The Bum's MLB April's News-Notes-Trends & Best Bets !!

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MLB

Thursday, April 25

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Left-handed pitching sapping these MLB power bats
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Left-handed pitching is always tough to trump, especially if you’re one of the four teams listed below.

These clubs have plenty of power in their lineups but lose that pop when facing southpaws this season. Some have been solid fades against lefties while others are providing added value on the under when stepping into the box against left-handers.

New York Yankees (.119 BA vs. LHP – 27th)

The Bronx Bombers have simply bombed against left-handers early in the season. New York ranks ninth in offense and hits an MLB-best .289 off righties, heading into Thursday’s game against Toronto (and LHP Mark Buehrle).

The Yankees are 4-3 vs. LH starters, winning +1.02 units, while posting a 1-5-1 over/under record in those games. The issues versus southpaws have Yankees bettors begging for the return of Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira, who hit left-handers especially well.

Arizona Diamondbacks (.119 BA vs. LHP – 28th)

Arizona is in the mix in the National League West thanks to great two-way baseball. The Diamondbacks rank eighth in team ERA (3.43) and 10th in runs per game, averaging 4.62 runs on .251 hitting. The offensive production takes a serious dip versus lefties.

The D-backs have totaled just 20 of their overall 97 runs off left-handed hurlers (20.6 percent) which has led to a dismal 3-8 record against LH starters, costing Arizona bettors -2.51 units. It’s also proved profitable for under bettors, with the club going 2-6 over/under when taking on a southpaw starter.

Boston Red Sox (.215 BA vs. LHP – 24th)

The Red Sox have been a pleasant surprise for Beantown bettors this April, leading the American League East and pulling in +5.85 units heading into Thursday. Boston is seventh in offense, knocking in 4.76 runs per game, and hits .267 off right-handed pitchers. That’s help build a 12-9 over/under mark on the year.

Despite their woes versus LHP, the BoSox haven’t taken that much of a step back against southpaw starters. They’re 4-2 against lefties and have won 1.37 units in those games. Perhaps the biggest difference has been the over/under count. Boston is 2-4 over/under when facing a LH starter.

Philadelphia Phillies (.210 BA vs. LHP – 26th)

For all the potential power in the lineup, the Phillies have flopped no matter which hand the pitch is coming from. Philadelphia is averaging only 3.45 runs per game on .250 hitting, which has the club dragging its feet for a 9-13 record out of the gate.

Philly backers are more than six units in the hole heading into Thursday’s schedule and nearly half of those losses have come against left-handed starters. The Phillies are just 1-3 versus LH starters, blowing -2.56 units in the process. Funny enough, the over has been the better wager in those games, going 3-1 over/under.

Note: These four clubs have a combined 8-16-1 over/under record vs. left-handed starting pitchers heading into Thursday.

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, April 25

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Cincinnati - 7:05 PM ET Cincinnati +125 500 POD # 1
Washington - Over 7.5 500

Toronto - 7:05 PM ET NY Yankees -139 500
NY Yankees - Under 8 500

Chi. Cubs - 7:10 PM ET Miami +104 500
Miami - Over 7.5 500

Tampa Bay - 8:10 PM ET Tampa Bay +119 500 POD # 3
Chi. White Sox - Under 7 500 POD # 4

Texas - 8:10 PM ET Minnesota -104 500
Minnesota - Under 8.5 500

Colorado - 9:40 PM ET Colorado +117 500 POD # 2
Arizona - Over 9 500

Baltimore - 10:05 PM ET Baltimore +115 500 POD # 5
Oakland - Under 8 500

LA Angels - 10:10 PM ET Seattle +115 500 POD # 6
Seattle - Under 7.5 500

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Good Luck !!

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NHL

Thursday, April 25

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Around the rink: Thursday's NHL betting notes
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New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers (-116, 6)

Probable starting goaltenders: Kevin Poulin (NYI), Ilya Bryzgalov (PHI)

The Islanders are 8-0-3 in April and have lost only once in regulation in their last 15 games (11-1-3) to move within one point of fifth-place Toronto. The Flyers have already been eliminated from playoff contention but appear intent on finishing strong, winning four of their last five games and scoring 21 goals in the four victories. The over is 4-0 in the Islanders’ last four overall.

Ottawa Senators at Washington Capitals (-118, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Craig Anderson (OTT), Michal Neuvirth (WSH)

Washington has won its last six contests at the Verizon Center, including a 5-3 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday to clinch its fifth division title in six seasons and ensure home-ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Washington is 10-1-0 in April and 14-2-1 since March 21. Ottawa has been held to two goals or fewer in all of its losses in April and has not scored more than three since March 23. The Senators can clinch a playoff spot with a win and will get a boost from the return of reigning Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson (Achilles). The under is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

New York Rangers at Carolina Hurricanes (+142, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Henrik Lundqvist (NYR), Dan Ellis (CAR)

The eighth-place Rangers, who hold a one-point lead over Winnipeg, are vying for a season sweep of the Hurricanes. New York has won seven straight over Carolina - including a 2-1 home triumph on March 18 and a 4-1 road victory on April 6. The Rangers can clinch a playoff berth with a win or a regulation loss by Winnipeg.

Pittsburgh Penguins at New Jersey Devils (+111, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Marc-Andre Fleury (PIT), Johan Hedberg (NJ)

New Jersey posted a pair of 3-1 victories to claim a home-and-home set from the Pittsburgh on Feb. 9-10. Penguins G Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to play in the team's final two games before the playoffs. Fleury is just 15-19-4 lifetime versus New Jersey. The Devils are 12-3 in their last 15 Thursday games.

Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers (+140, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Ben Scrivens (TOR), Jacob Markstrom (FLA)

The Maple Leafs may have clinched their first playoff berth since 2004 in a victory last Saturday, but that is the only win in their last four games. Toronto owns a 3-0 road victory over Florida on Feb. 18. The Maple Leafs, who also defeated Florida 3-2 at home on March 26, look for their first sweep of the Panthers since the 2005-06 season. The Maple Leafs are 1-5 in the last six meetings in Florida.

Nashville Predators at Detroit Red Wings (-215, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Chris Mason (NSH), Jimmy Howard (DET)

The Predators had playoff aspirations a few weeks ago but have gone 1-7-1 over the last nine games to fall off the pace. Detroit is trying to avoid missing the playoffs for the first time since 1990 and has picked up back-to-back wins to move one point above Columbus for the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. The under is 7-0-2 in Detroit's last nine games.

Tampa Bay Lightning at Boston Bruins (-222, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Anders Lindback (TB), Tuukka Rask (BOS)

Boston has managed only 12 goals the last six games, losing to three teams that will not be in the playoffs. The Bruins, who have a game in hand, are even in points with Montreal for first place in the Northeast Division. The under is 3-0-1 in Boston’s last four home games.

Montreal Canadiens at Winnipeg Jets (+104, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Carey Price (MTL), Ondrej Pavelec (WPG)

The Jets sit one point behind a pair of teams for a playoff spot heading into Thursday's pivotal game against the visiting Montreal Canadiens. While Montreal has punched its ticket to the playoffs, it certainly hasn't resembled a top-tier team lately. The Canadiens dropped a 3-2 decision to New Jersey on Tuesday for their fifth loss in six games. Montreal remains even in points with Original Six-rival Boston atop the Northeast Division, but the Bruins have a game in hand. The Habs have taken the last four meetings.

Calgary Flames at St. Louis Blues (-210, 5.5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Joey MacDonald (CGY), Brian Elliott (STL)

The Blues, who enter Thursday's home matchup with the Calgary Flames in sixth place in the Western Conference, trail Los Angeles and San Jose by one point with a game in hand. St. Louis posted a 3-1 triumph over Colorado on Tuesday to improve to 10-3-0 in April. The under is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

Columbus Blue Jackets at Dallas Stars (-125, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ), Kari Lehtonen (DAL)

Columbus has won six of seven and nine of 12, led by Vezina Trophy candidate Sergei Bobrovsky and an opportunistic offense. The Blue Jackets stand one point behind eighth-place Detroit in the Western Conference. A victory by Columbus would knock Dallas out of playoff contention. After winning five straight, the Stars have gone 1-3-1 - including a 3-2 defeat at San Jose on Tuesday. The road team is 4-1 in the last five meetings.

Anaheim Ducks at Vancouver Canucks (-150, 5)

Probable starting goaltenders: Jonas Hiller (ANA), Roberto Luongo (VAN)

The Ducks and Canucks have not met since splitting two games in January during the first week of the lockout-shortened season. Roberto Luongo will make his 17th start of the season for Vancouver and first since posting a 5-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on April 15. Both teams have locked up their respective divisions and the over is 5-1 in the last six meetings. Ducks C Ryan Getzlaf (rest) and RW Bobby Ryan (illness) won't play.

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NHL
Short Sheet

Thursday, April 25

NY Rangers at Carolina, 7:05 ET
NY Rangers: 21-5 SU off a loss by 1 goal
Carolina: 16-33 SU off a home win

Ottawa at Washington, 7:05 ET TSN
Ottawa: 0-7 SU off 6+ Unders
Washington: 8-0 SU after winning 6 or 7 of their last 8 games

NY Islanders at Philadelphia, 7:05 ET
NY Islanders: 9-4 SU away off a road game
Philadelphia: 4-9 SU at home off a home win by 3+ goals

Toronto at Florida, 7:35 ET
Toronto: 9-3 SU away off a loss by 3+ goals
Florida: 3-12 SU at home with a total of 5.5 goals

Pittsburgh at New Jersey, 7:35 ET NBCSN
Pittsburgh: 9-0 SU away revenging a loss as a favorite
New Jersey: 6-14 SU off an Over

Nashville at Detroit, 7:35 ET
Nashville: 7-0 SU off 4+ games allowing 3+ goals
Detroit: 2-9 SU off BB home games

Montreal at Winnipeg, 8:05 ET RDS
Montreal: 16-6 SU off a road loss by 1 goal
Winnipeg: 3-12 SU after winning 5 or 6 of their last 7 games

Calgary at St. Louis, 8:05 ET
Calgary: 0-10 SU away off a road game scoring and allowing 3+ goals
St. Louis: 18-3 SU at home off a home win

Columbus at Dallas, 8:35 ET
Columbus: 6-2 SU away after winning 2 of their last 3 games
Dallas: 4-13 SU at home off a loss by 1 goal

Anaheim at Vancouver, 10:05 ET NHL
Anaheim: 8-20 SU away with a total of 5 runs or less
Vancouver: 11-1 SU at home off an Under


Write-In Game:

Tampa Bay at Boston, 7:35 ET
Tampa Bay: 1-10 SU away playing with same-season revenge
Boston: 31-9 SU after losing 4 or 5 of their last 6 games
Reply With Quote

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Diamond Trends - Friday

April 26, 2013

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Rangers are 0-10 since May 07, 2009 on the road when they are off a win in which they had at least three times as many hits as runs and it is the first game of a series for a net profit of $1243 when playing against.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Padres are 0-10 OU since May 05, 2006 as a home dog after scoring 3 runs or less and winning as a dog and it is not the last game of a series for a net profit of $1000 when playing the under.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When CJ Wilson starts the Angels are 10-0-1 OU since June 26, 2012 on the road for a net profit of $1000 when playing the over.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Reds are 8-0 (+$928) since April 19, 2012 in the regular season after a 5+ run loss against this team last game.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Cardinals are 10-0 since July 21, 2012 as a 140+ favorite when they are off a win in which they never trailed and it is not the last game of a series for a net profit of $1000.

-- When Jake Peavy starts the White Sox are 1-14 since June 13, 2012 after a quality start for a net profit of $1552 when playing against.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Reds (13-10) at Nationals (11-11)

Game: 2
Venue: Nationals Park
Date: April 26, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


While the Washington Nationals busted out of their slump, the Cincinnati Reds' struggles at the plate continue.

Both teams, however, could have trouble offensively Friday night with the Nationals' Jordan Zimmermann squaring off against the Reds' Homer Bailey in the nation's capital.

After managing four runs during a four-game losing streak, Washington beat Cincinnati 8-1 on Thursday as Denard Span and Danny Espinosa each drove in three runs.

Espinosa and Bryce Harper both homered for the Nationals (11-11), who finished with five extra-base hits - equaling the number they had during the skid. They had 12 hits overall Thursday after batting .169 in the previous six games.

"This is definitely more of what I expect from our team than the last three games," said Espinosa, who had been in a 2-for-18 slump and entered the game batting .155.

All that offense was more than enough for Gio Gonzalez, who went eight innings and allowed one hit - a fourth-inning homer to Joey Votto.

"It's been a long time since we've been shaking hands," said manager Davey Johnson, whose team also snapped a six-game home losing streak. "That's more like what we are - good pitching and timely hitting."

Washington could be up against some strong pitching in a matchup with Bailey (1-1, 3.24 ERA), whose only win this year came against the Nationals. In his season debut April 5, the right-hander allowed two hits over six innings in a 15-0 win.

Other than being knocked around by St. Louis in his second start, Bailey is 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA in his other three outings. He has 18 strikeouts over his last 14 innings, yielding two runs.

Zimmermann's turn in the rotation did not come up in these teams' series earlier this month, and Cincinnati (13-10) probably didn't mind.

Zimmermann (3-1, 2.67) was sharp in his two starts against the Reds last season, going 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA. He has a 0.71 ERA in two career home starts versus Cincinnati.

After throwing 103 pitches in a six-hitter against Miami on April 15, Zimmermann labored against the New York Mets on Sunday, needing 96 pitches to go five in a 2-0 loss. He exited after giving up two runs, two hits and three walks - the same number he issued through his first three starts. He threw a season-high 36 balls.

"I fell behind guys, didn't throw a lot of first-pitch strikes," the righty said. "Without first-pitch strikes, you have to work a little harder."

Zimmermann has limited Jay Bruce to one hit in 11 at_bats, but Votto is 4 for 8 with a homer.

The Reds have been scuffling at the plate, managing four total runs in dropping two of three. They had averaged 5.8 runs in winning seven of their previous eight.

Cleanup hitter Brandon Phillips is hitless in 10 at_bats in the last three games while Bruce is 1 for 10 with five strikeouts.

Shin-Soo Choo was 0 for 3 on Friday but walked in the ninth inning and has reached base safely in his first 22 games this season. The leadoff hitter has scored 18 times and leads the majors with a .523 on-base percentage.

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Preview: Braves (15-6) at Tigers (10-10)

Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: April 26, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Atlanta Braves left-hander Paul Maholm knew his shutout streak would eventually end. Surprisingly, facing the Detroit Tigers could help him put more zeros up on the scoreboard.

Maholm goes for a team-high fourth victory Friday night when the NL East-leading Braves and struggling Tigers meet for the first time in three seasons.

Opening his first full season with Atlanta (15-6), Maholm (3-1, 1.03 ERA) worked 25 1-3 scoreless innings before giving up three runs in the sixth of Saturday's 3-1 loss at Pittsburgh. His shutout streak was the longest by a starter to open a season since Luis Tiant (27 innings) in 1966.

"I never really thought about the streak because I knew I was going to give up some runs at some point,' said Maholm, tied with Mike Minor and reliever Eric O'Flaherty for the team lead in wins.

That wouldn't be the first time an opposing pitcher thought that heading into a start at Comerica Park. The Tigers (10-10) are batting .319 and averaging 6.3 runs at home. However, the defending AL champs are hitting .207 with 14 total runs during a 1-5 skid. Half of those runs crossed in a 7-5 victory over Kansas City on Wednesday when Detroit snapped a four-game skid.

The Tigers had five hits - a season-low at home - in Thursday's 8-3, 10-inning loss to the Royals.

Detroit will now try to avoid falling below .500 for the first time since it way 1-2 as it opens interleague play. It went 11-7 against the NL in 2012, including 6-3 at home.

The Tigers hosted the Braves once before, winning two of three in 2004. Detroit dropped two of three at Turner Field in 2010, but still owns a 9-6 edge in the series.

While there isn't much history between these clubs, scheduled starter Anibal Sanchez (2-1, 1.75) has faced the Braves 17 times, tied for his second-most appearances against any opponent. The veteran right-hander did not enjoy much success in those matchups while with the Marlins, going 4-11 with a 5.42 ERA. He has a 7.92 ERA in losing his last five starts versus Atlanta.

Sanchez hasn't surrendered a homer in 25 2-3 innings after lasting 6 2-3 in last Friday's 8-1 loss at the Los Angeles Angels, but keeping the ball in the park could be a test against an Atlanta team that leads the majors with 35 homers.

Braves slugger Justin Upton, the majors' leader with 11 home runs, is 4 for 13 with a homer off Sanchez and a .333 hitter in nine games against Tigers pitching.

Miguel Cabrera, batting .405 during a nine-game hitting streak, is a .319 hitter against Atlanta. He's 4 for 13 off Maholm.

Teammate Prince Fielder is 7 for 51 (.137) with 15 strikeouts in that matchup.

If Maholm runs into any problems, manager Fredi Gonzalez will have no problem turning to closer Craig Kimbrel, who blew his first save of the season in Wednesday's 6-5, 12-inning loss at Colorado, or a relieving corps that owns a MLB-best 1.60 ERA.

"There will be no residue the next time he goes out there,' Gonzalez said of Kimbrel.

Tigers manager Jim Leyland hopes the same is true with his bullpen after it imploded Thursday. A day after Jose Valverde worked a perfect ninth in his season debut, Bruce Rondon blew a save in his major league debut, Phil Coke walked in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning and Darin Downs surrendered a grand slam to Alex Gordon.

"We would have liked to get (Rondon) an easier spot, but if you are here, you have to pitch, and we were short," said Leyland, who was without Valverde and Al Alburquerque after both pitched the previous night.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (9-14) at Yankees (12-9)

Game: 2
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: April 26, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Even without star Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees appear poised to continue their home success against the Toronto Blue Jays.

After the Yankees relied on the long ball to win the series opener while Jeter watched, they look for a fifth consecutive home victory over the Blue Jays on Friday night.

With the injured Jeter at Yankee Stadium on Thursday for the first time in 2013, New York (12-9) belted three homers en route to a 5-3 win over Toronto. Robinson Cano hit a three-run homer, and ex-Blue Jay Vernon Wells and Francisco Cervelli added solo shots for the Yankees, who have started well despite being without Jeter until probably mid-July with a broken ankle.

"It's tough to not be around the team,' said Jeter, who is expected to remain in New York for the Yankees' 10-game homestand.

Winners in 15 of 18 at home over Toronto, the Yankees have hit eight of their 31 home runs this season while taking three of four from the Blue Jays (9-14).

Cano is batting .353 (12 for 34) with three home runs and six RBIs in the last eight games. He's 17 for 34 while hitting safely in eight straight versus the Blue Jays.

Three of Wells' nine hits in his last 27 at_bats have been home runs - all while going 8 for 19 (.421) versus Toronto.

"(Wells has) got new life going over there,' said Toronto manager John Gibbons, who was ejected in the seventh inning arguing a call Thursday. "He's a very intelligent guy and you know he's motivated.'

Scheduled starters Ivan Nova (1-1, 6.14 ERA) and Josh Johnson (0-1, 6.86) each hope for a better effort than Sunday when they squared off but did not factor in the decision of Toronto's 8-4 win.

Nova allowed four runs, seven hits and walked four in five innings. The right-hander has failed to last more than five innings in three starts.

"He'll throw one pitch down and away and the next pitch will be up and in," catcher Chris Stewart told the Yankees' official website. "You have to be able to repeat what you need to do and if you don't, you're going to get in trouble."

Nova is 3-1 with a 4.24 ERA in seven starts versus Toronto, including 2-0 with a 3.50 ERA in three starts at Yankee Stadium.

Johnson also yielded four runs, plus eight hits in 5 1-3 innings Sunday.

"For the first four innings, everything felt good," Johnson told the Blue Jays' official website. "It seems like it happens a couple of times a year where you just all of a sudden can't find the zone for whatever reason."

The right-hander is 1-0 with a 3.65 ERA in two starts versus New York, but has never pitched in the Bronx.

Edwin Encarnacion and Brett Lawrie each homered Thursday for the Blue Jays, who have scored 11 of their 12 runs over the last three games off seven homers.

Encarnacion has homered in three straight games. His two-run shot Thursday is his lone hit in 25 at_bats in seven games against the Yankees.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (7-15) at Red Sox (15-7)

Game: 2
Venue: Fenway Park
Date: April 26, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


While Ryan Dempster has pitched well in a Boston uniform, he doesn't have much to show for it.

He's always had trouble getting wins against the Houston Astros.

Dempster faces a familiar foe Friday night as the Red Sox continue a four-game set against the slumping Astros at Fenway Park.

Signed to a two-year deal as a free agent this offseason, Dempster (0-2, 3.38 ERA) has limited opponents to a .186 average and is among the AL leaders with 33 strikeouts through four starts. He allowed four runs and six hits over seven innings Sunday in a 4-2 loss to Kansas City.

"I thought he pitched with equal effectiveness, as he has in previous starts this season," manager John Farrell told MLB's official website.

One reason Dempster remains winless is that Boston (15-7) has scored just seven runs in his 24 innings. It's a similar start to last season, when Dempster was 0-3 after his first nine starts as the Cubs provided him 15 runs of support.

After spending the majority of his career in the NL, Dempster has plenty of experience against the Astros, who joined the AL this season. The 35-year-old right-hander is 6-12 with a 4.32 ERA over 51 games - 25 starts - versus Houston, tied for his second-most losses against any opponent.

Dempster, though, would appear to have a favorable matchup this time. Houston has lost six consecutive road games, getting limited to 17 runs and a .217 average after losing Thursday's series opener 7-2.

Carlos Pena is mired in a 1-for-20 slump for the Astros (7-15), who are looking to avoid their worst start through 23 games since 1969.

"It's definitely not fun," manager Bo Porter said.

David Ortiz went 3 for 4 with a homer and two RBIs on Thursday, remaining a difficult out since coming off the disabled list Saturday. He's 11 for 20 with six runs scored and five RBIs in five games after being sidelined with an Achilles problem which caused him to miss most of the second half of last season.

"It's remarkable the timing that he's displayed, particularly after the layoff that he's had," Farrell said. "I think even guys in the dugout are marveling at what he's been able to do, as far as not only contact but driving the baseball."

Boston, which improved to 11-0 when scoring first, went 6 for 12 with runners in scoring position. The Red Sox have gone 39 for 118 (.331) in such situations while winning 10 of 13.

Boston will try to stay hot against Erik Bedard (0-1, 6.17), who has not gone past the fourth inning in any of his three starts. The veteran left-hander pitched four Sunday and threw a season-high 75 pitches, giving up two runs and six hits with eight strikeouts in a 5-4 loss to Cleveland.

"Erik has some injury history and we're going to do everything we can to make sure we monitor his workload and continue to build him up going forward," Porter said.

Bedard, who spent part of the 2011 season with Boston, hasn't faced the Red Sox since 2008. He's 4-1 with a 2.22 ERA over his last seven starts against them.

Bedard has made things difficult on several of Boston's top hitters, including Dustin Pedroia (1 for 14), Mike Napoli (3 for 15) and Ortiz (5 for 24). Napoli and Ortiz, though, have combined for three homers against him.

Red Sox right fielder Shane Victorino is unlikely to be available after sitting out Thursday due to a stiff lower back. Victorino is batting .292 with 12 runs scored.

Boston has won four straight and eight of 10 all-time matchups against Houston, including all four at Fenway.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cubs (7-14) at Marlins (5-17)

Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: April 26, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


The Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins are the only teams that haven't won back-to-back games.

After the Marlins faltered in their attempt to end that drought in the series opener, the Cubs will get their turn Friday night in Miami.

Chicago (7-14) hasn't won consecutive games since Sept. 12-14, but gave itself another chance at stringing two victories together by edging Miami 4-3 Thursday. Luis Valbuena hit a tiebreaking homer in the ninth inning, his third in six games and fourth this season.

Valbuena had four homers in his 90 games with the Cubs last season.

"It was a good win for us, a good comeback," outfielder Nate Schierholtz said. "Valbuena had a big home run in the ninth and our starting pitching has been great. They've been keeping us close in games. We just need to score them a few runs like we did tonight and we'll come out on top."

Despite producing just six hits, the Cubs matched their highest run total on their 10-game road trip in part by going 2 for 6 with runners in scoring position. They're hitting a major league-worst .148 in those situations, and .216 overall with 19 runs while going 2-5 on their trip.

Chicago will try for a fourth straight win over the Marlins (5-17), who have matched their worst start in franchise history. The Cubs will also try to help Scott Feldman (0-3, 4.50 ERA) earn his first victory since Aug. 4, when he was with Texas.

Feldman, a loser in eight straight decisions, has given up 10 combined runs in his past two starts but only three have been earned as the Cubs have committed four errors. The right-hander, though, has made two of those miscues and his throwing error with two outs in the fifth inning Sunday in Milwaukee opened the door for Ryan Braun's three-run homer in a 4-2 defeat.

"We have to keep grinding," Feldman told the team's website. "I think things are going to turn around for us. That one play did turn out to be costly, but I have to take it upon myself to make a better pitch to Braun and we wouldn't be talking about the error."

Feldman will throw opposite another winless pitcher, Wade LeBlanc (0-3, 6.27).

LeBlanc has received four total runs of support in his four starts, but hasn't helped himself by failing to make it past the fourth inning in his last two outings. The left-hander needed 85 pitches to get through four frames in last Saturday's 3-2 loss in 13 innings to Cincinnati.

"It was terrible," LeBlanc told the team's website. "About the only silver lining was I was able to keep us close enough to come back and tie the game."

While Feldman will face the Marlins for the first time, LeBlanc will seek to earn his second win in as many starts against the Cubs. While with San Diego, he allowed two runs over seven innings in a 9-2 victory in 2011.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Phillies (9-14) at Mets (10-10)

Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: April 26, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


With Kyle Kendrick pitching well, the Philadelphia Phillies hope to start turning things around by continuing their recent success against an NL East rival.

Then again, the starting staff hasn't been Philadelphia's problem lately.

The Phillies try to avoid their second four-game losing streak in two weeks and claim their seventh win in eight games against the New York Mets on Friday night at Citi Field.

Philadelphia has lost eight of 11 and dropped the final three of a four-game set against Pittsburgh this week, falling 6-4 on Thursday after blowing a late two-run lead.

The Phillies (9-14), who lost four straight April 15-18, dropped a series at home to the Pirates for the first time since 2003.

"We're just not playing good baseball right now," manager Charlie Manuel said. "We're in a bad term, or whatever you want to call it. We're trying and we have a lot of life, but we're not getting it done."

Manuel's starting pitchers have mostly performed well, giving up no more than two runs in 11 of the past 15 games. This past turn the rotation saw Philadelphia's starters post a 2.78 ERA, including six runs in 21 innings over the past three games.

Those losses saw the bullpen allow seven runs, 10 hits and four walks in six innings. The Phillies offense also continues to provide limited help, producing 2.7 runs per game over the last 13.

Philadelphia has totaled three runs in Kendrick's last two starts, and he didn't receive a decision in either one. Kendrick (1-1, 3.28 ERA) gave up two runs over 13 innings in those games after beating the Mets on April 10 for his lone win, yielding two runs over six innings in a 7-3 victory.

Kendrick is 3-1 with a 2.55 ERA in four starts against them since the start of 2011, and his team also has done quite well against New York lately. The Phillies won the final four meetings last year and took two of three in Philadelphia in the teams' first series this season, posting a 2.57 ERA during that seven-game span.

The Mets (10-10) have alternated wins and losses through six contests of a nine-game homestand and now look to rebound from a 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

While they rank near the top of the majors with 110 runs, the Mets have failed to score more than two in three of the past four and are hitting .207 in their last seven.

The Mets will turn to Dillon Gee (1-3, 5.95) after the right-hander snapped a three-game losing streak Sunday. Gee had been tagged for 12 runs and 17 hits over 7 2-3 innings in his previous two outings, but displayed an effective changeup while allowing three hits in 5 2-3 innings of a 2-0 win over Washington.

"I think he needed it bad. I think it's a great confidence builder for him," manager Terry Collins said.

Gee is 2-2 with a 7.03 ERA in six career starts against the Phillies, and he allowed seven runs and 10 hits over three innings in an 8-3 loss at Philadelphia on April 9.

Ryan Howard, Michael Young and John Mayberry homered off Gee in that victory. Howard, 9 for 23 in his last six games, has three hits - all homers - in nine career at_bats against him. Young (4 for 5) and Jimmy Rollins (7 for 11) also have had success against Gee.

David Wright has dominated Kendrick over the past four-plus seasons, going 9 for 18 with two homers and two doubles.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (10-12) at White Sox (9-12)

Game: 2
Venue: U.S. Cellular Field
Date: April 26, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


The Chicago White Sox are showing signs of life after a rough two-week stretch.

They have to like their chances of keeping things going if Adam Dunn can get hot.

Dunn and the White Sox go for a season-best third consecutive win Friday night as they continue a four-game set against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays.

Chicago (9-12), which had lost four straight and 10 of 13 before beating Cleveland 3-2 on Wednesday, saw its momentum carry over the following night in a 5-2 series-opening victory. The White Sox backed Chris Sale with three runs in the first inning before Dunn added some insurance with a two-run homer in the sixth.

Dunn entered Thursday mired in a 1-for-38 slump and has collected just eight hits in 74 at_bats this season (.108). Half of them, though, have left the yard.

"It's hard to sit here and tell everybody you feel good and the results aren't there, but I do feel good. I have felt good for the most part of the season," said Dunn, who led the team with 41 homers in 2012. "Obviously the results aren't where I want them."

The White Sox improved to 29-12 since the start of last season when Dunn goes deep.

Tampa Bay (10-12), meanwhile, dropped to 2-8 on the road, where it is batting a major league-worst .193. Desmond Jennings, Ryan Roberts and Ben Zobrist - the team's 1-2-3 hitters Thursday - went a combined 0 for 10.

Zobrist is hitting .143 on the road and Roberts .105.

The Rays could have a hard time bouncing back against Jake Peavy (2-1, 3.20 ERA), who is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA over two home starts. The right-hander walked four but was otherwise on his game Saturday in a 2-1, 10-inning loss to Minnesota, allowing one run while striking out nine over seven innings.

"Peavy as advertised. We know he's always tough," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He seems to ad-lib and kind of figure things out as he's going along during a game. He can come from so many angles and throw so many pitches."

Peavy has mixed results over four career starts against the Rays, going 2-1 with a 5.25 ERA. While Evan Longoria and Kelly Johnson are a combined 2 for 19 against Peavy, Zobrist is 4 for 7 with a homer and two doubles.

The Rays counter with Roberto Hernandez (1-3, 4.74). The right-hander had allowed a combined 15 runs in losing his first three starts before surrendering three hits and striking out seven over six innings of one-run ball Sunday in an 8-1 victory over Oakland.

"Good for him, man," manager Joe Maddon said. "I really think that's something for him to build off of. I'm sure the confidence needed a booster, and that's a booster shot right there."

Formerly known as Fausto Carmona, Hernandez's win was his first since beating the White Sox on Sept. 20, 2011, while with Cleveland.

"Wow! A long time," he said.

Hernandez is 9-2 despite a shaky 4.85 ERA over his last 12 starts versus Chicago. Dunn has seven hits in his last 14 at_bats against him with three doubles and a homer, and Konerko is 8 for 22 lifetime with two home runs.

While Sox infielder Jeff Keppinger, who spent last season with Tampa Bay, has three straight two-hit games and is batting .464 against the Rays - by far his highest mark against any opponent.

Tampa Bay's Yunel Escobar is unlikely to be available after sitting out Thursday with a tight right hamstring. The struggling shortstop is hitting .164.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Indians (8-11) at Royals (11-8)

Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: April 26, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Kansas City Royals newcomer Ervin Santana has overcome slow starts in each of his last three outings.

Santana's former teammate, Scott Kazmir, hopes he'll be able to bounce back from a rough season-opening performance for the Cleveland Indians.

He'll get that chance on Friday night against the AL Central-leading Royals, who open a season high-tying 10-game homestand.

Since surrendering four runs in his Royals debut - a 5-2 loss at the Chicago White Sox on April 3 - Santana (2-1, 2.48 ERA) has given up just four runs in 23 innings. All of those were plated in the first inning of his three starts.

"Once he gets settled in, he gets on a nice roll,' manager Ned Yost said after Santana threw seven innings of two-run ball in Sunday's 4-2 win at Boston.

The former Los Angeles Angel has walked just five - none on Sunday - while striking out 26.

"When I don't give any walks, it gives me more opportunity to attack the zone and work more comfortably," Santana told the Royals' official website.

Kazmir (0-0, 16.20) admitted he was "a little jittery" in a 19-6 win at Houston on Saturday when he gave up six runs and eight hits over 3 1-3 innings. It was his first appearance since April 3, 2011, at Kansas City, where he gave up five runs in 1 2-3 innings of a 12-9, 13-inning defeat. The left-hander was put on the disabled list (lower back tightness) less than a week after that outing - his only one of 2011 - then was released two months later.

Kazmir spent last season pitching in the Atlantic League, and his 2013 season debut was pushed back due to an oblique injury.

"Overall, stuff I can take out of this start and bring into my next start is what not to do, I guess," he said.

Indians first baseman Mark Reynolds needs to maintain his approach at the plate. He's hitting .375 (6 for 16) with two homers and a team-best six RBIs on the first five games of the trip.

"Typically, Mark, when he's started out well, those have been his bigger years," manager Terry Francona told the MLB official website of Reynolds, who leads the club with seven homers and 19 RBIs.

Left fielder Alex Gordon could be on his way to one with the Royals (11-8). His batting average has been well above .300 since the first week of the season, and now he's starting to deliver some power, hitting both of his home runs during the last three games.

Gordon's first career grand slam was the big blow in the 10th inning as Kansas City capped off a 4-3 trip with an 8-3 win over Detroit on Thursday.

"I was just trying to make contact," he said.

Gordon hit .333 with three homers - tied with Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer for the team lead - and 11 RBIs off Indians pitching last season. Kansas City won 10 of 18 in this divisional matchup in 2012, including five of nine at Kauffman Stadium.

Cleveland (8-11) ended a five-game skid at Kansas City - and a seven-game slide in the series - with a 15-4 victory in its last game visiting the Royals on Sept. 23.

Santana dropped two of his three starts against the Indians last year to fall to 2-8 with a 4.71 ERA in 14 starts against Cleveland. However, one of those victories was a no-hitter on July 27, 2011, at Progressive Field.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rangers (15-7) at Twins (9-9)

Game: 2
Venue: Target Field
Date: April 26, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


With a rotation churning out impressive outings and a lineup consistently producing hits, the Texas Rangers are in a groove.

They used one rookie starter to shut down the Minnesota Twins in their series opener, and they'll try to do the same with another Friday night in the second of a four-game set at Target Field.

The Rangers (15-7) have won six of seven with Thursday's 2-1 victory, the fifth time in seven contests they've recorded 10 hits or more. Rookie Nick Tepesch turned in the team's fifth quality start over that stretch, in which the starting staff owns a 2.25 ERA.

Tepesch was perfect through four and ended up allowing five hits in 6 2-3 innings, only surrendering a run on Josh Willingham's homer in the seventh. He was also responsible for a rare 0-for-3 night for Joe Mauer, just the fifth time in 18 games the .351 hitter has gone without a hit.

Mauer, Willingham and Justin Morneau went a combined 2 for 11 against the right-hander.

"Their two, three, four hitters are about the best you'll see in Major League Baseball," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Going through them three times, he did a good job."

Texas, which is looking for its 11th win in the last 13 meetings and fifth straight victory in Minneapolis, turns to another rookie when it sends out Justin Grimm (2-0, 2.70 ERA) for his third start as a replacement for the injured Matt Harrison. While both of Grimm's outings came against Seattle, which ranks at the bottom of baseball in most offensive categories, he limited the Mariners to two runs and six hits over six innings in Sunday's 11-3 win.

"He was able to make good pitches at the right time, he kept the ball down and changed speeds and threw the ball the way he is capable," Washington told the team's official website.

Minnesota (9-9), having lost two straight after a five-game winning streak, will counter with left-hander Scott Diamond (1-1, 4.35 ERA).

After allowing four runs in 4 1-3 innings against the New York Mets in his season debut, Diamond yielded two runs and four hits in six innings in a 5-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

"I was just back down in the zone. That was the biggest focus after last game," he said. "I was able to just locate down with most of my stuff."

Diamond will face the unenviable task of trying to slow down Nelson Cruz, who went 2 for 3 with an RBI Thursday.

Cruz is 8 for 18 (.444) with 12 RBIs over his last five games, and also 16 for 42 (.381) with eight doubles over his last 10 against Minnesota.

Cruz didn't record a hit in his only previous at-bat against Diamond, who was ejected early in his lone start against Texas last season for throwing a pitch behind Josh Hamilton's head. The Rangers collected two runs and three hits and two walks in Diamond's 2 1-3 innings.