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Diamond Trends - Sunday
August 13, 2017

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Dodgers are 32-0 since Sep 30, 2004 in the last game of a series as a 200+ favorite after they scored first last game.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Cardinals are 0-18 RUN LINE AGAINST since Aug 28, 2015 when Michael Wacha starts as a favorite after he went 6 innings gave up 6 or fewer hits in his last start.

MLB TOTAL TREND:

-- The Pirates are 10-0 OU (4.75 ppg) since Jul 23, 2011 as a dog vs a lefty when they won the last three times they faced a lefty.

CHOICE TREND:

-- The Blue Jays are 13-0 since May 15, 2009 as a favorite after a game as a home dog in which Jose Bautista struck out at least twice.

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Sunday's Diamond Notes
August 13, 2017

Hottest team: Red Sox (9-1 past 10 overall)

After a 5-4 loss on Friday to snap their eight-game winning streak, the Red Sox were back at it starting a new winning run with a 10-5 victory over the Yankees. Rookie Andrew Benintendi swatted a pair of homers with six RBI, becoming the first Red Sox rookie to record six RBI against the Yankees since the statistic became official back in 1920. Now, the Red Sox turn to Chris Sale against Jordan Montgomery is a pitching matchup which looks to be heavily skewed in favor of the road team. The Red Sox are now 9-1 over their past 10 games overall, 5-2 in their past seven inside the division and 4-1 over their past five on the road.

Coldest team: Astros (0-5 past five games, 3-11 past 14 overall)

The Astros haven't appeared on the 'cold' list very often this season, but they're struggling lately. Houston has dropped five in a row, and they look to avoid the broom in Arlington against their in-state rivals from Texas. The Rangers are always a thorn in the side of the Astros, going 38-13 in their past 51 meetings at home against Houston. They're also 77-35 in the past 112 meetings overall. Houston has dropped seven in a row on the road, five straight overall and four of their past five inside the division. They're still 8-1 in Dallas Keuchel's past nine road starts and 10-1 over his past 11 inside the division.

Hottest pitcher: Chris Sale, Red Sox (14-4, 2.57 ERA)

Sale heads into Sunday Night Baseball with the best ERA in the American League at 2.57. Through 23 starts the opposition is hitting just .193 against him with a 0.88 WHIP and he has struck out a major league high 229 batters while walking just 29 over 161 1/3 innings. He has managed an 8-3 record with a 2.37 ERA across 13 road outings, posting 137 strikeouts over just 91 innings away from home. He hasn't beaten the Yankees this season in two tries, but he is 0-1 with a 1.15 WHIP across 15 2/3 innings with 23 strikeouts and just two walks. The Red Sox are 5-1 over Sale's past six road starts, 16-5 across his past 21 overall and 5-2 in the past seven inside the division.

Coldest pitcher: Matt Moore, Giants (3-12, 5.88 ERA)

The left-hander for the Giants has allowed more earned runs (84) than any other pitcher in the majors. He also has won just three of his 15 decisions overall with the opposition hitting a robust .294 against him. It appears Moore will not have to face OF Bryce Harper (knee), as he slipped an injured his knee on a wet base in Saturday's game, but even without the All-Star outfielder the Nats lineup is extremely dangerous. The Giants are just 3-9 over Moore's past 12 starts on the road, 5-16 over his past 21 overall and 1-7 across his past eight inside the division.

Biggest UNDER run: Indians (5-0 past four overall)

The 'under' connected in Saturday's 3-0 victory at Tampa Bay, giving Cleveland five consecutive under results. The under is 4-0 in their past four against a right-handed starting pitcher and 4-1 over their past five on the road against teams with a winning home mark. The under is also 31-15-5 in their past 51 on the road, while going 7-2 in thei past nine starts by Corey Kluber against American League East clubs. The under has hit for Tampa Bay lately, too, going 8-1 in their past nine home games and 19-7-2 in their past 28 games overall. And with Austin Pruitt on the mound, the under has hit in four straight overall.

Biggest OVER run: Royals (6-1-1 past eight overall)

The 'over' is 6-1-1 over the past eightgames overall for Kansas City, and 4-1-1 in their past six against a team with a winning percentage under .400. However, with Jason Vargas on the bump, the over will certainly not be easy. The under has hit in nine of his past 13 road outings, and 20 of the past 29 starts overall by the All-Star. The under is also 10-4-2 in Kansas City's past 16 overall on the road. The under is also 3-0-1 across the past four meetings with the White Sox, including Saturday's narrow 5-4 win with a total of 10.

Matchup to watch: Dodgers vs. Padres

The Padres might be 14 games below .500, but they have played playoff-caliber baseball this weekend at Chavez Ravine, giving the Dodgers all they can handle. The Fathers dealt the Dodgers a rare home loss on Friday, and the Dodgers had to rally late to win Saturday's battle. Not bad for a San Diego side which has won 19f of their past 59 trips down Elysian Park Avenue. With Paul Nauert behind the dish calling balls and strikes, the home teams is 22-5 across his past 27 calls. The Padres are also 1-8 over the past nine with Nauert behind the dish.

Betcha didn’t know: The Giants and Nationals will play a doubleheader on Sunday. Each of the past five doubleheaders this season have resulted in splits, and 14 of the past 16 have had each side win a game apiece. Overall in 17 doubleheaders this season there have been just three sweeps, with the road team breaking out the brooms on two of those occasions. Washington split its last doubleheeader on July 30 against the Rockies, and they also split a twin bill against Philadelphia on May 14. In fact, Washington has split its past three twin bills datingback to Oct. 3, 2015. San Francisco hasn't been involved in a doubleheader since May 23, 2015, in Colorado, and they split a pair there. The last time the Giants swept a double dip was back on April 23, 2012 at N.Y. Mets.

Biggest public favorite: Dodgers (-280) vs. Padres

Biggest public underdog: Cubs (+115) at Diamondbacks

Biggest line move: Padres (+315 to +280) at Dodgers

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Thrifty Mets deal Neil Walker to Brewers
August 13, 2017

PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Mets traded infielder Neil Walker to the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday, the latest veteran dealt by out-of-contention New York as it pivots toward 2018.

New York gets a player to be named and will pay the Brewers cash to cover a portion of the $4,041,530 remaining in Walker's $17.2 million salary. He can become a free agent after the World Series.

The 31-year-old is hitting .264 with 10 homers and 36 RBIs in 73 games this season after batting .282 with 23 homers and 55 RBIs in 2016, when he had season-ending back surgery on Sept. 8.

Milwaukee is third in the NL Central, two games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs.

''I'm excited to be back in a playoff race,'' Walker said.

New York had expected to contend but is 52-62. The Mets previously traded outfielder Jay Bruce, first baseman Lucas Duda and relief pitcher Addison Reed.

''This series of transactions opens up the opportunity for us to observe some new players,'' Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said. ''When things don't go the way they were expected to go, then you have to shift direction and do the best you can to change direction.''

The Mets acquired Walker from the Pittsburgh for pitcher Jon Niese on Dec. 9, 2015, after allowing Daniel Murphy to become a free agent. Murphy has gone on to have two All-Star seasons with Washington.

Alderson praised Walker's performance in New York.

''He was an excellent player,'' Alderson said. ''A first-rate guy. Very important in the clubhouse. I'm very glad we had him for the time we did and I think he distinguished himself as a Met.''

Walker said he is looking forward to playing in Milwaukee, where he has batted .286 with 11 homers and 31 RBIs in 51 games at Miller Park. He expects to arrive in time for the Brewers' game against Cincinnati on Sunday.

''I've always felt pretty good there,'' he said.

Curtis Granderson, like Walker, Bruce, Duda and Reed, is eligible for free agency. Alderson hinted at the possibility of more deals, saying: ''We still have inventory.''

[StarDust Bum]

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

PIT at TOR 01:07 PM

U 9.0

MIN at DET 01:10 PM

U 10.0

CLE at TB 01:10 PM

TB +165

COL at MIA 01:10 PM

O 8.5

NYM at PHI 01:35 PM

U 10.0

CIN at MIL 02:10 PM

O 10.0

KC at CHW 02:10 PM

CHW +120

O 10.0

ATL at STL 02:15 PM

ATL +165

U 8.5

HOU at TEX 03:05 PM

TEX +125

O 11.0

BAL at OAK 04:05 PM

O 9.5

CHC at ARI 04:10 PM

O 9.0

LAA at SEA 04:10 PM

O 10.0

SD at LAD 04:10 PM

SD +240

U 8.5

BOS at NYY 08:05 PM

NYY +135

U 8.0

[StarDust Bum]

Baseball Capsules
August 13, 2017

MIAMI (AP) Giancarlo Stanton homered for the fourth straight game, hitting his 42nd of the year to tie the Marlins' season record, and Miami completed its first series sweep of the Colorado Rockies since 2006, winning 5-3 Sunday.

Stanton homered leading off the third inning to match Gary Sheffield's team record set in 1996. It was the 250th homer of Stanton's career and came in his 941st game. Only five players since 1913 have reached the 250-milestone faster.

Rockies All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado, the major league RBI leader, left the game in the fifth inning after being hit on the left hand by an 88 mph fastball thrown by Vance Worley.

German Marquez (9-5) lost for the first time in seven starts, allowing five runs in 4 1/3 innings. Javy Guerra (1-0) earned his first victory since 2014 with two scoreless innings, and Odrisamer Despaigne pitched a perfect ninth for his first big league save.

DODGERS 6, PADRES 4

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Justin Turner hit two home runs, Yasmani Grandal also went deep and Los Angeles won for the 28th time in 33 games, improving the best record in the majors to 83-34. The Dodgers are 16-0-3 in their last 19 series, and haven't lost one since June 5-7 to Washington.

Cory Spangenberg hit two home runs for the Padres.

Kenta Maeda (11-4) went 5 1/3 innings, giving up three earned runs and four hits and striking out eight. Kenley Jansen retired the Padres in order in the ninth for his 32nd save. Luis Perdomo (6-7) was the loser.

GIANTS 4, NATIONALS 2, FIRST GAME; NATIONALS 6, GIANTS 2, 11 INNINGS, SECOND GAME

WASHINGTON (AP) - Howie Kendrick hit a game-ending grand slam in the 11th inning, and the Nationals salvaged the finale of a day-night doubleheader.

Daniel Murphy and Ryan Zimmerman also homered for Washington in the makeup of Friday night's rainout. Max Scherzer struck out 10 in seven innings and Matt Albers (6-2) pitched two scoreless innings for the win.

It was Washington's first day since slugger Bryce Harper got hurt Saturday when he slipped on first base. The All-Star has a significant bone bruise in his left knee but no ligament damage, general manager Mike Rizzo said. The Nationals hope he can return this season.

Chris Stratton (1-2) led San Francisco to the win in the opener, striking out a career-high 10 in 6 2/3 shutout innings. Joe Panik had three hits and two RBIs, and Sam Dyson got three outs for his ninth save.

San Francisco's A.J. Cole (1-3) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings.

In the nightcap, Murphy singled off Albert Suarez (0-2) leading off the 11th and raced to third on Zimmerman's bloop hit. After Suarez intentionally walked Anthony Rendon, Kendrick homered to left.

CUBS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 2

PHOENIX (AP) - Jake Arrieta (12-8) won consecutive starts for the first time since early April, Javier Baez and Ian Happ hit consecutive home runs in the eighth inning and Chicago reopened a one-game lead over St. Louis in the NL Central.

Kris Bryant put the Cubs ahead when he scored from second on a wild pitch from Zack Godley (5-5) in the first inning on strike three to Victor Caratini. The reigning NL MVP added his 21st home run of the season in the ninth inning, reaching base for the 13th time in 15 plate appearances during the three-game series.

Arrieta allowed one run and three hits in six innings. Godley had three wild pitches and four walks in 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs and four hits.

ASTROS 2, RANGERS 1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Dallas Keuchel (10-2) struck out seven in 6 2/3 innings for his first win since June 2 against the Rangers, just before his nearly two-month stint on the disabled list. AL-leading Houston stopped its longest losing streak this season at five games.

Jose Altuve's 17th home run came in the fourth off Andrew Cashner (7-9). Adrian Beltre's 12th homer pulled the Rangers even in the sixth, and Carlos Beltran had a tiebreaking RBI single in the seventh.

Joey Gallo lined into an inning-ending double play with runners at second and third in the eighth against Ken Giles, who struck out two in the ninth for his 23rd save.

BLUE JAYS 7, PIRATES 1

TORONTO (AP) - J.A. Happ (6-8) allowed one run and four hits in six innings to win his third straight start, Josh Donaldson hit a two-run homer and Justin Smoak and Darwin Barney added solo homers.

Toronto scored five runs off Chad Kuhl (5-8) while batting around in the first inning and taking a 5-1 lead. Pittsburgh managed just one hit after the first, and none in the final five innings.

INDIANS 4, RAYS 3

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Austin Jackson hit a tiebreaking home run off Tommy Hunter (2-3) leading off the eighth inning.

Corey Kluber (11-3) struck out nine in seven innings for the AL Central leaders, his 14th straight start of fanning eight or more. He gave up four hits, including a two-run homer to Steve Souza Jr. in the sixth that made it 3-all.

Cody Allen pitched the ninth for his 21st save.

Tampa Bay went 2-7 on a nine-game homestand in which the Rays were shut out five times and scored 11 runs.

TWINS 6, TIGERS 4

DETROIT (AP) - Brian Dozier and Miguel Sano homered for Minnesota. The Twins blew an early 4-0 lead but Byron Buxton hit a tiebreaking single off Warwick Saupold after Bruce Rondon (1-3) walked the first two batters in the eighth.

A day earlier, the Twins trailed 5-0, rallied for an 11-6 lead, then lost to the Tigers 12-11 on Justin Upton's two-run homer in the ninth.

Detroit has lost seven of nine.

Minnesota's Chris Gimenez had three passed balls in the fifth and Ervin Santana threw a toss through his legs for a wild pitch.

Tyler Duffey (2-3) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Trevor Hildenberger struck out Upton with a runner on first to end the eighth, then pitched the ninth for his first big league save.

METS 6, PHILLIES 2

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Michael Conforto and Curtis Granderson hit two-run homers and the Phillies ran themselves into trouble after Chris Flexen (2-1) loaded the bases in the fifth inning with no outs.

Nick Williams hit a shallow fly to center, and Conforto's throw home scooted away from Travis d'Arnaud. Odubel Herrera put his head down and sprinted for third, unaware Freddy Galvis hadn't moved off the base. D'Arnaud hustled to third to complete a short toss and an 8-2-5 double play.

Zach Eflin (1-4) allowed Conforto's 26th homer and Granderson's 17th.

ROYALS 14, WHITE SOX 6

CHICAGO (AP) - Whit Merrifield hit a three-run homer and drove in a career-high five runs. Drew Butera had four of Kansas City's 16 hits as the Royals climb back over .500 at 59-58.

Jason Vargas (14-6) allowed three runs and six hits in six innings, matching his career high for wins set in 2012 with Seattle.

Derek Holland (6-12) lasted just two-plus innings in his shortest start of the year. He was charged with seven runs and seven hits.

BREWERS 7, REDS 4

MILWAUKEE (AP) - Neil Walker had two hits in his Milwaukee debut, and Domingo Santana hit a three-run homer in the fifth off Sal Romano (2-5), who gave up seven runs, six of them earned, in five innings.

Acquired from the New York Mets on Saturday, Walker started at third base in place of the banged-up Travis Shaw and went 2 for 4 with a run scored.

Matt Garza (6-6) allowed four runs - three earned - and five hits in 5 1/3 innings, and Corey Knebel worked the ninth for his 22nd save.

BRAVES 6, CARDINALS 3

ST. LOUIS (AP) - R.A. Dickey (8-7) allowed one run and seven hits in seven innings, Brandon Phillips hit a two-run homer and Atlanta stopped the Cardinals' season-high, eight-game winning streak and the Braves' five-game losing streak.

Arodys Vizcaino pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save. Michael Wacha (9-5) gave up four runs and five hits in eight innings.

ATHLETICS 9, ORIOLES 3

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - Matt Chapman hit a tiebreaking three-run homer off Jeremy Hellickson (1-2) in a five-run fourth as Oakland overcame a 2-0 deficit.

Manny Machado hit his 22nd homer and scored twice for Baltimore.

Kendall Graveman (3-3) matched his career high of eight strikeouts, allowing two runs and eight hits in seven innings.

ANGELS 4, MARINERS 2

SEATTLE (AP) - Parker Bridwell (7-1) yielded one run and four hits in six innings, winning his fifth straight decision and extended Los Angeles' winning streak to six as the Angels moved into the second spot in the AL wild-card race.

C.J. Cron homered and Martin Maldonado had a two-run single for the Angels. Ariel Miranda (7-6) walked a career-high six and allowed four runs and four hits in 4 2/3 innings.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday’s six-pack

— Bryce Harper has a bad bone bruise but no ligament damage; he is on the DL.

— Padres extended manager Andy Green’s contract thru 2021.

— Nationals 6, Giants 2– Washington salvages a twinbill split with Howie Kendrick hitting a walk-off homer.

— San Diego State’s football team has had an outbreak of chicken pox this week.

— Alex Mack of the Falcons lost 12 pounds during a practice this weekend. Oy.

— DL happenings:

Milwaukee put P Brent Suter (shoulder) on DL

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Monday’s Den: Notes on NFC teams…….

Random notes on NFC teams:

Arizona— Carson Palmer turns 38 on Dec 27; only 27 NFL QB’s have thrown 200+ passes at age 38 or older— 13 of those 17 are or will be in the Hall of Fame. Arizona had the oldest offense in the NFL last year; their time to win a Super Bowl is this year, or else. Over is 13-3 in Arizona road games the last two years; since 2014, under is 14-9-1 in Cardinal home games.

Atlanta— Blew a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl, fired their DC, lost their OC, have a new stadium this year. Falcons scored 58 TD’s last year, punted 48 times with only 11 turnovers— they were only the third team since 1996 to score a TD on more than 33.3% of their drives. Now what? Underdogs are 13-3 vs spread in Falcon home games, since Quinn has been coach.

Carolina— How is Cam Newton’s shoulder? That is Question #1. Panthers were -2 in turnovers LY (6-10), after being +20/+3/+11 the three years before that (15-1/7-8-1/12-4). Over last four years, Carolina is 4-10-1 vs spread as a road favorite- their front office had in-fighting this winter— the GM got fired— will that affect the players?

Chicago— QB Mike Glennon played QB at NC State after Russell Wilson bolted for Wisconsin; then he went 5-13 over two years as a starter in Tampa Bay before they drafted Jameis Winston. He’s thrown 11 passes the last two years, is now renting the Bears’ #1 job until they decide that #1 pick Mitch Trubisky is ready to be the starter. Awkward situation.

Dallas— Dak Prescott makes $540K this year, $630K next year, which bails Dallas out of a lot of its salary cap quandries. Cowboys ran the ball 59.4% of time on 1st down LY, averaged 5.1 yds/rush on those runs, and averaged 8.9 yds/pass on play action passes. As a result, Cowboys faced 3rd-lowest number of 3rd downs in NFL. Will Prescott fight the sophomore jinx this year?

Detroit— As a Ram fan, I was frustrated by how bad OT Greg Robinson was for the Rams the last few years; now he is a Lion and is the LT, protecting Matthew Stafford’s blind side. Detroit’s backup QB’s are Jake Rudock/Brad Kaaya. Lions have lost nine playoff games in a row- their last playoff win was in 1991. If Detroit makes the playoffs this year, I’ll be very surprised.

Green Bay— Since 1992, Packers have had Favre/Rodgers at QB, two first-ballot Hall of Famers. They won Super Bowl in ’96 and ’10, lost in ’97- should they be winning more than they have? Pack made playoffs last 7 years and 14 of last 20 years, but are just 13-13 in playoff games since Favre won his Super Bowl. Last three years, Green Bay is 14-7-2 vs spread as a home favorite.

LA Rams— 31-year old Sean McVay was hired to develop Jared Goff as a QB, but before that, they have to put together an offensive line that can protect him. 35-year old Andrew Whitwroth was brought in from Cincinnati to play LT and fortify the line. Rams were 4-5 LY, led Miami 10-0 with 5:00 to go in Goff’s debut in Game #10— had they won that game, Jeff Fisher would likely still be the Rams’ coach.

Minnesota— Vikings went 8-8 with a +11 turnover ratio; no bueno; they had 54 third-and-1’s last year, converted 11-15 (73.3%) times when they threw the ball, 25-39 (64.1%) when they ran it. Sam Bradford is 32-45-1 as an NFL starter, 14-15 since leaving the Rams. Minnesota hasn’t won a playoff game since 2009; since ’05, they’re 1-4 in playoff games. Vikings have had eight #1 QB’s over the last 12 years. Bridgewater’s knee injury last summer was incredibly bad luck.

NJ Giants— Giants have had one #1 QB since 2005; Eli Manning has played all 192 games, and that is his greatest strength— he shows up to work every week. Giants won Super Bowl after 2007/2011 seasons, going 4-0 in playoffs both years; other than those two years, since 2001, Big Blue is 0-5 in playoff games. Have been in playoffs twice in last eight years, are 1-5 in Week 1 the last six years- they open vs Dallas this year for 5th time in last six years.

New Orleans— Does signing Adrian Peterson mean Saints will run ball more to protect a poor defense and a 38-year old QB? NO scored 400+ points the last six years, but made playoffs only once in last five years, going 7-9 in other four. Last three years, Saints are 5-13-1 vs spread as a home favorite, 5-0 as home dogs- they’re 3-8 in last 11 tries as a road favorite. Over is 16-8 in Superdome games the last three years; over is 13-11 in NO road games during that time.

Philadelphia— Eagles missed playoffs five of last six years; their last playoff win was in 2008, but they had to be happy with rookie QB Wentz LY. This will be first time since 2012 that Iggles had same #1 QB as year before (Michael Vick). Philly was 4-1 vs spread as a home underdog LY, after being 1-10 in that role from 2007-15. Eagles were favored in only two of their eight home games LY; the last five years, they’re 5-9-1 vs spread in home games vs divisional rivals.

San Francisco— Four head coaches in four years is never good; they’re 7-25 since Jim Harbaugh took his act to Ann Arbor. Over last five years, 49ers have averaged 3.96 starts per draft pick, which is poor, so John Lynch runs franchise now; smart guy, but he’s never done this before. As of June 3, 51 of 90 players on roster were acquired since Lynch took over- they let 27 of 31 free agents walk. Kyle Shanahan is the new coach, after helping Falcons win NFC title last season.

Seattle— Seahawks are 56-23-1 the last five years; they’ve won at least one playoff game in 8 of last 10 seasons, but throwing that INT on goal line at end of Super Bowl will haunt them until they win another Super Bowl. Russell Wilson is 8-4 in playoff games; he was a 3rd-round pick, just like Joe Montana, who was 16-7 in playoff games. Seattle is 6-10 vs spread as a road favorite the last three years; under Carroll, they’re 26-11 vs spread as a home favorite.

Tampa Bay— Bucs haven’t made playoffs since 2007; their last playoff win was the Super Bowl 15 years ago- they were 9-7 LY, their first winning season since ’10. Adding DeSean Jackson will give Jameis Winston another explosive option; listening to the first episode of Hard Knocks, this is a confident team that expects to make the playoffs, but they’ll need to play better at home. Last three years, Tampa Bay is 8-16 vs spread at home, 2-6 in divisional home games.

Washington— Sean McVay is in LA; they fired their DC, so two new coordinators this season for Jay Gruden, who goes back to calling plays. Skins were 17-14-1 the last two years; since 2006, they are 0-3 in playoff games. Last time Washington was a playoff game, Joe Gibbs was coach. Gruden is 4-8 vs spread as a home favorite; last two years, Washington is 9-4 vs spread coming off a loss. Last five years, over is 25-14-1 in Redskin road games.

[StarDust Bum]

MLB notebook: Nationals OF Harper out indefinitely
August 13, 2017

The news is not as bad as it looked initially for Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper after he was injured in the bottom of the first inning Saturday night against the San Francisco Giants.

The right fielder and 2015 National League MVP has a bone bruise in his left knee but no ligament damage, general manager Mike Rizzo said at Nationals Park on Sunday morning. Harper is out indefinitely, but the Nationals hope he can return at some point this season.

Harper collapsed in a heap after he went flying through the air when his spike slipped on a wet first base bag while trying to beat out a groundball.

Harper was placed on the 10-day disabled list, and outfielder Michael A. Taylor was recalled from his minor league rehab assignment with the Double-A Harrisburg. Taylor had been sidelined due to a right oblique strain.

--The San Diego Padres extended the contract of manager Andy Green for three years through the 2021 season.

Green, 40, is finishing his second year at the helm.

The Padres, made up of mostly young players, are 51-65 this season and 119-159 during Green's tenure.

--Giancarlo Stanton hit his 42nd home run of the season, tying a Marlins franchise record, and his 250th career homer during Miami's 5-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Stanton, who leads the majors in homers, now shares the Marlins' single-season record with Gary Sheffield, who set the mark in 1996.

Stanton moved ahead of Mickey Mantle into 16th place in major league history for the most homers in a player's first eight years.

--The Los Angeles Dodgers reinstated right-hander Chris Hatcher from the 10-day disabled list after he missed 42 games due to a thoracic inflammation.

Hatcher, 32, was sidelined since late June. He last pitched on Wednesday in a rehab appearance for Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing just one hit and striking out one in an inning of relief.

Hatcher is 0-1 with a 4.66 ERA over 36 2/3 innings in 26 relief appearances for the Dodgers, with 43 strikeouts against 12 walks.

In a corresponding move, the Dodgers optioned catcher/infielder Kyle Farmer to Triple-A.

[StarDust Bum]

LEADING OFF: Bettis back from chemotherapy, Strasburg rehab
August 13, 2017

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

WELCOME BACK

Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis will complete his comeback from chemotherapy for testicular cancer when he starts at Coors Field against Atlanta.

The 28-year-old Bettis finished his last round of treatment in May, two months after doctors discovered his testicular cancer had spread. He had surgery in November to remove the cancer, but it returned and he was forced to leave the team in March for chemotherapy.

The game will be Bettis' first in the majors since Sept. 30. He went 14-8 for Colorado last year.

ON THE MEND

Washington ace Stephen Strasburg begins his rehabilitation assignment when he starts for Class A Potomac in the Carolina League. He's been on the disabled list since late July with right elbow nerve impingement. The All-Star is 10-3 in 20 starts for the NL East leaders.

FAMILIAR FOES

In another potential playoff preview, the Red Sox host the Indians to make up an Aug. 2 rainout. Cleveland swept Boston 3-0 during last year's postseason, and the teams are currently on track to meet again in an AL Division Series this October. They've already squared off in the playoffs five times since 1999 - and the ties between these organizations run deep. Indians skipper Terry Francona guided Boston to two World Series titles (2004, 2007). Whenever he faces the Red Sox these days, he manages against one of his closest friends, John Farrell.

Boston has won the first two of seven regular-season matchups between the clubs, including one of the wildest and most exciting games of the year in their most recent meeting Aug. 1. This time, Trevor Bauer (10-8, 4.79 ERA) pitches for the Indians against Doug Fister (2-5, 5.03), who took a shutout into the eighth inning and beat Cleveland 6-2 at Fenway Park for his first win of the season July 31.

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

This year's edition of the Subway Series begins with the first of two games at Yankee Stadium, followed by a pair at Citi Field. And even though the depleted Mets (53-62) have been selling off veterans since falling out of the pennant race, there's this bit of drama as a backdrop: Executives on both sides have been sniping at each other in the New York media about recent trade talks between the teams. ''I think there will be a ton of excitement in both stadiums,'' Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. ''Obviously, they're really important games for us. And I'm sure the Mets consider them really important for them, too, as it's part of the rivalry.''

Girardi said his staff has talked about ex-Mets farmhand Luis Cessa (0-3) ''probably'' being recalled from the minors to start the opener in place of injured pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. Rafael Montero (1-8) gets the ball for the Mets.

O-DUBEL PLAY

Odubel Herrera has gotten as much notice for his bat flipping and baserunning blunders as he has for the 16-game hit streak he takes when Philadelphia plays at San Diego.

Herrera was involved in a bizarre play in Sunday's home loss to the Mets when he mistakenly ran into a double play. He was booed the rest of his at-bats and fans yelled at him that he should go back to the minors.

[StarDust Bum]

August Best Bets Based on 5 Units Per Play

Best Bets

Date.........................Ats.................. ..........Totals................ Units Record

08/13/2017................1 - 5.........- 4.35.................6 - 4 - 2...................+ 1.60
08/12/2017................2 - 3.........- 0.45.................6 - 3 - 0...................+ 2.70
08/11/2017................4 - 3.....,...+5.70.................6 - 5 - 1...................+ 0.50
08/10/2017................4 - 2........+ 3.53.................4 - 7 - 0....................- 3.70
08/09/2017................5 - 5........+ 3.10.................2 - 2 - 0....................- 0.20
08/08/2017................4 - 4........+ 1.30.................6 - 7 - 2....................- 1.70
08/07/2017................1 - 3.........- 1.95.................3 - 1 - 2...................+ 1.90
08/06/2017................3 - 7.........- 3.15.................4 - 3 - 1...................+ 0.70
08/05/2017................5 - 5........+ 1.40...............10 - 2 - 1...................+ 7.80
08/04/2017................4 - 3........+ 1.70.................5 - 5 - 0....................- 0.50
08/03/2017................4 - 4........+ 1.10.................4 - 2 - 1....................+1.80
08/02/2017................2 - 0........+ 2.90.................5 - 6 - 1......................-1.60
08/01/2017................0 - 1.........- 1.00.................1 - 7 - 1......................-6.60

Totals:...................39 - 45........+ 9.83..............62 - 51 - 11...................+ 3.70

[StarDust Bum]

After withstanding Trout's injury, Angels on a run
August 14, 2017

When Mike Trout went on the disabled list May 29 with a torn ligament in his left thumb, the Los Angeles Angels were 26-27 and seemingly in a lot of trouble.

When he came back after the All-Star break, they were 45-47 - and had avoided a crisis.

Now Los Angeles has won six games in a row, and if the season ended now, the Angels would be the American League's second wild card. That's partly because the bar is low - it doesn't take much to contend for a wild card in the AL these days - but Los Angeles is above .500 now, and if Trout's team does manage to make the postseason, that 39-game stretch when the Angels treaded water without their franchise player will have been crucial.

''The first half we had a lot of gaps in our game. Our offense was trying to get together,'' manager Mike Scioscia said. ''Our bullpen has been pretty consistent all year.''

Sometimes, all it takes is one impressive run to put a team in postseason contention. The St. Louis Cardinals have scuffled for much of the season, but they find themselves only one game behind the first-place Cubs in the NL Central, thanks to an eight-game winning streak that ended Sunday.

The Angels (61-58) and Cardinals (61-57) have similar records, and the question is whether this week was a fleeting high point for those teams or a sign that they'll be heard from down the stretch. Since Trout came back, Los Angeles is 16-11. The 26-year-old outfielder is having another tremendous season, despite all the missed games. He's hitting .341 with 23 home runs, 55 RBIs and an OPS of 1.158.

Scioscia has credited his team's defense, and the Angels have a brilliant shortstop in Andrelton Simmons. Yusmeiro Petit and Blake Parker have pitched well in relief. So did David Hernandez, but he was traded to Arizona just before the July 31 deadline.

When Hernandez was dealt, the Angels were four games under .500 and 5 + games out of the nearest playoff spot. Two weeks later, their outlook has certainly changed.

Some other developments from around baseball:

REBUILDING

It has been a slow start with the bat for Yoan Moncada, an infield prospect the White Sox received when they sent Chris Sale to Boston in the offseason. The 22-year-old Moncada is hitting .205 in 22 games with Chicago this year.

Thursday night was more encouraging, however. Moncada hit a tying homer in the ninth inning and drove in the winning run with an 11th-inning single in a victory over Houston. The White Sox, who have the worst record in the AL, swept three straight games from the team with the best.

HIGHLIGHT

Adam Engel, another young Chicago player, made a leaping catch at the fence to take a home run away from Houston's Brian McCann on Tuesday night. A fan with a glove was reaching over for the ball, only to have it snatched away by Engel in spectacular fashion.

LINES OF THE WEEK

Two top contenders for the AL Cy Young Award added to their resumes Tuesday night. Sale allowed two hits and struck out 13 in eight innings, leading Boston to a 2-0 win over Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, Cleveland's Corey Kluber pitched a three-hitter, striking out 11 in a 4-1 victory over Colorado.

If the season ended now, the Red Sox and Indians would face each other in an AL Division Series.

[StarDust Bum]

Diamond Trends - Monday
August 14, 2017

TOP SU TREND:

-- The Orioles are 10-0 since Sep 24, 2012 with no rest in the first game of a series vs a team that has lost at least their last four games.

TOP OU TREND:

-- The Athletics are 10-0 OU (4.10 ppg) since Jul 21, 2016 with no rest in the first game of a series vs a team that has won at least their last two games.

TOP STARTER TREND:

-- The Braves are 12-0 RUN LINE ON since May 18, 2016 when Julio Teheran starts as a dog after they used 5+ pitchers yesterday.

TOP CHOICE TREND:

-- The Mariners are 10-0 since Jun 30, 2016 at home with no rest in the first game of a series after they scored in at most two separate innings.

[StarDust Bum]

Monday's Diamond Notes
August 14, 2017

Hottest team: Indians (3-0 past three games, 15-7 past 22 overall)

The Indians hit the road for Fenway Park to battle the Red Sox. It's a make-up game for a rainout back on Aug. 2. That's when the Red Sox kicked off a streak of 11 victories over 12 games, ncluding a pair of wins against the Indians. Cleveland got well in St. Petersburg, sweeping the Rays under the dome to open a 4 1/2-game lead over the Twins, and a five-game lead on the Royals. The Tribe look to Trevor Bauer to keep up his recent good work. He is 3-0 with just six runs allowed and 28 strikeouts across 27 innings over his past four outings. He'll be opposed by Doug Fister, who shut down the Indians on July 31, allowing just two runs and five hits across 7 2/3 innings. He is 6-4 with a 3.07 ERA across 17 career outings against Cleveland.

Coldest team: Rockies (1-5 past six games, 7-10 past 17 overall)

The Rockies have been three games under .500 over their past 17 outings, and that simply won't do when trying to keep the red-hot Dodgers within shouting distance. L.A. has opened up an 18-game lead in the National League West Division, all but sealing things up in mid-August. The Rockies didn't care for their trip to sea level, suffering a three-game sweep at the hands of the Marlins in South Florida. They'll turn to Chad Bettis to get back on track, and they will be facing an equally icy Braves team. Atlanta has won just once over the past six games, and once in their past eight road games. Colorado is still 20-8 over their past 28 at home, and an impressive 10-1 in Bettis' past 11 against the NL East and 13-1 over his past 14 at home against a team with a losing record.

Hottest pitcher: Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks (13-5, 3.14 ERA)

Greinke gets a crack at the Astros in Monday's interleague series opener, and he looks to add to his already impressive numbers at home. The All-Star is 10-1 with a 2.52 ERA with 103 strikeouts over 85 2/3 innings across 13 home outings and the opposition is hitting just .190 against him at Chase Field as opposed to a .264 average against him on the road in 10 outings. He gets the Astros perhaps at their lowest point of the season, having won just once over the past six outings. The Diamondbacks haven't been that hot themselves, going 1-4 over the past five outings. However, they're 13-4 over Greinke's past 17 outings, and 6-1 in his past seven interleague showings.

Coldest pitcher: Jose Quintana, Cubs (6-10, 4.42 ERA)

The Cubs traded for the southpaw Quintana in early July, and early returns were good. He won his first two starts on the north side. However, he is 0-2 over his past three outings, posting a 5.82 ERA. That's not exactly what the Cubs were banking on when they added him for the stretch run. If Q has anything going for him, it is a matchup against youngster Asher Wojciechowski, as well as facing a Reds team which has been lost against the Cubs. Cincinnati has won just 14 of the past 51 meetings against the defending champs, including a dismal 7-20 showing over their past 27 trips to Wrigley Field.

Biggest UNDER run: Rockies (5-1 past six overall)

When thinking about the 'under' Colorado is usually the furthest team from casual bettors' minds. But the under has cashed in five of Colorado's past six outings, and the under is 5-2 in their past seven against National League East foes. In addition, the under has hit in six straight for Bettis against a team with a losing overall mark. The under is also 4-1 in their past five tries against a right-handed starter while going 19-7-2 over the past 28 following a loss.The under has also hit in four straight at home for Bettis, and seven of his past eight starts overall.

Biggest OVER run: Royals (7-1-1 past eight overall)

The 'over' hit again for Kansas City on Sunday, and the total is now a very impressive 7-1-1 over the past nine outings. That includes a 6-1-1 mark over the past eight outings against a right-handed starting pitcher, and 3-1-1 in their past five road contests. For Jake Junis, the over is 3-0-1 in his past four road assignments while going 5-1-1 over the past seven outings overall. The over has been a frequent occurence when these teams hook up on the diamond, too, hitting in five of the past seven meetings in the series. On a side note, Kansas City has won just once over the past nine against the A's.

Matchup to watch: Padres vs. Phillies

The Padres have had a losing record for a majority of the season but that hasn't diminished their fighting spirit. They played the Dodgers very tough over the weekend and they aren't laying down for anyone. San Diego has won just once over the past five overall, but they're 5-2 over their past seven at home and an impressive 7-2 over their past nine at Petco Park against teams with a road winning percentage under .400. They're picking off the weaker teams and building a little confidence heading into 2018. The Phillies have won just 20 of their past 70 road outings, and they're 6-14 over Jerad Eickhoff's past 20 starts. However, Philadelphia had had the number of San Diego lately, going 25-8 over the past 33 trips to Petco Park while posting a 40-16 mark over the past 56 overall.

Betcha didn’t know: The Tigers and Rangers were expected to contend for a playoff spot, but instead they're a dismal 15 games under .500 combined, simply playing out the string. All-Star Michael Fulmer returns from the 10-day disabled list after a two-week recovery from ulnar neuritis, and if he is to be successful he'll need to avoid veteran Mike Napoli. He has partied to the tune of a .500 average (4-for-8) with two home runs against Fulmer in their brief encounters. On the flip side, southpaw Martin Perez has posted a dismal 0-2 record and 7.27 ERA over three starts and a relief appearance against Detroit.

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

Biggest public underdog: Royals (+115) at Athletics

Biggest line move: Giants (+150 to +130) at Marlins

[StarDust Bum]

Astros add Clippard in trade with White Sox
August 14, 2017

Tyler Clippard, traded out of a pennant race last month, is headed to a contender.

The Houston Astros acquired the right-handed reliever from the Chicago White Sox on Sunday night in exchange for a player to be named or cash considerations.

The White Sox had picked up Clippard from the New York Yankees as part of a seven-player deal on July 18.

Clippard, 32, is 2-6 with three saves and a 4.27 ERA in 51 combined appearances this season between the Yankees and the White Sox.

Since the All-Star break, Clippard has a 1.50 ERA in 13 appearances.

He is a free agent at the end of this season, and he is owed approximately $1.2 million for the rest of the season.

The Astros need help in their bullpen, as their relievers came into Sunday ranked last in the American League since the All-Star break in ERA, at 5.45.

In his 11 major league seasons, Clippard has a 48-41 record with a 3.04 ERA, 59 saves and 738 strikeouts in 609 career appearances, including eight starts.

The Astros will make a corresponding roster move on Monday, when Clippard is expected to join the team for the series opener at Arizona.

To fill their vacant roster spot, the White Sox will make a corresponding move prior to their Tuesday game against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

[StarDust Bum]

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

GAME TIME(ET) PICK UNITS

CLE at BOS 06:10 PM

O 10.0

NYM at NYY 07:05 PM

NYM +160

O 10.0

TB at TOR 07:07 PM

U 10.0

SF at MIA 07:10 PM

SF +125

U 8.5

CIN at CHC 08:05 PM

CIN +175

O 9.0

DET at TEX 08:05 PM

U 11.0

ATL at COL 08:40 PM

ATL +115

O 12.0

HOU at ARI 09:40 PM

HOU +130

U 9.0

KC at OAK 10:05 PM

KC +105

O 9.0

BAL at SEA 10:10 PM

U 9.0

PHI at SD 10:10 PM

PHI +100

U 8.5

[StarDust Bum]

MLB roundup: Stanton sets Marlins record with 43rd HR in win
August 14, 2017

MIAMI -- Giancarlo Stanton broke the Marlins' season-single homer record and knocked in three runs, leading Miami to an 8-3 win over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night at Marlins Park.

Facing Ty Blach (8-8), Stanton lined a 2-0 pitch over the left field fence in the first inning for his 43rd homer, breaking Gary Sheffield's season record that stood for 21 years. Stanton has hit 10 homers in his past 11 games and 22 in his past 34 games, putting him on pace for 60 this year.

It was the fifth straight game in which Stanton homered, setting another club record. The Marlins earned their fourth consecutive win.

Rockies 3, Braves 0

DENVER -- Chad Bettis made a dazzling return, pitching seven scoreless innings in his comeback from cancer, helping Colorado beat Atlanta.

Bettis was not involved in the decision, but his storybook start paved the way the Rockies. Colorado scored its runs in the eighth inning, the first on a single by Gerardo Parra and the final two on a single by Carlos Gonzalez.

Bettis was diagnosed with testicular cancer and underwent surgery in late November. In March, Bettis learned the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, forcing him to undergo nine weeks of chemotherapy. On Monday, he allowed six hits with no walks and two strikeouts and got 13 outs on ground balls.

Indians 7, Red Sox 3

BOSTON -- Edwin Encarnacion crushed a pair of two-run homers as Cleveland beat Boston at Fenway Park.

Rookie Rafael Devers hit two homers for the Red Sox, giving him five in 16 games since making his major league debut on July 25.

Trevor Bauer (11-8) struck out 11 in 6 2/3 innings. He gave up three runs (all on solo homers), seven hits and two walks. Tyler Olson, Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith combined for 2 1/3 scoreless innings to close out the win.

Yankees 4, Mets 2

NEW YORK -- Aaron Hicks led off the eighth inning with a go-ahead homer, lifting the Yankees past the Mets at Yankee Stadium.

Hicks hit a 1-1 fastball from Hansel Robles (7-4) into the right field seats. It was his career-high 12th homer. Gary Sanchez added insurance in the inning with a homer into the right field seats. Aaron Judge hit his first homer in two weeks in the sixth inning.

Curtis Granderson and Yoenis Cespedes homered for the Mets.

Blue Jays 2, Rays 1

TORONTO -- Josh Donaldson hit a two-run homer, Nick Tepesch pitched into the seventh inning for his first win in nearly three years, and Toronto defeated Tampa Bay.

Tepesch (1-2) last won in the majors on Sept. 16, 2014, when he was with Texas. He allowed four hits, three walks and one run in six-plus innings. Roberto Osuna threw a perfect 1 1/3 innings for his 30th save of the season.

Wilson Ramos homered for the Rays.

Rangers 6, Tigers 2

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas used RBIs from six different hitters to beat Detroit.

Delino DeShields' safety squeeze brought in Rougned Odor with the go-ahead run in the second inning. Nomar Mazara, Adrian Beltre, Drew Robinson and Robinson Chrinos also drove in runs, as did Joey Gallo, who belted his 33rd homer, a solo shot in the third inning. The homer was Gallo's 12th since the All-Star break, tops in the American League.

Odor led Texas' 11-hit attack by going 3-for-4 with two stolen bases and three runs. Mazara also had three hits. The Rangers have won four of their last five games.