016 on the road coming off a game as a dog in which they allowed 6 or fewer hits.

TOP OU TREND

-- The Reds are 15-0 OU (4.80 ppg) since Apr 15, 2016 as a 170+ dog after they used 5+ pitchers last game.

TOP STARTER TREND

-- The Diamondbacks are 9-0 OU (3.78 ppg) since Jul 02, 2013 when Patrick Corbin starts after they won as an away dog in his last start.

TOP CHOICE TREND

-- The Mariners are 10-0 since Apr 17, 2017 as a home favorite coming off a home game in which they scored 6+ runs.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Darvish-Tanaka for first time in US; Felix back
June 22, 2017

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


DARVISH VS. TANAKA

The last meeting between Yu Darvish (6-5, 3.35 ERA) and Masahiro Tanaka (5-7, 6.34) was six years ago and nearly 7,000 miles away from Yankee Stadium. The Japanese pitchers will start opposite each other for the first time in the majors when the Rangers play a series opener in New York. ''I think it's something hopefully that Japanese baseball fans are looking forward to,'' Tanaka said through an interpreter. In four head-to-head matchups in Japan, Darvish was 2-1 with a 1.36 ERA and Tanaka 1-3 with a 2.90 ERA. The last was July 20, 2011, the year before Darvish went to Texas. Both threw complete games, with Darvish's team winning 3-1. ''I remember he threw it away on a pickoff at first,'' Darvish said through his interpreter.

KING OF THE NORTHWEST

Felix Hernandez will rejoin the Mariners rotation as they open a three-game series against the Houston Astros. Hernandez hasn't pitched since April 26 because of inflammation in his right shoulder. The rehab took a little longer than expected, but Hernandez was excellent in his final start with Triple-A Tacoma, throwing six shutout innings and striking out eight. Returning against Houston is a tough task. Hernandez has lost his last three starts against the Astros.

TRADING PLACES

Last season, Boston's Rick Porcello won the AL Cy Young Award, and the Angels' Alex Meyer posted a 5.68 ERA while getting traded and shuttling back and forth from the minors. But that was last year. Porcello (3-9, 5.05) has struggled to replicate that form, losing his last four decisions, while the 6-foot-9 Meyer (3-3, 3.53) has a 1.19 ERA in four June starts. The pair square off in the opener of a three-game series at Fenway Park.

MISS YA!

While the Red Sox are struggling to get production at third base, former Boston infielder Travis Shaw is having a breakout season with the NL Central-leading Brewers. Milwaukee acquired Shaw in December from the Sox in a package for reliever Tyler Thornburg, who is going to miss the entire season following surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. Shaw is batting .298 with 14 homers and 51 RBIs for Milwaukee, which opens a series against Atlanta.

SOUTHPAW SHOWDOWN

A pair of promising left-handers will start as the Rockies and Dodgers open a big three-game series in Los Angeles. Alex Wood (7-0, 1.90 ERA) has allowed just four runs over his past six starts for the Dodgers, including one over eight innings against Cincinnati last time out. Kyle Freeland (8-4, 3.42) is 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA in two career starts against L.A.

LEITER SIDE

Mark Leiter Jr. (0-0, 4.74) was in the Phillies clubhouse Thursday and is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to make his first big league start against Arizona. The 26-year-old right-hander, who made 12 relief appearances earlier this season, is the son of former big league pitcher Mark Leiter and nephew of former pitcher Al Leiter.