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[StarDust Bum]

Truth-telling Montero will get another chance
June 30, 2017

Miguel Montero, former Cubs backup catcher, spoke the truth Tuesday after the Washington Nationals stole seven bases on him and Chicago right-hander Jake Arrieta.

Montero told reporters the blame didn't rest solely with him, but also with the right-hander's slow delivery to the plate. Then, on Wednesday, the 12-year veteran and two-time All-Star was shown the door, designated for assignment, for stating the facts in public.

How ironic that this happened in Washington, where it seems the politicians and media are constantly debating what the truth really is.

Montero has been entirely substandard at throwing out would-be base-stealers in his three seasons with the Cubs, nailing about 14 percent. He has been especially dismal this season: He has started 28 games (nine with Arrieta) and has thrown out only 1 of 32.

But Arrieta is bad, too: In three seasons with the Cubs, runners have stolen bases with an 85 percent success rate against him.

Teammates aren't supposed to call each other out.

After the Tuesday game, Montero was asked about the seven Nationals steals and said, "It really sucked because the stolen bases go to me. And, when you really look at it, the pitcher doesn't give me any time. So, it's like, 'Yeah, OK, Miggy can't throw nobody out.' But my pitcher doesn't hold anybody on."

On Wednesday, Arrieta said, "There's a lot of honesty there. I didn't do him any favors."

It didn't matter at that point. Cubs president Theo Epstein had convened general manager Jed Hoyer and manager Joe Maddon, and they decided it was time to move on.

"We felt like the things that he said were sort of against what we're trying to accomplish right now," Hoyer said. "We wouldn't have made this decision were it not for those comments."

Maybe it was time for this union to end, even though Montero was part of the 2016 World Series champions and a solid offensive contributor when in the lineup this season.

In a radio interview on Wednesday morning, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said, "When you start pointing fingers, that just labels you as a selfish player. ... We have another catcher that throws out everybody."

First-stringer Wilson Contreras throws out 34 percent (he has caught Arrieta in seven starts).

Fine. So Montero gets the "bad teammate" label for the moment. And the facts say he still is poor at controlling the running game.

But please don't think you've seen the last of him. He will play again, soon -- and likely for a contender. That's because his bat will win games, and much is forgiven for those who know how to win.

Montero hit .286 with an .805 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in 112 plate appearances this season. Few teams have a backup catcher with numbers like that.

Almost certainly no one will claim him off waivers and take on a portion of the $14 million he is earning this season. But once he is past the waiver system -- and the Cubs are on the hook for most of his salary -- some team will grab him up.

Houston backup catcher Evan Gattis has a .751 OPS. Washington backup catcher Jose Lobaton has a .448 OPS. Cleveland backup catcher Roberto Perez has a .527 OPS.

So, if you want to understand something about baseball, keep an eye on Montero.

Still, there is something else here. If Montero hadn't spoken his truth in public, he likely would still be with the Cubs. There is a pecking order in baseball clubhouses. A backup catcher isn't supposed to critique a starting pitcher, apparently even if he is a longtime veteran who has been an All-Star. He crossed that line and doesn't get to play for the Cubs anymore.

But he is still a good player. And it takes a transgression far worse than that to keep a productive player out of the game.

Montero, despite his shortcomings, spoke a truth that even Arrieta called "honesty." Slowing an opponents' running game is on both the pitcher and the catcher.

Now we watch and see what happens to Montero. Maybe he ends up on another World Series champion. Maybe speaking the truth will come with some measure of justice.

[StarDust Bum]

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

SF at PIT 07:05 PM

SF +110

U 8.5

TB at BAL 07:05 PM

TB -125

BOS at TOR 07:07 PM

TOR -135

O 10.0

CLE at DET 07:10 PM

U 10.0

PHI at NYM 07:10 PM

PHI +215

U 8.5

CHC at CIN 07:10 PM

O 9.0

NYY at HOU 08:10 PM

NYY +155

O 7.5

MIA at MIL 08:10 PM

U 9.5

TEX at CHW 08:10 PM

U 9.5

MIN at KC 08:15 PM

MIN +105

U 8.5

WAS at STL 08:15 PM

WAS +105

COL at ARI 09:40 PM

COL +125

ATL at OAK 10:05 PM

ATL +140

U 8.5

SEA at LAA 10:07 PM

U 9.0

LAD at SD 10:10 PM

SD +175

U 7.5

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s six-pack

— Steph Curry re-signs with Golden State for five years, $201M. Staggering.

— Paul George was traded to Oklahoma City Friday nite, for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. Western Conference keeps getting stronger. Thunder drop from 80-1 to 40-1 to win the ’18 NBA title.

— Tony Snell re-signs with the Bucks; four years, $46M.

— Minnesota traded Ricky Rubio to Utah for a 2018 #1 draft pick.

— Astros are 54-27; in 2013, they were 51-111.

— Over/under on the number of hot dogs eaten by the winner of the Nathan’s Hot Dot Eating contest on Tuesday is 68.5. Yes, people wager on this stuff.

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

Saturday’s List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here…….

13) Late Thursday night, White Sox led New York 4-3 in top of 7th. NY had two outs, bases empty and Aaron Judge was up, with Didi Gregorius up next.

Chicago manager Rich Renteria walked Judge intentionally, even though the bases were empty and Gregorius was the go-ahead run. Gregorius grounded out on the first pitch.

This was the third time this season a batter was walked intentionally with the bases empty; Andrew McCutchen and Anthony Rizzo were other two, NL players, so I’m guessing those were extra inning games with the pitcher up next and no extra hitters left on the bench.

12) Joe West was umpiring first base in Milwaukee last night; bottom 4th, 0-0 game, and a ball that seemed to be thrown from the upper deck drilled West in the back of the head. West pulled the Marlins off the field, the game was delayed for about 10 minutes. Don’t think the culprit was identified.

11) Apparently David Price got into a verbal altercation with NESN TV analyst Dennis Eckersley on the Red Sox’ flight from Boston to Toronto Thursday night. No one is saying much right now, but this would be the second time this year Price has had a problem with a media member.

If you’ve got thin skin with the media, playing in Boston isn’t a good place for you.

10) Bartolo Colon was DFA’d by the Braves this week; his big league carer started the same day Turner Field opened in Atlanta, so he actually lasted longer in the majors than a stadium did.

There is a chance some team (the Mets?) will still give Colon one more chance to pitch in the big leagues, but it also could be the end of a stellar career.

I’ll never forget the night Colon won a game for the A’s in Anaheim; at one point, he threw 38 consecutive strikes, just changed speeds all the time, with tremendous location. He has been great fun to watch.

9) Steph Curry is a 2-handicap in golf; he got a sponsor’s exemption to play in a web.com event this weekend in Nashville, a spot that an aspiring pro could’ve used. Lot of the pros were not amused by this.

8) Random observation and not a complaint: You know what never happens anymore? At the end of an inning, no one ever rolls the ball back to the mound- they toss the ball in the stands instead. Back in the day, catchers just rolled the ball back to the mound after a strikeout that ended an inning.

7) Is it tough being a comedian? A guy like Will Ferrell, Bill Murray, when they’re out in public, I’m guessing people approach them a lot, then expect them to be funny, but they’re people just like us and have cruddy days sometimes. Can’t always be easy.

6) Klay Thompson signed a 10-year, $80M deal with Chinese brand Anta to wear their sneakers and apparel. Thompson’s brother Trayce got called up again by the Dodgers this week.

5) Sign of the times; Rhode Island changed its foreign tour plans from a London/Paris trip to a trip to the Bahamas from August 7-13.

4) Brewers’ utility guy Nick Franklin got thrown out of a game he wasn’t playing in in the first inning the other night; the next day, Milwaukee TV guys casually mentioned that manager Craig Counsell wasn’t happy with the ejection, since it left the Brewers’ bench short for the rest of the game.

Shortly after that, Franklin was DFA’d; Friday, he got traded to the Angels.

3) Phillies’ OF prospect Nick Williams made him MLB debut last night; he is from Galveston, TX and was a WR on his HS football team, but he wasn’t the #1 WR. Mike Evans was the #1 WR- he is one of the better WR’s in the NFL now, with the Buccaneers.

2) Whoever decided the All-Star break should be four days instead of three deserves a raise; players are getting tired now, you can see it. Giving them a 4-day break is a solid idea.

1) Westgate Casino in Las Vegas now has a food court in the sportsbook, which I’m looking forward to visiting next month. There is no better place in Las Vegas to watch games/eat than the Westgate. #2, in my mind, is the South Point Casino.

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday’s games
National League

Giants @ Pirates
Moore is 1-2, 8.85 in his last four starts; over is 5-2-1 in his last eight. Giants are 2-7 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 2-12-2

Kuhl is t1-1, 5.40 in his last three starts; over is 5-1 in his last six starts. Pirates are 3-5 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-7-2

Giants won their last four games, are 3-10 in last 13 road games; over is 6-3-1 in their last ten road games. Pirates are 3-5 in last eight home games; five of their last six home games stayed under the total.

Phillies @ Mets
Hellickson is 0-4, 6.18 in his last seven starts (under 9-4-3); Phillies are 4-4 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-9-1

Wheeler allowed 15 runs in 3.2 IP in his last two starts; over is 5-2 in his last seven. Mets are 2-5 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-6

Phillies are 3-11 in last 14 road games; under is 5-2-1 in their last eight games. Mets won six of last seven games; under is 4-1-1 in their last six games.

Cubs @ Reds
Butler is 2-1, 3.20 in his last five starts (under 5-3-1). Cubs are 3-1 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-3

Stephens is making his MLB debut; he is 4-4, 4.97 in 14 AAA starts this year.

Chicago lost five of last seven games; under is 7-1 in their last eight games. Reds lost 15 of last 20 games; over is 4-2 in their last six home games.

Marlins @ Brewers
Koehler is making his first start since May 16; he is 0-1, 9.35 in his last four starts. Miami is 2-2 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-4

Davies is 3-1, 4.82 in his last five starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Milwaukee is 4-4 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-6-3

Miami lost five of last six road games; under is 5-0-1 in their last six games. Milwaukee won its last three home games; under is 7-2 in their last nine games.

Nationals @ Cardinals
Gonzalez is 4-1, 2.82 in his last six starts; over is 6-2 in his road starts. Washington is 6-2 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 11-3-2

Wacha is 2-0, 5.40 in his last four starts; over is 10-1 in his last 11. St Louis is 4-5 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-6-2

Washington lost four of last five road games; over is 5-3 in their last eight road games. St Louis won five of last six games; over is 8-3 in their last 11 games.

Rockies @ Diamondbacks
Chatwood is 2-1, 2.73 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Colorado is 4-4 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-8-1

Greinke is 3-1, 4.50 in his last five starts; under is 7-2-1 in his last ten. Arizona is 8-1 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 9-5-2

Colorado lost eight of its last nine games; under is 6-2-1 in their last nine road games. Arizona lost its last three home games; over is 9-5-1 in their last 15 home games.

Dodgers @ Padres
Hill is 1-2, 6.19 in his last three starts; over is 4-1 in his last five. Dodgers are 2-2 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-6

Overton allowed two runs in 3.1 IP (79 PT) in his only ’17 start, for Seattle; he is 1-3, 9.28 in 16 MLB games (6 starts). He is 1-2, 8.16 in seven AAA starts this season.

Dodgers are 14-2 in last 16 games; over is 7-2 in their last nine road games. San Diego won five of last eight games; under is 7-4 in their last 11 games.

——————————–

American League
Rays @ Orioles
Odorizzi is 1-1, 8.06 in his last five starts (over 5-0). Tampa Bay is 2-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 5-5-4

Bundy is 2-3, 6.26 in his last five starts, last four of which went over. Orioles are 5-3 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 8-6-2

Tampa Bay lost four of last six games; their last four games stayed under. Orioles won four of their last six games; their last four games stayed under.

Red Sox @ Blue Jays
Sale is 4-1, 2.78 in his last five starts (over 5-2 in his last seven). Boston is 5-3 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 8-2-6

Liriano is 1-1, 5.56 in his last four starts; over is 6-1 in his last seven. Toronto is 5-1 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-5-3

Red Sox won four of last five games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games. Toronto lost six of last eight games; under is 5-2 in their last seven games.

Indians @ Tigers
Tomlin is 1-3, 7.11 in his last five starts; under is 3-1 in his last four road starts. Cleveland is 2-4 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-9-2. Otero is making his first ’17 start; he’s thrown 31 innings in 28 relief stints this year. 248 major league games— no starts. This is basically a bullpen game for the Tribe.

Sanchez is 0-0, 3.27 in two starts this year (over 1-1). Detroit’s 1st 5-inning record with him: 1-0-1. Boyd is making his first start since May 31- he is 0-4, 7.67 in his last six starts; over is 3-1 in his last four. Detroit is 1-4 in his home starts; their 1st 5-inning record with him: 3-7-2

Cleveland won three of its last four games, is 6-7 in road series openers. Under is 8-1 in their last nine games. Detroit won three of last four games; six of their last eight games went over. Tigers are 8-4 in home series openers.

New York @ Houston
Montgomery is 4-0, 2.59 in his last five starts, last four of which went over. New York is 2-4 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-6-2

Martes is 2-0, 4.26 in three starts this year (over 3-0). Astros’ 1st 5-inning record with him: 3-0

New York is 0-5 in game following its last five wins; over is 7-4 in their last 11 games. Astros won eight of last 11 games- over is 6-2 in their last eight games.

Rangers @ White Sox
Hamels is 2-0, 4.86 in six starts this year (over 5-1). Rangers’ 1st 5-inning record with him: 5-0-1

Holland is 1-4, 9.76 in his last six starts; over is 8-3 in his last 11. Chicago is 2-4 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 7-7-1

Texas lost four of last five games; under is 12-4 in their last 16 road games. Chicago lost 8 of last 12 games; under is 6-4 in their last ten games.

Twins @ Royals
Berrios is 4-1, 3.21 in his last five starts (under 8-0-1). Minnesota is 4-1 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 6-3. Jorge is making his first MLB start; he was 8-1, 3.26 in 14 starts at AA Chattanooga this year.

Farrell is making his first MLB start; he is 7-3, 3.83 in 14 AAA starts this year. Hammel is 3-0, 2.51 in his last five starts; over is 6-3 in his last nine. Royals are 2-7 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-8-3

Minnesota lost four of last five games; under is 8-2 in their last ten games. Kansas City lost three of last five games; over is 16-6-1 in their last 23 games.

Mariners @ Angels
Gaviglio is 4-1, 4.45 in his last six starts; under is 3-0-1 in his last four. Seattle is 2-1 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 4-3-1

Nolasco is 1-7, 5.60 in his last eight starts, but he won his last start. Under is 9-4 in his last 13. Angels are 2-5 in his home starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 5-8-3

Seattle lost four of its last five games; over is 10-3-3 in their last 16 games. Angels lost four of last five games; five of last seven Angel games stayed under the total.

__________________________

Interleague

Braves @ A’s
Dickey is 2-0, 0.64 in his last two starts; under is 3-1 in his last four. Atlanta is 2-4 in his road starts- their 1st 5-inning record with him: 8-5-2

Blackburn is making his MLB debut; he was 5-6, 3.05 in 14 AAA starts this season.

Atlanta lost three of last five games; over is 6-3 in their last nine road games. Oakland lost its last five home games; over is 17-10-1 in their last 28 home games.

______________________________

Record with this pitcher starting:
National League
SF-Pitt: Moore 4-12; Kuhl 4-11
Phil-NY: Hellickson 9-7 (1-6 last 7); Wheeler 5-8
Chi-Cin: Butler 5-4; Stephens 0-0
Mia-Mil: Koehler 3-5; Davies 10-6
Wsh-StL: Gonzalez 9-7; Wacha 6-8
Col-Az: Chatwood 7-9; Greinke 11-5
LA-SD: Hill 5-5; Overton 0-0 (1-0)

American League
TB-Balt: Odorizzi 5-9; Bundy 10-6
Bos-Tor: Sale 12-4; Liriano 8-4
Clev-Det: Tomlin 5-10 Otero 0-0; Sanchez 0-2 Boyd 4-7
NY-Hst: Montgomery 7-7; Martes 3-0
Tex-Chi: Hamels 2-4; Holland 6-9
Minn-KC: Berrios 7-2 Jorge 0-0; Farrell 0-0 Hammel 4-11
Sea-LA: Gaviglio 6-2; Nolasco 4-12

Interleague
Atl-A’s: Dickey 9-6; Blackburn 0-0

Pitchers allowing a run in first inning:
National League
SF-Pitt: Moore 6-16; Kuhl 4-15
Phil-NY: Hellickson 6-16; Wheeler 6-13
Chi-Cin: Butler 3-9; Stephens 0-0
Mia-Mil: Koehler 6-8; Davies 5-16
Wsh-StL: Gonzalez 6-16; Wacha 2-14
Col-Az: Chatwood 2-16; Greinke 1-16
LA-SD: Hill 3-10; Overton 1-1

American League
TB-Balt: Odorizzi 5-14; Bundy 1-16
Bos-Tor: Sale 1-16; Liriano 5-12
Clev-Det: Tomlin 6-15 Otero 0-0; Sanchez 0-2 Boyd 3-11
NY-Hst: Montgomery 4-14; Martes 1-3
Tex-Chi: Hamels 3-6; Holland 5-15
Minn-KC: Berrios 3-9 Jorge 0-0; Farrell 0-0 Hammel 1-15
Sea-LA: Gaviglio 2-8; Nolasco 4-16

Interleague
Atl-A’s: Dickey 6-15; Blackburn 0-0

_________________________

Umpires
National League
SF-Pitt: Last seven Bellino games stayed under.
Phil-NY: Over is 8-4 in Barry games this season.
Chi-Cin: Over is 7-2 in last nine Hernandez games.
Mia-Mil: Under is 6-3 in last nine West games.
Wsh-StL: Over is 11-0-1 in lat 12 Gonzalez games.
Col-Az: Road team won four of last five Estabrook games.
LA-SD: Underdogs won four of last six Wolf games.

American League
TB-Balt: Under is 4-1-1 in last six Vanover games.
Bos-Tor: Under is 7-3-2 in last dozen Davis games.
NY-Hst: Under is 7-2 in last nine Foster games.
Tex-Chi: Four of last five Johnson games went over.
Minn-KC: Last four Baker games went over. Under is 6-2 in last eight Dreckman games.
Sea-LA: Under is 6-3 in last nine LBarrett games.

Interleague
Atl-A’s: Over is 10-1-1 in last dozen Eddings games.

Interleague play
NL @ AL– 41-26 AL, favorites -$306
AL @ NL– 40-40, favorites -$1,010
Total: 81-66 AL, favorites -$1,316

Totals in interleague games
NL @ AL: Over 42-28-2
AL @ NL: Over 43-32-2
Total: Over 85-60-4

Teams’ records in first five innings:
Team (road-home-total)- thru 6/30/17
Ariz 14-15-9……25-13–5……….38-28
Atl 17-18-4……16-21-4………..33-39
Cubs 16-23-2……18-15-5………..34-38
Reds 11-24-3……17-21–2…………28-45
Colo 26-14-5…….19-16-2……….45-30
LA 17-16-5…….28-13-3……….45-29
Miami 15-19-2…….21-16-4……..36-35
Milw 19-13-6…….19-19-6………38-32
Mets 21-16-1……..18-21-2………39-37
Philly 10-26-7……11-17-6……….21-43
Pitt 18-18-3…..15-19-7………..33-37
St. Louis 16-17-3……22-12-7……….38-29
SD 9-24-5……..20-18–4………29-42
SF 9-28-7……..17-18-4……..29-46
Wash 28-11-2……19-15-4………..47-26

Orioles 13-22-5……..17-19-3………30-41
Boston 16-20-5………18-19-2…….34-39
White Sox 14-24-6……..17-16–2……..31-39
Cleveland 20-15-4……..17-18-4……..36-33
Detroit 16-20-5…….18-15-4……..34-35
Astros 20-11-7……..25-15-3……..45-26
KC 13-19-6………18-16-7…….31-35
Angels 16-21-7………17-15-7………33-36
Twins 22-11-3………15-20-6……..37-31
NYY 18-20-3……….22-12-2…..…40-32
A’s 12-22-5……..17-15-8……..29-37
Seattle 13-21-5……..21-15-6……..34-36
TB 18-13-8……..26-10-6……..44-23
Texas 21-12-7……..17-15-7………38-27
Toronto 14-22-3……..13-19-6……..27-41

%age of times teams score in first inning (road/home/total- 6/30/17)
Ariz 12-38……..17-43……….29
Atl 8-38……..11-41…………19
Cubs 13-42……..16-38……….29
Reds 14-38……..17-41……….31
Colo 11-45……..10-37..…….21
LA 10-38……..17-43..……..27
Miami 13-36……..14-42………27
Milw 15-38……18-44…..…..33
Mets 17-37……..15-40……….32
Philly 13-44……..9-34………..22
Pitt 11-39……..14-41……….25
StL 10-37……..12-41……….22
SD 17-38……..12-40…………29
SF 9-47……..11-37………….20
Wash 15-41……..19-39………34

Orioles 5-40……..15-40……….20
Boston 12-40……..10-38………22
White Sox 14-44……10-35……….24
Clev 9-40……..13-39……….22
Detroit 8-41…….17-37………..25
Astros 12-38……..19-43………31
KC 6-38……..6-39…………12
Angels 18-45…….10-40………28
Twins 9-37……..11-42……….20
NYY 11-41……..13-37……….24
A’s 7-40……..12-41……….19
Seattle 15-39…….15-43………30
TB 11-40……..19-42………30
Texas 13-41……..18-39………31
Toronto 11-39……..9-40……….20

[StarDust Bum]

Weekend Outlook
June 30, 2017

NY Yankees (42-35) at Houston (54-26)
Scheduled rotation: Pineda (7-4) vs. McCullers (7-1), Montgomery (6-4) vs. Martes (2-0), Severino (5-3) vs. Fiers (5-3)
Series price: Astros -150, Yankees +135

This should have been a nice match-up between first-place squads, but the Yankees (-3.1 units) blew it by going 4-12 over their last 16 games. Still, it's a match-up of the top scoring teams in the American League with both averaging 5.6 runs a game. Over the last 10 games, the Yankees own a .226 batting average and their stellar bullpen is imploding with a 6.75 ERA. The Astros (+18.8 units) are batting .303 over the same span, winning eight of 10. Houston just keeps rolling along with baseball's best record and highest batting average (.284). They've gone 39-17 in their last 56 games. They took three out of four in May at Yankee Stadium, and of course they took the first game of that series. That's what Houston does. They get on opponents quickly out of the gate going 17-8 in the first games of series this season. The Yankees have shown they are a much different team on the road (18-22) and Houston hasn't shown any signs of slowing the machine down. Laying -150 looks cheap here.

Boston (44-35) at Toronto (37-41)
Scheduled rotation: Fister (0-1) vs. Estrada (4-6), Sale (10-3) vs. Liriano (4-3), Pomeranz (7-4) vs. Biagini (2-7)
Series price: Red Sox -110, Blue Jays +100

The Red Sox (-1.6) are right where they were expected to be when the season started: first-place in the A.L. East. The Blue Jays (-12.8) have been a major disappointment and sit in last place, 6.5 games behind Boston. The Jays average only 4.2 runs a game, which is the second-least in the A.L. behind the Royals (4.0). Surprisingly, this is only the second series between the division rivals this season. Boston took two of three at Toronto in April. The Jays have lost six of their last nine and because of their hitting woes, five of their last six stayed Under the total. Boston is also also on a run of staying Under five of its last six. Saturday's game features Chris Sale, who is now listed at the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook as a prohibitive 1-to-5 favorite to win the A.L. Cy Young Award. Something to think about is Sale's lack of stamina in the second half last season. After starting 14-2, the White Sox proceeded to lose 10 of his final 14 starts with most of the losses being his fault.

Chicago Cubs (40-39) at Cincinnati (33-45)
Scheduled rotation: Montgomery (1-4) vs. Feldman (6-5), Butler (4-2) vs. TBA, Arrieta (7-6) vs. Adleman (5-4)
Series price: Cubs -145, Reds +130

The Cubs have been the third-worst bet of the season at -15.2 units and its team rating at the Las Vegas sports books has been sliding weekly. It dropped even lower since Kris Bryant (8 cents) hurt his ankle and has been out the last two nights. Only the Padres have a lower batting average (.228) than the Cubs (.238). The Cubs starting rotation hasn't picked up the slack, either, coming with a chunky 4.48 ERA. But the get well tonic might be the Reds (-7.3), who they've beaten 38 of the past 51 meetings, including five of six this season. Cincinnati has the worst starting rotation (6.29 ERA) in baseball and have lost 15 of its last 19 games. The Cubs have lost 15 of their last 22 road games, but come off a split at Washington where they won the last game in dramatic fashion.

Washington (47-32) at St. Louis (37-41)
Scheduled rotation: Roark (6-5) vs. Leake (4-3), Gonzalez (7-2) vs. Wacha (4-3), Scherzer (9-5) vs. Martinez (6-6)
Series price: Nationals -110, Cardinals +100

The Cardinals (-10.6) have to come into this series feeling good about their current play winning four of their last five, which included winning a series at Arizona. The Diamondbacks hadn't lost a series at home since April. St. Louis comes fully loaded with their best arms and while they lost two of three at Washington in April, they did manage to beat Max Scherzer. Washington has won eight of the past 11 meetings, but the Cardinals have won 21 of the last 28 meetings at Busch Stadium. The key to this series will be Friday's game with Tanner Roark going for the Nats. They've lost his past four starts. The Nats have gone 17-9 in the first game of a series this season. Washington leads the National League in hitting (.278) and lead baseball in runs scored (446), but they're such big favorites nightly that their net profits are in the negative at -0.1.

Colorado (47-34) at Arizona (50-30)
Scheduled rotation: Gray (0-0) vs. Ray (8-3), Chatwood (6-8) vs. Greinke (9-4), Marquez (5-4) vs. Walker (6-3)
Series price: Diamondbacks -170, Rockies +150

The Rockies (+14.8) had been the most profitable team in baseball, but now that label goes to Arizona (+19.5) just because the Rockies have lost eight straight games. The awful run actually was started by Arizona winning the final two of a three games series at Coors Field, which allowed the Dodgers to take over first-place in the N.L. West from Colorado. The Rockies had a shot to take the lead back in their next series, but then lost three straight at Dodger Stadium. Then things got worse when they lost three at AT&T Park to the last-place Giants. Now here they are -- staggering -- playing against one of the best home teams in baseball (30-12) who have the second-best record in the league. The good news for the Rockies is that they get Jon Gray back into the rotation on Friday. He's been out since mid-April. The Rockies had won all three of his starts up to that point. The Rockies lead the season series, 5-4, but Arizona is on a run of winning 16 of its last 21 games.

LA Dodgers (53-28) at San Diego (33-46)
Scheduled rotation: Wood (8-0) vs. Richard (5-7), Hill (4-4) vs. TBA, Maeda (6-3) vs. Chacin (6-7)
Series price: Dodgers -250, Padres +220

The Dodgers (+12.9) have been on a an incredible roll winning 38 of their last 52 with an insane combination of great hitting and shutdown pitching. They lead baseball with a +1.7 run differential and their starters have the best ERA (3.43). The Padres (-5.9) aren't in last-place because the Giants are so bad, but they're last in almost every offense category beginning with runs scored (3.4 per game) and batting average (.228). The Dodgers have won five of six from the Padres this season, including both games at Petco Park. The best news here for the Padres is that they've won seven of their last nine home games and they don't have to face Clayton Kershaw.

Minnesota (40-37) at Kansas City (38-39)
Scheduled rotation: Santana (10-4) vs. Vargas (11-3), Berrios (7-2) vs. Hammel (4-6), Jorge (0-0) vs, Skoglund (1-1), Santiago (4-7) vs. Strahm (2-5)
Series price: Royals -115, Twins -105

This will be a four-game series with a day/night double-header on Saturday. The Twins (+7.0) follow-up to their sweep at Cleveland didn't go so well losing three of four at Boston. But their 24-12 road record is still quite impressive and they sit 1.5 games behind Cleveland in the A.L. Central. Kansas City (+3.6) is 3.5 games behind and showing signs offensively of being real contenders in a mediocre division. However, Minnesota has won eight of the past nine meetings. Friday's winner will tilt the scales in this series with an All-Star match-up of Ervin Santana vs. Jason Vargas. Quietly, Vargas is having his best season ever leading the A.L. in wins (11) and ERA (2.29). If thinking Cy Young, the Westgate has him at 12-to-1 odds to win as the third choice behind Sale (1/5) and Dallas Keuchel (3/1).

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MLB notebook: Yankees OF Fowler determined to return
June 30, 2017

New York Yankees rookie outfielder Dustin Fowler, who suffered an open rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee crashing into the right-field low fence and railing in the first inning of his major league debut Thursday night, is determined more than ever following surgery.

Fowler, who was called up earlier in the day from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, was injured in the first inning of the Yankees' 4-3 loss to the White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago while chasing a two-out foul ball.

Fowler told the New York Post on Friday morning that when he does make it back from his devastating injury it will be that much sweeter when he takes that first major league at-bat for the Yankees.

"This is a journey I've gone through my whole life," Fowler told the newspaper from his hospital bed. "Now I've got to work that much harder to get there. Maybe it will be a little more special this go-round."

Fowler's turn at-bat was scheduled for the top of the second inning in what would have been his first time at the plate in the majors.

The Yankees made some roster moves to address their growing list of injuries, promoting infielder Miguel Andujar and right-hander Bryan Mitchell from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

The Yankees placed Fowler on the 10-day disabled list and optioned right-hander Ronald Herrera to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

--The St. Louis Cardinals promoted John Mozeliak to president of baseball operations and elevated Michael Girsch to vice president and general manager.

Both Mozeliak and Girsch agreed to contracts that will run through the 2020 season, the team announced.

"It is as important to maintain outstanding talent in the front office as it is on the playing field," Bill DeWitt Jr., the Cardinals' principal owner and CEO, said in a statement. "Our success as an organization is built upon our continuity in leadership and today's announcement ensures we keep two of the best young talents in our game for years to come."

Mozeliak will be responsible for the entire department as president of baseball operations, while Girsch will handle the day-to-day work of the team as the general manager.

--The Washington Nationals placed shortstop Trea Turner on the 10-day disabled list with a non-displaced fracture in his right wrist.

Turner left Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs in the top of the ninth inning after being hit by a pitch from right-hander Pedro Strop in his previous plate appearance. X-rays confirmed the fracture.

The 24-year-old Turner leads the majors with 35 stolen bases and is hitting .279 with seven home runs and a .422 slugging percentage out of the leadoff position for the National League East-leading Nationals.

Washington selected the contract of infielder Adrian Sanchez from Triple-A Syracuse to fill Turner's spot on the roster and transferred left-hander Sammy Solis (elbow) to the 60-day DL.

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LEADING OFF: Wheeler returns for Mets
June 30, 2017

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

BACK AGAIN

Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler returns from the disabled list to start at Citi Field against the Phillies, who have the worst record in the majors. Wheeler is 3-5 with a 5.29 ERA after missing the past two seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He was pitching well, with a 3.45 ERA, before getting hit hard in two consecutive short starts and going on the DL retroactive to June 20 with biceps tendinitis. ''There had to be a blip someplace. You just don't go two years without throwing a baseball and come back and pitch as well as he's pitched without having some type of wear and tear flare up,'' Mets manager Terry Collins said. ''I think he tried to pitch through it. I don't think it affected velocity. I just think it affected command, certainly the command of his secondary pitches more than anything. So I think the rest has helped out. He's had two very good bullpen sessions and that's why we think he's ready.'' New York is expected to make roster room for Wheeler by putting outfielder Michael Conforto (bruised left wrist) on the DL.

DIAMONDBACKS

Not everyone can say they predicted that a Colorado Rockies-Arizona Diamondbacks series at the end of June and early July would be meaningful, but the two teams are facing each other this weekend as the top two teams in the National League wild card race.

For Arizona, trying to keep an even keel despite the success of 2017 is key.

''I feel like what we've done a really good job of all year is not looking beyond the moment. We're very well aware of the Rockies behind us in the standings, we're very well aware of the Dodgers that are ahead of us in the standings,'' Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Friday. ''I feel like if we look too far in either direction we're going to get sucker-punched right in the face. We're not going to fall into that trap.''

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY

Friday night's game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians was rained out.

The game was called shortly before the scheduled start time of 7:10 p.m. It will be made up as part of a split doubleheader in Detroit on Sept. 1.

The Tigers and Indians are also scheduled to play a doubleheader Saturday. They had a game postponed May 4 in Detroit.

Anibal Sanchez of the Tigers and Josh Tomlin of the Indians - Friday's scheduled starters - are being pushed back to the first game of Saturday's doubleheader. Detroit's Jordan Zimmermann and Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco are slated for the nightcap.

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Giants' Bumgarner has uneven outing during rehab start
June 30, 2017

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) San Francisco Giants left-hander Madison Bumgarner allowed four runs and seven hits over 3 2/3 innings and had an uneven outing during a rehab start with Triple-A Sacramento on Friday night.

The 2014 World Series MVP consistently threw his fastball in the low 90s and was mostly crisp with his off-speed pitches but frequently fell behind in the count and got hit hard early. Bumgarner threw 62 pitches, 41 for strikes.

Bumgarner also showed his intensity, coming off the mound to glare at plate umpire David Arrieta in the first inning following a close pitch that was called a ball. He responded with three straight strikes registering 92, 91 and 92 mph.

''I feel like I'm four innings through spring training,'' Bumgarner said. ''I felt pretty good today. The results obviously weren't very good but that's not what's important right now. The important thing to me is being healthy and stamina and arm strength and all that, and I feel pretty good about it.''

A four-time All-Star, Bumgarner gave up a leadoff double to Tony Kemp to start the game, hit a batter and walked the bases loaded in the first inning before escaping after allowing a sacrifice fly to Fresno's Colin Moran.

Things didn't go any smoother in the second when the Grizzlies scored three runs off Bumgarner to go up 4-0. Fresno strung together three consecutive one-out hits and Derek Fisher added an RBI double over the head of Sacramento center fielder Justin Ruggiano.

After needing only eight pitches to get through the third, Bumgarner gave up a leadoff single in the fourth then retired the next two hitters before being removed.

''That's the fourth time off the mound to hitters and each time out's been better and better,'' Bumgarner said. ''Today honestly felt pretty close to normal for me. Everything felt pretty good. The slider wasn't great. Later on in the game they got better but that was the one pitch I gotta get to be a little better before we're ready.''

Bumgarner has not pitched in the majors since suffering a sprained AC joint in his pitching shoulder and bruised ribs in a dirt bike accident during the Giants day off in Colorado on April 20. He avoided surgery and had been pitching in the Arizona Rookie League before beginning his rehab assignment with the River Cats.

Brian Sabean, the Giants executive vice president of baseball operations and former general manager, was on hand and watched from the press box as Bumgarner made his first start in Triple-A since 2010 when he was with Fresno.

The Giants have struggled without their ace. San Francisco entered the day with the second-worst record in the National League (30-51), 23 games out of first place in the West.

While anxious to return, Bumgarner isn't going to rush things. He's scheduled to pitch again in five days, possibly again with Sacramento or Class-A San Jose.

''Definitely ready to but I can't go up there throwing 65 pitches,'' Bumgarner said. ''That's not going to do us much good. I have to make sure that we're ready to go once we're finished with this thing.''

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Dodgers, Padres managers ejected after confrontation
June 30, 2017

SAN DIEGO (AP) Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and Padres manager Andy Green were ejected after a dispute in which Roberts shoved Green behind home plate.

Dodgers pitcher Alex Wood yelled at Padres baserunner Jose Pirela on second base in the bottom of the first inning Friday and gestured back at the plate, an indication he believed Pirela was giving pitch signs to a Padres hitter.

Plate umpire Greg Gibson then issued a warning to both dugouts, and the inning was completed without incident.

Before the second inning began, Roberts and Green went onto the field to confer with two umpires. The managers exchanged words from several feet away. At that point, Roberts became agitated and pointed at Green and, breaking away from Gibson, charged toward Green near the Padres dugout and pushed him as crew chief Sam Holbrook warded him off.

Then Gibson pulled Roberts away as the benches emptied. Both managers were ejected.

Roberts was then restrained by Dodgers players and coaches as he hollered from his dugout toward the Padres' dugout.

Roberts is a former Padres coach and interim manager who is in second season as Dodgers manager. Green is in his second season as San Diego's manager.

The Dodgers led 4-0 on a grand slam by Austin Barnes in the first inning.

Padres broadcaster Tony Gwynn Jr., who played for both the Dodgers and Padres, told The Associated Press he couldn't readily recall Roberts, a friend, being so angry or ever seeing a manager shove another during a game.

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Brazil's 16-year-old baseball wonder turning MLB heads
June 30, 2017

IBIUNA, Brazil (AP) A prospect with a 94 mph fastball gets a lot of attention, no matter where he is pitching - even when that prospect is a diminutive 16-year-old from a country with little baseball tradition.

Eric Pardinho's blazing fastball has brought scouts to this city 50 miles west of Sao Paulo in soccer mad Brazil. The 5-foot, 8-inch tall right-hander could get a lot more attention July 2, when Major League Baseball teams can begin signing international players. Pardinho is No. 5 on MLB.com's list of 30 world prospects to watch.

Pretty impressive for a kid who was introduced to baseball almost by accident.

''I am only here because at 6 years of age I was playing paddleball on the beach and my uncle thought my control could be good for baseball back in Bastos,'' he said.

Bastos is a small town outside of Sao Paulo with a sizeable Japanese population. The Japanese began bringing their love of baseball and sushi to Brazil in the early 1900s.

Pardinho, whose mother's parents are Japanese, started gaining attention last year when he struck out 12 in a win over the powerhouse Dominican Republic at the under-16 Pan Am Games. In September he got two outs against Pakistan - both strikeouts - in a qualifier for the World Baseball Classic, a 10-0 win played in New York City.

The young Brazilian's changeup and slider have also earned praise from local coaches, who already see at him as a potential national star for baseball's return to the Olympics in 2020 at Tokyo. At the moment Brazil has only one player in MLB, the Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes.

Since January, more and more visitors have come to watch Pardinho workout at a new MLB-sponsored training center in Ibiuna, another city influenced by baseball-loving Japanese immigrants.

Pardinho is eager to sign with a team and move to the United States.

''There is a lot that I will only learn when I go,'' said Pardinho.

The pitcher said his height should not be an issue, though his family members still hope that he will grow more in the next year.

''Some time ago there was an issue with shorter players, but now there are teams that don't care. It matters more that I have a safe fastball and two more good options, including a curveball that I control well,'' he said.

Other MLB hopefuls agree: facing Pardinho is a huge challenge.

''Pardinho's curveball is amazing, he is more than fast. His height doesn't matter because his arm can do wonders,'' said third baseman Victor Coutinho, also 16.

Also a pitcher, Heitor Tokar practices with Pardinho every day and believes in his friend's future in the sport.

''Pardinho doesn't feel any difference when he throws against players taller than him, he destroys them all,'' Tokar said.

Even Pardinho's coach, Mitsuyoshi Sato, knows the teen is headed for bigger challenges, and protects his arm. Sato pitches the soon-to-be pro no more than two innings at weekend tournaments.

Pardinho's father Evandro makes the hour-plus drive from Bastos to check on his son, and Sato makes sure Pardinho is a priority for Yakult training center medics. Pardinho has the support of an orthopedist, a physiotherapist and a fitness trainer. He also has a technical trainer.

''He still has to improve physically and mentally. I don't want him to do too many fastballs now because I worry about a possible injury,'' said Sato. ''No arm is prepared to pitch that fast, much less the arm of a kid.''

Sato believes Pardinho has room for improvement in the control of his changeup so he can spare his arm and shoulder.

Pardinho thinks if he has success, he could change baseball in Brazil.

If I do well, maybe more and more Brazilians, not only those of Japanese heritage, will think of playing on a diamond, too.''

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July Pitchers Report
June 30, 2017

Independence Day Fireworks and the MLB All-Star game go hand-in-hand during the month of July. It’s also the start of the second-half of the MLB campaign. And as we’ve come to learn the key to each and every team’s fortune lies on the pitching staff.

Can they sustain or will they unravel like a hand-me-down suit? Stay tuned. What we do know is that certain pitchers love hurling this time of the season while others tend to get lit up like a roman candle on the 4th of July.

Listed below are hurlers that have enjoyed a two-to-one or better success ratio in team-starts over the course of the last three seasons during the month of July. On the flip side, we've also listed pitchers that struggle in July, winning 33% percent or less of their team-start efforts.

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

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

GOOD MONTH PITCHERS:

Duffy, Danny - 11-4 (8-1 H)

Duffy been on the shelf since late-May with an oblique strain and will likely need multiple rehab outings to build up his pitch count before returning to action. It appears that Duffy won't be back before the All-Star break, unless everything really goes exceedingly well. Before being injured, the Kansas City lefty was like his team, rather ordinary at 4-4, with a 3.54 ERA in 11 starts, with opposing batters hitting .272 against his tosses. If the Royals are to remain in the AL Central chase, they will need a healthy Duffy.

Hamels, Cole - 11-4 (4-1 H)

Hamels first start after being on the DL for two months was an ugly one, permitting seven runs on eight hits, plus four walks, in just 4 1/3 innings. He deserves a pass after that much time off. However, the greater concern for the left-hander is strikeouts. Hamels for his career has averaged 0.95 punch-outs per inning and this season has only 16 in 37 innings of work. Batters last season started laying off the cutters and curves, that were actually balls, and sitting on his fastball which has dropped from the mid-90's to the low 90's. Critical month for the 33-year old Hamels.

Iwakuma, Hisashi - 11-5 (6-2 A)

The Seattle right-hander made six starts to begin the season, before going down with a bum shoulder. After doing rehab work in Triple-A Tacoma, on June 23rd he was shut down for further medical evaluation and there is no time table for his return.

*Liriano, Francisco - 11-4 (7-1 H)

Toronto has won seven of Liriano's last eight starts (thru June 25th), however, that is mostly because of the Blue Jays offense and not how effective the lefty has been. Liriano starts the month with an ERA well over 5 and because his command has been so poor, his WHIP is over 1.60. At 33, he no longer has the good fastball or wicked curve and we will have to wait and see if he can produce past results this month.

Lynn, Lance - 7-3 (6-1 H)

Lance Lynn had an ERA of only 2.53 after eight strong innings in a 2-1 setback to the Dodgers on May 23rd. Since, Lynn has been regularly taken deep and averaged better than two walks a start, with most outings lasting only five innings. His recent lack of success is strictly placement, as opposing hitters are batting only .209 against him, but the walks and home runs surrendered (19) have been his downfall and why his ERA is up to 3.90.

Martinez, Carlos - 9-4 (5-2 H)

The St. Louis ace might only start July with a 6-6 record, nevertheless, he's pitched much better than that in dropping his ERA a full run to 2.88 in his past nine outings. He's only given up 75 hits in 106 1/3 innings and Martinez is really mowing down the other team's batters with 121 strikeouts. If the Cardinals are to get back in their division race, they need to hit and field better for their top hurler, because it sure looks like he will hold up his end of the bargain.

Tanaka, Masahiro - 9-3 (6-0 H)

It has been incredible to watch Tanaka turn into a batting practice pitcher the last two months. Teams are hitting .279 against his tosses, which is nearly 40 points higher than his career norm of .240. Though the strikeout and walk ratios are similar to the past, the righty is permitting a home run for every 12 outs he gathers. The Yankees claim Tanaka is healthy and just not hitting his spots. If true, he is REALLY grooving pitches over the plate. In this era of “juiced baseballs” the Japanese import needs to do better.

BAD MONTH PITCHERS:

Archer, Chris - 4-10 (1-5 H)

For all the ability Archer possesses, the results do not back it up. No longer a prospect at 28, when you review Archer's stats and watch him throw, it is hard to fathom this guy has a 47-56 record, even if he's been on a few poor Tampa Bay clubs. The right-hander is one of those pitchers who is sailing along and runs into one bad inning and ends up losing games. In the immortal words of Hall of Famer Yogi Berra, hurlers like Archer "pitch good enough to lose."

Miller, Shelby - 2-9 (0-6 H)

Out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB

Saturday, July 1

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Trend Report
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1:07 PM
BOSTON vs. TORONTO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games when playing Toronto
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Toronto's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Toronto's last 7 games

1:10 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 1-4-1 SU in its last 6 games ,when playing on the road against Detroit
Cleveland7-1-1 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Detroit is 8-16-1 SU in its last 25 games ,when playing Cleveland
Detroit6-2-1 SU in its last 9 games when playing Cleveland

2:10 PM
TEXAS vs. CHI WHITE SOX
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Texas's last 8 games when playing on the road against Chi White Sox
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Texas's last 5 games when playing Chi White Sox
Chi White Sox are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi White Sox's last 8 games when playing at home against Texas

2:15 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Minnesota is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Minnesota's last 10 games
Kansas City is 10-3 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Kansas City is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games

4:05 PM
TAMPA BAY vs. BALTIMORE
Tampa Bay is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Tampa Bay's last 6 games on the road
Baltimore is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Baltimore's last 5 games

4:05 PM
SAN FRANCISCO vs. PITTSBURGH
San Francisco is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games on the road
San Francisco is 5-12 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Pittsburgh's last 7 games when playing San Francisco
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Pittsburgh's last 9 games

4:05 PM
ATLANTA vs. OAKLAND
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Oakland
Atlanta is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Oakland is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games at home

4:10 PM
MIAMI vs. MILWAUKEE
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Miami's last 12 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Miami's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Milwaukee's last 6 games

4:10 PM
CHI CUBS vs. CINCINNATI
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Chi Cubs's last 8 games on the road
Chi Cubs are 10-3 SU in their last 13 games when playing Cincinnati
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 8 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs
Cincinnati is 5-15 SU in its last 20 games

4:10 PM
PHILADELPHIA vs. NY METS
Philadelphia is 3-11 SU in its last 14 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Philadelphia's last 8 games when playing on the road against NY Mets
The total has gone OVER in 5 of NY Mets's last 7 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 7 of NY Mets's last 8 games when playing at home against Philadelphia

7:15 PM
CLEVELAND vs. DETROIT
Cleveland is 1-4-2 SU in its last 7 games ,when playing on the road against Detroit
Cleveland is 3-4-2 SU in its last 9 games ,
Detroit is 8-15-2 SU in its last 25 games ,when playing Cleveland
Detroit is 4-9-2 SU in its last 15 games ,when playing at home against Cleveland

7:15 PM
NY YANKEES vs. HOUSTON
NY Yankees are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing Houston
The total has gone OVER in 4 of NY Yankees's last 6 games
Houston is 2-5 SU in their last 7 games when playing at home against NY Yankees
Houston is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games

7:15 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ST. LOUIS
Washington is 7-18 SU in its last 25 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
Washington is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 7 games
St. Louis is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Washington

8:35 PM
MINNESOTA vs. KANSAS CITY
Minnesota is 3-10-1 SU in its last 14 games ,when playing on the road against Kansas City
Minnesota8-2-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Kansas City
Kansas City10-3-1 SU in its last 14 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Kansas City is 2-3-1 SU in its last 6 games ,

10:07 PM
SEATTLE vs. LA ANGELS
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Seattle's last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing LA Angels
LA Angels are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of LA Angels's last 7 games

10:10 PM
LA DODGERS vs. SAN DIEGO
LA Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing San Diego
The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Dodgers's last 5 games when playing San Diego
San Diego is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Diego's last 6 games at home

10:10 PM
COLORADO vs. ARIZONA
Colorado is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Colorado's last 9 games on the road
Arizona is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Colorado
Arizona is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home

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Blue Jays have cost bettors on Canada Day over the years

The Blue Jays will play their seventh consecutive Canada Day game at home. They are 3-3 in the last six, costing bettors $-76.06 in those games, but have outscored opponents 33-23. The Over is 4-2.

The Rogers Centre will be a sea of red and white Saturday with the sold-out home crowd celebrating Canada Day. The Toronto Blue Jays, who will sport their special red July 1 uniforms, take on the Boston Red Sox in Game 2 of a three-game weekend set.

It has been a mixed bag for the Blue Jays on Canada’s birthday in recent years. But before dropping a 2-1 decision to the Cleveland Indians in a 19-inning marathon last year, they had won three consecutive July 1 matchups heading into Saturday’s contest outscoring their opponents 23-6 in the process.

However since 2000, Toronto is just 7-10 on Canada Day, but do sport a winning 5-4 record at home. If you wagered $100 on each of those 17 games, you’d be down $-263.65 and trading in your ice-cold Moosehead Cracked Canoe for a warm case of Laker Lager your uncle found in his old boat.

The Jays have been home for the holiday each of the past six seasons, going 3-3 and netting bettors $-76.06 over those contests, with the Over going 4-2.

Toronto is 8-9 Over/Under on July 1 (4-5 O/U at home) and has actually outscored opponents 96-75 over those 17 games, with an average of 10 combined runs in those contests.

Francisco Liriano (4-3, 5.46 ERA) gets the call for Canada Day with first pitch set for 1.07 ET. Liriano is coming off a win in a six inning effort versus the Kansas City Royals his last time out. The Blue Jays are 7-1 in his last eight starts despite the high ERA and the Over is 6-1 in his last seven. He sports better numbers at the Rogers Centre, going 3-1 with a 4.06 ERA and during day games he is 2-0 with a 3,38 ERA.

Unfortunately for those looking to celebrate Canada Day with a Blue Jays victory, Liriano matches pitches with the Red Sox strikeout machine Chris Sale. The left hander is 10-3 with a 2.77 ERA, while racking up an unfathomable 155 strikeouts in his first 16 starts with the BoSox. Sale also struck out 13 in eight shutout innings agianst the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre back on April 20th.

Toronto is currently a +144 underdog for this year's Canada Day classic, with a total of 8.5. Toronto has droped their last two Canada Day games as home underdogs (2011 & 2012), getting outscored 15-9. The total went Over in both those games.

Happy Canada Day! Hopefully Toronto can buck the trend and make it a special one for those betting the Blue Jays on Canada's 150th birthday!

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Dunkel

Saturday, July 1


Minnesota @ Kansas City

Game 933-934
July 1, 2017 @ 8:35 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Jorge) 14.522
Kansas City
(Hammel) 15.569
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Kansas City
by 1
9
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Kansas City
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Kansas City
N/A

Cleveland @ Detroit

Game 931-932
July 1, 2017 @ 1:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Tomlin) 14.048
Detroit
(Sanchez) 16.447
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Detroit
by 2 1/2
12
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Detroit
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Detroit
N/A

Atlanta @ Oakland

Game 929-930
July 1, 2017 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
(Dickey) 14.301
Oakland
(Blackburn) 15.195
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Oakland
by 1
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Oakland
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Oakland
N/A

Seattle @ LA Angels

Game 927-928
July 1, 2017 @ 10:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
(Gaviglio) 16.377
LA Angels
(Nolasco) 14.773
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Seattle
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Angels
-120
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Seattle
(+100); Over

Cleveland @ Detroit

Game 925-926
July 1, 2017 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Cleveland
(Carrasco) 16.449
Detroit
(Zmmrmnn) 14.512
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Cleveland
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Cleveland
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Cleveland
N/A

NY Yankees @ Houston

Game 923-924
July 1, 2017 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
NY Yankees
(Mntgmry) 17.177
Houston
(Martes) 15.577
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
NY Yankees
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Houston
-140
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
NY Yankees
(+120); Under

Tampa Bay @ Baltimore

Game 921-922
July 1, 2017 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Tampa Bay
(Odorizzi) 16.164
Baltimore
(Bundy) 12.566
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Tampa Bay
by 3 1/2
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Baltimore
-125
11
Dunkel Pick:
Tampa Bay
(+105); Over

Minnesota @ Kansas City

Game 919-920
July 1, 2017 @ 2:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
(Berrios) 16.407
Kansas City
(Farrell) 13.480
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Minnesota
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Minnesota
N/A

Texas @ Chicago White Sox

Game 917-918
July 1, 2017 @ 2:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Texas
(Hamels) 15.692
Chicago White Sox
(Holland) 14.169
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Texas
by 1 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Texas
-115
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Texas
(-115); Under

Boston @ Toronto

Game 915-916
July 1, 2017 @ 1:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Boston
(Sale) 16.578
Toronto
(Liriano) 14.948
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Boston
by 1 1/2
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Boston
-165
8 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Boston
(-165); Over

Colorado @ Arizona

Game 913-914
July 1, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Colorado
(Chtwood) 15.549
Arizona
(Greinke) 12.183
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Colorado
by 3 1/2
7
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Arizona
-160
9
Dunkel Pick:
Colorado
(+140); Under

LA Dodgers @ San Diego

Game 911-912
July 1, 2017 @ 10:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
LA Dodgers
(Hill) 18.392
San Diego
(Overton) 14.619
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
LA Dodgers
by 4
6
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
LA Dodgers
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
LA Dodgers
N/A

Washington @ St. Louis

Game 909-910
July 1, 2017 @ 7:15 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Washington
(Gnzalez) 17.261
St. Louis
(Wacha) 14.934
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
10
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
St. Louis
-115
9
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-105); Over

Chicago Cubs @ Cincinnati

Game 907-908
July 1, 2017 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Chicago Cubs
(Butler) 15.253
Cincinnati
(Stephens) 14.120
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago Cubs
by 1
13
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Chicago Cubs
-120
11
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago Cubs
(-120); Over

Miami @ Milwaukee

Game 905-906
July 1, 2017 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Miami
(Koehler) 15.684
Milwaukee
(Davies) 13.381
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Miami
by 2 1/2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Miami
No Line
N/A
Dunkel Pick:
Miami
N/A

Philadelphia @ NY Mets

Game 903-904
July 1, 2017 @ 4:10 pm

Dunkel Rating:
Philadelphia
(Hellckson) 17.226
NY Mets
(Wheeler) 14.033
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Philadelphia
by 3
11
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
NY Mets
-165
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Philadelphia
(+145); Over

San Francisco @ Pittsburgh

Game 901-902
July 1, 2017 @ 4:05 pm

Dunkel Rating:
San Francisco
(Moore) 15.125
Pittsburgh
(Kuhl) 13.293
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Francisco
by 2
8
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Pittsburgh
-130
9 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Francisco
(+110); Under

[StarDust Bum]

MLB
Long Sheet

Saturday, July 1

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

SAN FRANCISCO (31 - 51) at PITTSBURGH (37 - 43) - 4:05 PM
MATT MOORE (L) vs. CHAD KUHL (R)
Top Trends for this game.
SAN FRANCISCO is 31-51 (-23.0 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 7-17 (-10.7 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 14-30 (-15.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 9-20 (-14.2 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 20-34 (-18.1 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 10-20 (-11.5 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
SAN FRANCISCO is 8-20 (-16.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PITTSBURGH is 153-111 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 10-2 (+10.1 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday this season.
PITTSBURGH is 29-20 (+12.3 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
SAN FRANCISCO is 216-195 (+35.0 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 since 1997.
PITTSBURGH is 59-62 (-17.8 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN FRANCISCO is 1-0 (+1.1 Units) against PITTSBURGH this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

MATT MOORE vs. PITTSBURGH since 1997
MOORE is 0-1 when starting against PITTSBURGH with an ERA of 7.50 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.3 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-1. (-1.0 units)

CHAD KUHL vs. SAN FRANCISCO since 1997
No recent starts.

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

PHILADELPHIA (26 - 52) at NY METS (37 - 42) - 4:10 PM
JEREMY HELLICKSON (R) vs. ZACK WHEELER (R)
Top Trends for this game.
PHILADELPHIA is 26-52 (-18.8 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 3-19 (-16.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 12-32 (-13.8 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 16-39 (-19.7 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
PHILADELPHIA is 14-38 (-18.8 Units) against the money line after a loss this season.
WHEELER is 9-1 (+9.5 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997. (Team's Record)
HELLICKSON is 26-22 (+12.0 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HELLICKSON is 16-10 (+11.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HELLICKSON is 7-1 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in day games this season. (Team's Record)
NY METS are 37-42 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY METS are 18-23 (-12.9 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
NY METS are 8-14 (-10.6 Units) against the money line in home games against division opponents this season.
NY METS are 28-32 (-11.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
NY METS are 8-13 (-10.3 Units) against the money line in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
NY METS is 5-2 (+1.4 Units) against PHILADELPHIA this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

JEREMY HELLICKSON vs. NY METS since 1997
HELLICKSON is 2-4 when starting against NY METS with an ERA of 8.21 and a WHIP of 1.794.
His team's record is 3-4 (+0.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-5. (-4.6 units)

ZACK WHEELER vs. PHILADELPHIA since 1997
WHEELER is 3-1 when starting against PHILADELPHIA with an ERA of 3.07 and a WHIP of 1.097.
His team's record is 4-3 (+0.3 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-2. (+3.3 units)

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

MIAMI (35 - 43) at MILWAUKEE (43 - 39) - 4:10 PM
TOM KOEHLER (R) vs. ZACH DAVIES (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MILWAUKEE is 1-0 (+1.0 Units) against MIAMI this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.1 Units)

TOM KOEHLER vs. MILWAUKEE since 1997
KOEHLER is 1-3 when starting against MILWAUKEE with an ERA of 9.49 and a WHIP of 1.906.
His team's record is 2-3 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-1. (+3.0 units)

ZACH DAVIES vs. MIAMI since 1997
DAVIES is 2-1 when starting against MIAMI with an ERA of 3.71 and a WHIP of 1.235.
His team's record is 2-1 (+1.5 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-0. (+3.1 units)

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

CHICAGO CUBS (40 - 40) at CINCINNATI (34 - 45) - 4:10 PM
EDDIE BUTLER (R) vs. JACKSON STEPHENS (R)
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO CUBS are 40-40 (-16.3 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 18-24 (-12.1 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 19-21 (-13.8 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO CUBS are 16-18 (-11.1 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 27-34 (-22.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
CHICAGO CUBS are 796-759 (-162.1 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 18-10 (+8.1 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
CINCINNATI is 17-5 (+12.6 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 11 to 11.5 since 1997.
CINCINNATI is 19-12 (+7.6 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters this season.
CINCINNATI is 396-424 (-97.3 Units) against the money line in home games after a win since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO CUBS is 5-2 (+2.2 Units) against CINCINNATI this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.1 Units)

EDDIE BUTLER vs. CINCINNATI since 1997
BUTLER is 0-1 when starting against CINCINNATI with an ERA of 8.44 and a WHIP of 2.063.
His team's record is 2-1 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.3 units)

JACKSON STEPHENS vs. CHICAGO CUBS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

WASHINGTON (47 - 33) at ST LOUIS (38 - 41) - 7:15 PM
GIO GONZALEZ (L) vs. MICHAEL WACHA (R)
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 10-16 (-14.2 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
WASHINGTON is 39-55 (-26.7 Units) against the money line in road games after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
GONZALEZ is 17-23 (-17.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
WASHINGTON is 33-13 (+15.9 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 38-41 (-9.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ST LOUIS is 59-63 (-29.2 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 11-16 (-9.5 Units) against the money line in home games in night games this season.
ST LOUIS is 12-18 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 25-33 (-23.6 Units) against the money line in home games after a win over the last 2 seasons.
ST LOUIS is 24-34 (-18.9 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
ST LOUIS is 2-2 (+0.7 Units) against WASHINGTON this season
2 of 3 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

GIO GONZALEZ vs. ST LOUIS since 1997
GONZALEZ is 3-2 when starting against ST LOUIS with an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.253.
His team's record is 5-4 (+0.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 4-5. (-1.8 units)

MICHAEL WACHA vs. WASHINGTON since 1997
WACHA is 2-2 when starting against WASHINGTON with an ERA of 1.57 and a WHIP of 0.698.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-3. (-2.2 units)

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

COLORADO (48 - 34) at ARIZONA (50 - 31) - 10:10 PM
TYLER CHATWOOD (R) vs. ZACK GREINKE (R)
Top Trends for this game.
COLORADO is 227-299 (-77.5 Units) against the money line in July games since 1997.
COLORADO is 439-691 (-133.4 Units) against the money line in road games in night games since 1997.
ARIZONA is 50-31 (+18.1 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
ARIZONA is 30-13 (+14.4 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
ARIZONA is 36-19 (+15.2 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
ARIZONA is 40-23 (+15.6 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
GREINKE is 51-21 (+18.9 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 125-67 (+43.2 Units) against the money line in home games since 1997. (Team's Record)
GREINKE is 94-47 (+34.3 Units) against the money line in home games in night games since 1997. (Team's Record)
COLORADO is 48-34 (+16.2 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
COLORADO is 22-19 (+13.9 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 over the last 2 seasons.
COLORADO is 26-19 (+10.2 Units) against the money line in road games this season.
COLORADO is 26-19 (+8.1 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
COLORADO is 33-23 (+8.5 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.
COLORADO is 29-18 (+13.2 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
COLORADO is 21-14 (+10.3 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
CHATWOOD is 15-6 (+14.8 Units) against the money line as a road underdog of +125 to +175 since 1997. (Team's Record)
CHATWOOD is 14-8 (+10.9 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
CHATWOOD is 9-3 (+8.4 Units) against the money line in road games against division opponents over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
ARIZONA is 234-233 (-58.7 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 8 to 8.5 since 1997.
GREINKE is 26-36 (-18.0 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
COLORADO is 6-4 (+2.1 Units) against ARIZONA this season
6 of 9 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+2.7 Units)

TYLER CHATWOOD vs. ARIZONA since 1997
CHATWOOD is 4-2 when starting against ARIZONA with an ERA of 3.91 and a WHIP of 1.413.
His team's record is 6-2 (+4.1 units) in these starts. The OVER is 5-3. (+1.6 units)

ZACK GREINKE vs. COLORADO since 1997
GREINKE is 8-5 when starting against COLORADO with an ERA of 4.12 and a WHIP of 1.365.
His team's record is 13-9 (-1.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 9-13. (-5.5 units)

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

BOSTON (45 - 35) at TORONTO (37 - 42) - 1:05 PM
CHRIS SALE (L) vs. FRANCISCO LIRIANO (L)
Top Trends for this game.
BOSTON is 20-24 (-11.0 Units) against the money line after a win this season.
LIRIANO is 8-1 (+7.6 Units) against the money line after a loss this season. (Team's Record)
TORONTO is 37-42 (-14.7 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
TORONTO is 53-58 (-19.7 Units) against the money line when the total is 8 to 8.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TORONTO is 13-22 (-13.0 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
TORONTO is 6-13 (-10.7 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BOSTON is 3-1 (+2.6 Units) against TORONTO this season
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.0 Units)

CHRIS SALE vs. TORONTO since 1997
SALE is 4-1 when starting against TORONTO with an ERA of 1.72 and a WHIP of 0.809.
His team's record is 5-1 (+4.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-5. (-4.5 units)

FRANCISCO LIRIANO vs. BOSTON since 1997
LIRIANO is 3-3 when starting against BOSTON with an ERA of 5.11 and a WHIP of 1.541.
His team's record is 3-4 (-1.2 units) in these starts. The OVER is 3-3. (-0.2 units)

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

TEXAS (39 - 41) at CHI WHITE SOX (35 - 44) - 2:10 PM
COLE HAMELS (L) vs. DEREK HOLLAND (L)
Top Trends for this game.
CHI WHITE SOX are 25-16 (+12.5 Units) against the money line at home when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
CHI WHITE SOX are 20-10 (+11.1 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 134-111 (+28.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 63-42 (+25.4 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 106-101 (+36.4 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 28-24 (+13.9 Units) against the money line on the road when the total is 9 to 9.5 over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 24-14 (+11.3 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday over the last 2 seasons.
TEXAS is 14-8 (+9.7 Units) against the money line in day games this season.
TEXAS is 67-58 (+20.0 Units) against the money line against left-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 97-88 (+19.5 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 3 seasons.
TEXAS is 15-7 (+12.2 Units) against the money line in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses over the last 3 seasons.
HAMELS is 47-26 (+20.3 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)
HAMELS is 28-11 (+15.4 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
CHI WHITE SOX is 1-0 (+1.3 Units) against TEXAS this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+1.0 Units)

COLE HAMELS vs. CHI WHITE SOX since 1997
HAMELS is 1-0 when starting against CHI WHITE SOX with an ERA of 2.91 and a WHIP of 1.108.
His team's record is 3-0 (+3.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-2. (-1.4 units)

DEREK HOLLAND vs. TEXAS since 1997
No recent starts.

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

MINNESOTA (40 - 38) at KANSAS CITY (39 - 39) - 2:15 PM
JOSE BERRIOS (R) vs. LUKE FARRELL (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-2 (+5.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.8 Units)

JOSE BERRIOS vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
BERRIOS is 0-1 when starting against KANSAS CITY with an ERA of 7.90 and a WHIP of 1.756.
His team's record is 0-3 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 1-1. (-0.3 units)

LUKE FARRELL vs. MINNESOTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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

TAMPA BAY (42 - 40) at BALTIMORE (39 - 40) - 4:05 PM
JAKE ODORIZZI (R) vs. DYLAN BUNDY (R)
Top Trends for this game.
TAMPA BAY is 110-133 (-28.9 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 18-32 (-18.0 Units) against the money line in July games over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 127-114 (+13.8 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 65-46 (+17.4 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 over the last 3 seasons.
BALTIMORE is 24-15 (+8.3 Units) against the money line in home games this season.
BALTIMORE is 24-19 (+7.4 Units) against the money line against division opponents this season.
BALTIMORE is 92-78 (+13.8 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
TAMPA BAY is 33-23 (+9.3 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
BALTIMORE is 4-3 (+1.5 Units) against TAMPA BAY this season
5 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+2.8 Units)

JAKE ODORIZZI vs. BALTIMORE since 1997
ODORIZZI is 3-4 when starting against BALTIMORE with an ERA of 5.52 and a WHIP of 1.493.
His team's record is 6-8 (-3.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-7. (-2.1 units)

DYLAN BUNDY vs. TAMPA BAY since 1997
BUNDY is 1-1 when starting against TAMPA BAY with an ERA of 6.20 and a WHIP of 1.574.
His team's record is 2-2 (+0.1 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-3. (-2.1 units)

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NY YANKEES (43 - 35) at HOUSTON (54 - 27) - 7:15 PM
JORDAN MONTGOMERY (L) vs. FRANCIS MARTES (R)
Top Trends for this game.
NY YANKEES are 9-17 (-9.1 Units) against the money line on the road when the money line is +125 to -125 this season.
HOUSTON is 54-27 (+17.4 Units) against the money line in all games this season.
NY YANKEES are 23-9 (+15.0 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season.
HOUSTON is 246-294 (-71.7 Units) against the money line when playing on Saturday since 1997.
HOUSTON is 17-21 (-12.8 Units) against the money line in home games against left-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
HOUSTON is 24-32 (-16.8 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
HOUSTON is 3-2 (+0.6 Units) against NY YANKEES this season
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+0.8 Units)

JORDAN MONTGOMERY vs. HOUSTON since 1997
MONTGOMERY is 0-1 when starting against HOUSTON with an ERA of 6.00 and a WHIP of 1.500.
His team's record is 0-1 (-1.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 1-0. (+1.0 units)

FRANCIS MARTES vs. NY YANKEES since 1997
No recent starts.

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CLEVELAND (42 - 36) at DETROIT (35 - 43) - 7:15 PM
CARLOS CARRASCO (R) vs. JORDAN ZIMMERMANN (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-2 (+3.8 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

CARLOS CARRASCO vs. DETROIT since 1997
CARRASCO is 6-7 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.98 and a WHIP of 1.598.
His team's record is 8-8 (-1.7 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-11. (-7.8 units)

JORDAN ZIMMERMANN vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
ZIMMERMANN is 0-1 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 13.49 and a WHIP of 2.076.
His team's record is 1-1 (+0.0 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 0-2. (-2.4 units)

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SEATTLE (40 - 41) at LA ANGELS (42 - 42) - 10:05 PM
SAM GAVIGLIO (R) vs. RICKY NOLASCO (R)
Top Trends for this game.
LA ANGELS are 215-168 (+38.7 Units) against the money line at home when the money line is +125 to -125 since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 98-51 (+26.5 Units) against the money line in home games in July games since 1997.
LA ANGELS are 34-30 (+8.0 Units) against the money line in night games this season.
LA ANGELS are 14-5 (+10.2 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record in the second half of the season over the last 2 seasons.
NOLASCO is 24-38 (-18.4 Units) against the money line in home games after a loss since 1997. (Team's Record)

Head-to-Head Series History
LA ANGELS is 4-3 (+1.2 Units) against SEATTLE this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+5.0 Units)

SAM GAVIGLIO vs. LA ANGELS since 1997
No recent starts.

RICKY NOLASCO vs. SEATTLE since 1997
NOLASCO is 1-4 when starting against SEATTLE with an ERA of 4.77 and a WHIP of 1.311.
His team's record is 2-5 (-2.4 units) in these starts. The OVER is 4-2. (+1.8 units)

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ATLANTA (38 - 41) at OAKLAND (35 - 45) - 4:05 PM
R.A. DICKEY (R) vs. PAUL BLACKBURN (R)
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 106-134 (+7.2 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 20-11 (+12.3 Units) against the money line when the total is 9 to 9.5 this season.
ATLANTA is 55-64 (+20.2 Units) against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 86-99 (+13.2 Units) against the money line against right-handed starters over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 51-54 (+11.3 Units) against the money line after a win over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 172-232 (-52.4 Units) against the money line in all games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 31-38 (-22.4 Units) against the money line as a home favorite of -125 to -175 over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 90-112 (-32.9 Units) against the money line in home games over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 58-77 (-28.0 Units) against the money line in home games against right-handed starters over the last 3 seasons.
OAKLAND is 51-87 (-31.4 Units) against the money line after a loss over the last 2 seasons.
OAKLAND is 69-94 (-27.8 Units) against the money line when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 1-0 (+1.6 Units) against OAKLAND this season
1 of 1 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.0 Units)

R.A. DICKEY vs. OAKLAND since 1997
DICKEY is 4-5 when starting against OAKLAND with an ERA of 4.32 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 6-9 (-3.0 units) in these starts. The OVER is 7-8. (-1.4 units)

PAUL BLACKBURN vs. ATLANTA since 1997
No recent starts.

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CLEVELAND (42 - 36) at DETROIT (35 - 43) - 1:10 PM
JOSH TOMLIN (R) vs. ANIBAL SANCHEZ (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
DETROIT is 4-2 (+3.8 Units) against CLEVELAND this season
4 of 6 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL this season . (Under=+1.8 Units)

JOSH TOMLIN vs. DETROIT since 1997
TOMLIN is 5-5 when starting against DETROIT with an ERA of 4.92 and a WHIP of 1.260.
His team's record is 5-5 (+0.4 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 5-5. (-0.8 units)

ANIBAL SANCHEZ vs. CLEVELAND since 1997
SANCHEZ is 4-7 when starting against CLEVELAND with an ERA of 4.58 and a WHIP of 1.259.
His team's record is 5-8 (-5.5 units) in these starts. The UNDER is 6-6. (-0.4 units)

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MINNESOTA (40 - 38) at KANSAS CITY (39 - 39) - 8:35 PM
FELIX JORGE (R) vs. JASON HAMMEL (R)
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-2 (+5.2 Units) against KANSAS CITY this season
6 of 7 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL this season . (Over=+4.8 Units)

FELIX JORGE vs. KANSAS CITY since 1997
No recent starts.

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)