The Bum's Aug. MLB Best Bets + Pod's !

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Diamond Trends - Tuesday

August 20, 2013

SU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Nationals are 10-0 since June 13, 2010 as a road favorite when they are off a loss in which they had at least three times as many hits as runs and it is not the first game of a series for a net profit of $1000.

OU TREND OF THE DAY:

-- The Padres are 10-0 OU since May 2012 when the total is between 6.5 and 9, following a loss where they allowed between 4 and 6 hits for a profit of $1,000 when playing the over.

PITCHER TREND OF THE DAY:

-- When Phil Hughes starts the Yankees are 10-4 since August 04, 2010 at home after a quality start where he allowed at least two runs for a net profit of $1000.

MLB BIBLE ACTIVE TREND:

-- The Athletics are 16-2(+$1,387) since June 07, 2012 at home after scoring 3 runs or less and winning. 5-2 this season.

ACTIVE TRENDS:

-- The Phillies are 0-10 since May 01, 2004 as a home dog after a win in which they left fewer than 10 men on base for a net profit of $1000 when playing against.

-- The Dodgers are 11-0 since April 30, 2013 after a loss in which they had 6 or fewer hits and it is not the last game of a series for a net profit of $1148.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday's Top Action

August 20, 2013


Rays at Orioles - 7:05 PM EST

Probables: A. Cobb (7-2, 2.94 ERA) vs. M. Gonzalez (8-5, 3.84 ERA)

Series recap: Tampa Bay held off Baltimore, 4-3 in the series opener to cash as $1.30 road favorites. The Rays have now beaten the Orioles in six of the last seven meetings, including four straight victories at Camden Yards.

Current trends: Since losing six straight games, the Rays have rebounded nicely by grabbing wins in five of the last six contests. Tampa Bay improved to 11-3 the last 14 games against division opponents, including a 9-2 mark on the road. The Orioles have lost five of their past seven games, while the 'over' is 6-2 in the last eight contests.

Diamondbacks at Reds - 7:10 PM EST

Probables: P. Corbin (12-3, 2.48 ERA) vs. T. Cingrani (6-2, 2.78 ERA)

Series recap: Cincinnati picked up a 5-3 victory over Arizona, snapping the D-Backs' two-game winning streak. The Reds won their seventh game in their last nine tries, while splitting four meetings this season with Arizona.

Current trends: In spite of last night's loss, the D-Backs own an 8-4 record the last 12 games, while cashing the 'over' in seven of the past 11 contests. The Reds have won six of their last nine games at the Great American Ballpark, while holding opponents to three runs or less in nine of their past 11 games.

White Sox at Royals - 8:10 PM EST

Probables: J. Danks (2-10, 4.54 ERA) vs. E. Santana (8-6, 3.19 ERA)

Previous series recap: Chicago took three of four games at Minnesota, while scoring 18 runs in the three victories. Kansas City dropped three of five games at Detroit, failing to pick up any ground on the Tigers in the AL Central race. The Royals begin tonight's action seven games behind Detroit, as Kansas City has only six games left with the division leader.

Current trends: The Royals have stumbled recently with losses in five of their last seven games, but Kansas City is 4-1 in its last five home series openers. Chicago is playing with revenge after getting swept at home by Kansas City last month, as all three games finished 'under' the total.

Cardinals at Brewers - 8:10 PM EST

Probables: L. Lynn (13-6, 3.89 ERA) vs. K. Lohse (8-8, 3.17 ERA)

Series recap: St. Louis and Milwaukee went back-and-forth last night, but the Cardinals picked up an 8-5 victory as $1.45 road favorites. The 'over' has hit between the Cards and Brewers in five of the last six meetings, including each of the last three at Miller Park.

Current trends: The Cardinals are red-hot on the road recently by winning six of the last eight games away from Busch Stadium (all against division opponents). The Brewers have won seven of their last 10 Game 2's of a home series dating back to late May, including underdog triumphs over the Reds, Dodgers, A's, and Braves.

Indians at Angels - 10:05 PM EST

Probables: D. Salazar (1-1, 4.08 ERA) vs. C.J. Wilson (13-6, 3.40 ERA)

Series recap: Cleveland drew first blood by getting to Jered Weaver early in a 5-2 road underdog victory. The Indians and Angels have split their first four meetings this season, while Los Angeles is riding a 2-7 slump at the moment.

Current trends: Since beating Oakland twice after the All-Star break, Los Angeles has won just nine of their last 29 games. The Angels fell short of an 'over' in last night's loss, but L.A. has cashed the 'over' in eight of the previous 10 contests. The Indians have split their last eight games following a six-game losing streak, while winning each of their past Game 2's of a road series.

Pirates at Padres - 10:10 PM EST

Probables: A.J. Burnett (5-8, 3.18 ERA) vs. T. Ross (3-5, 2.62 ERA)

Series recap: Pittsburgh overcame a 16-inning loss on Sunday as the Pirates traveled cross-country and knocked off the Padres on Monday, 3-1. The loss snapped a four-game skid for the Bucs in the role of a road favorite, while San Diego's modest two-game winning streak came to a close.

Current trends: The Pirates have lost each of Burnett's last five starts on the road, while six of his last seven away outings have gone 'over' the total. San Diego has dropped five of its past seven games at Petco Park, while the Padres own a 1-4 record the previous five contests against NL Central opponents.

Red Sox at Giants - 10:15 PM EST

Probables: J. Peavy (9-5, 4.41 ERA) vs. R. Vogelsong (2-4, 6.75 ERA)

Series recap: Boston started its West Coast trip in style by shutting out San Francisco, 7-0 as short road favorites. That victory by the Red Sox was just the second in the last six series openers, while San Francisco has dropped two straight following a three-game winning streak.

Current trends: The Giants own a 3-5 record against American League opponents at home this season, while scoring two runs or less in five of the last six home interleague contests. The Red Sox are 0-4 in their last four games off a victory, while splitting their past six contests in the role of a road favorite.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (57-67) at Yankees (64-59)
Game: 1
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 20, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


With the drama surrounding New York's third baseman unlikely to go away anytime soon, Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees are trying to keep their focus on the field.

New York tries to keep rolling in Tuesday's doubleheader against the last-place Toronto Blue Jays, losers of nine straight in the Bronx.

The 38-year-old Rodriguez has given the Yankees (64-59) a huge left since coming off the disabled list Aug. 5, going 12 for 32 (.375) with two homers and six RBIs during the club's 6-2 run.

Rodriguez came up especially big in Sunday's 9-6 win at Boston. After getting hit by a Ryan Dempster fastball in the second inning, Rodriguez responded with his 649th career homer in the sixth to spark a four-run rally.

"Whether you like me or hate me, what's wrong is wrong. That was unprofessional and silly," he said of getting plunked. "Today kind of brought us together."

Besides his suspension, Rodriguez is at odds with Yankees management over the more than $80 million he is owned through 2017. Rodriguez's lawyer also declined Major League Baseball's challenge to make public evidence that led to the slugger's suspension.

"I'm not sure how I would feel if I was on a different team, but Alex is my teammate and obviously I'm glad to have him back in the room," Brett Gardner told MLB's official website. "We know that we're at a point in the season where we've got to play every game like it's our last."

The Yankees try to take advantage of playing the Blue Jays (57-67) in New York, where they've won 18 of 20, including nine straight by a 47-25 margin. They've also won 19 of 25 in the series overall.

Toronto dropped two of three at Tampa Bay over the weekend, falling 2-1 in 10 innings on Sunday. Edwin Encarnacion hit his team-leading 31st homer, but the Blue Jays suffered their seventh walkoff loss and eighth in extras.

"If you're going to play in prime time, you've got to win those games," manager John Gibbons said.

Taking the mound for New York in Game 1 is Ivan Nova (6-4, 2.99 ERA), who is 4-2 with a 1.89 ERA in his last seven starts. The right-hander allowed a season-high 10 hits but managed to limit the damage Wednesday, yielding three runs in 7 1-3 innings in an 11-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Nova, 2-0 with a 4.05 ERA in four career home starts versus Toronto, will square off against Esmil Rogers (3-7, 4.91). The right-hander had posted a 14.59 ERA in losing a season-high three consecutive starts before throwing six innings of one-run ball in Wednesday's 4-3, 10-inning win over Boston.

The Yankees hope to see Phil Hughes (4-12, 4.97) get back on track in Game 2. The right-hander is looking to snap a career-worst five-game skid after yielding three runs in six innings in Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Angels.

Mark Buehrle (9-7, 4.29), meanwhile, has gone 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA over a five-start stretch. He allowed 10 hits but only gave up one run in seven innings in a 2-1 win over Boston on Thursday.

"I'm just trying to get on a roll right now," he said. "I'm going out there trying to compete and trying to win."

Buehrle has gone 1-10 versus New York while compiling a 6.28 ERA - his highest mark against any team. He was tagged for five runs in six innings in a 5-0 road loss May 17, dropping to 0-8 with an 8.01 ERA in his last 11 starts against the Yankees.

Rodriguez is 8 for 33 with just one extra-base hit against Buehrle.

While Yankees captain Derek Jeter, on the DL with a strained calf, won't be activated when first eligible Tuesday, Toronto's Jose Reyes (right knee) could return following a two-game absence.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rays (71-52) at Orioles (67-57)
Game: 2
Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Date: August 20, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


While their focus remains winning the AL East, the Tampa Bay Rays also wouldn't mind strengthening their grip on a wild-card spot.

A seventh win in eight meetings against the Baltimore Orioles would help in both races.

Tampa Bay looks to make it five consecutive wins at Camden Yards when these division rivals continue a three-game set Tuesday night.

A season-high six-game losing streak earlier this month prevented the Rays (71-52) from overtaking Boston for the division lead, but they've rebounded to win five of six and are within one game of the Red Sox.

Even a shaky performance from David Price wasn't enough to cool Tampa Bay, which held on for a 4-3 win in Monday's series opener. Price won his fourth straight decision despite allowing 10 hits and two walks in five innings.

"That's why he's one of the best pitchers in the game. He knows how to get out of jams like that,' Orioles center fielder Adam Jones said. "When he needs a strikeout, he knows how to get it.'

Price was assisted by a Baltimore offense that went 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position and left a season-high 15 on base.

"We got a good pitcher out of the game in the fifth inning and put a lot of good at_bats up against Price and just couldn't quite break it open,' said Matt Wieters, who had three of his team's 15 hits and fell a triple shy of the cycle.

Homers from Evan Longoria and Matt Joyce helped the Rays end a five-game road skid and win for the 14th time in their last 18 overall against AL East opponents.

Longoria is batting .319 (15 for 47) with four homers and 11 extra-base hits in his last 12 games after hitting .174 with seven extra-base hits over his previous 33 contests.

Wieters is 15 for 45 with four of his 18 homers and 12 RBIs in the season series. He's a career .337 hitter with 14 home runs in 68 games versus Tampa Bay.

That includes a 2-for-5 mark and a homer against Alex Cobb (7-2, 2.94 ERA).

This will be Cobb's second start since returning from a two-month stint on the disabled list. The right-hander limited Seattle to one run and three hits over five innings in a 7-1 win Thursday in his first big league appearance since being concussed by a line drive June 15.

Cobb went 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA in two starts against the Orioles last season, but he lasted only 4 2-3 innings in his lone appearance at Camden Yards on Sept. 12.

He'll be opposed by Miguel Gonzalez (8-5, 3.84), who seeks his first victory in a month. After posting a 5.56 ERA in his previous two starts, Gonzalez was much more effective in his past two outings. He allowed three runs over six innings at San Diego on Aug. 7, then gave up two runs in seven frames at Arizona last Tuesday and stood to get the win before Jim Johnson's blown save.

Though he's 5-1 with a 4.18 ERA in nine home starts, Gonzalez was tagged for a career-worst nine runs - four earned - over 3 2-3 innings in his last outing there, an 11-0 loss to Houston on July 31.

Since getting hit hard in his first meeting with the Rays, Gonzalez has gone 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA in the last five starts.

Longoria is 4 for 11 with a homer lifetime against him, while Jose Molina is 3 for 5 with a home run this season.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rays at Orioles
Mon, Aug 19 Final 4 to 3
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rays at Orioles
Tue, Aug 20 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Rays at Orioles
Wed, Aug 21 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Twins (54-69) at Tigers (73-51)
Game: 1
Venue: Comerica Park
Date: August 20, 2013 7:08 PM EDT


Miguel Cabrera got the Detroit back on track by adding to his power surge. He'll try to keep that going while helping the Tigers continue their recent success against the Minnesota Twins.

Rick Porcello will also seek to lead Detroit to its eighth win in 11 games versus Minnesota on Tuesday night while extending his personal win streak to six.

Detroit had suffered back-to-back losses to visiting Kansas City before Cabrera hit a pair of home runs in wins over the weekend. He ended Saturday's 6-5 victory with a solo shot and his 40th of the season started the Tigers (73-51) toward a 6-3 win in Sunday's finale.

Cabrera, who has eight homers and 20 RBIs in his last 13 games, is the third player since 1921 to have at least 40 home runs and 120 RBIs while hitting .350 or better through 116 games, joining Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx.

"I mean, I've never seen anything like it, and this is 50 (years in baseball) for me," manager Jim Leyland told the team's website.

Cabrera, however, is batting just .238 (5 for 21) with no homers and two RBIs in his last six games against the Twins but he's hitting .381 with five home runs and 16 RBIs in his last 12 home matchups. Detroit has won five of its last seven games at Comerica Park against Minnesota (54-69).

The Tigers will have a good chance to add to that success as the Twins have dropped four in a row and six of seven. They went 0 for 10 with runners in scoring position in a 6-1 loss to the New York Mets on Monday and are batting .152 in those situation in the last 16 games.

"The offense did nothing today," manager Ron Gardenhire told the team's website. "Again, we missed opportunities with runners on, and it seems like that's the ongoing theme."

Porcello (9-6, 4.33 ERA) will try to keep Minnesota quiet once again while adding to his win streak. The right-hander has a 2.62 ERA in his last seven starts but gave up a season-high 11 hits in his most recent one Wednesday on the road against the Chicago White Sox.

Porcello escaped with minimal damage over his six innings, allowing three runs in a 6-4 win.

He gave up just three hits over seven innings in a 4-0 win over Minnesota on June 14, after going 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA in his previous five meetings.

Porcello will pitch opposite Mike Pelfrey (4-10, 5.26), loser of four straight decisions. The right-hander is also 0-2 with a 5.75 ERA in his last four starts and might not end his woes Tuesday.

Pelfrey is 0-3 with a 7.47 ERA in three career starts in Detroit and gave up five runs over 5 2-3 innings in a 6-1 loss May 26.

Cabrera is 4 for 14 (.286) against Pelfrey, collecting a pair of singles in six at_bats this season. The Tigers are hoping Omar Infante can return from an ailing back as he's 15 for 34 (.441) versus Pelfrey.

Josh Willingham is 7 for 16 (.438) all-time against Porcello and has hit two home runs off him this season.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Blue Jays (57-67) at Yankees (64-59)
Game: 2 DH
Venue: Yankee Stadium
Date: August 20, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


With the drama surrounding New York's third baseman unlikely to go away anytime soon, Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees are trying to keep their focus on the field.

New York tries to keep rolling in Tuesday's doubleheader against the last-place Toronto Blue Jays, losers of nine straight in the Bronx.

The 38-year-old Rodriguez has given the Yankees (64-59) a huge left since coming off the disabled list Aug. 5, going 12 for 32 (.375) with two homers and six RBIs during the club's 6-2 run.

Rodriguez came up especially big in Sunday's 9-6 win at Boston. After getting hit by a Ryan Dempster fastball in the second inning, Rodriguez responded with his 649th career homer in the sixth to spark a four-run rally.

"Whether you like me or hate me, what's wrong is wrong. That was unprofessional and silly," he said of getting plunked. "Today kind of brought us together."

Besides his suspension, Rodriguez is at odds with Yankees management over the more than $80 million he is owned through 2017. Rodriguez's lawyer also declined Major League Baseball's challenge to make public evidence that led to the slugger's suspension.

"I'm not sure how I would feel if I was on a different team, but Alex is my teammate and obviously I'm glad to have him back in the room," Brett Gardner told MLB's official website. "We know that we're at a point in the season where we've got to play every game like it's our last."

The Yankees try to take advantage of playing the Blue Jays (57-67) in New York, where they've won 18 of 20, including nine straight by a 47-25 margin. They've also won 19 of 25 in the series overall.

Toronto dropped two of three at Tampa Bay over the weekend, falling 2-1 in 10 innings on Sunday. Edwin Encarnacion hit his team-leading 31st homer, but the Blue Jays suffered their seventh walkoff loss and eighth in extras.

"If you're going to play in prime time, you've got to win those games," manager John Gibbons said.

Taking the mound for New York in Game 1 is Ivan Nova (6-4, 2.99 ERA), who is 4-2 with a 1.89 ERA in his last seven starts. The right-hander allowed a season-high 10 hits but managed to limit the damage Wednesday, yielding three runs in 7 1-3 innings in an 11-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Nova, 2-0 with a 4.05 ERA in four career home starts versus Toronto, will square off against Esmil Rogers (3-7, 4.91). The right-hander had posted a 14.59 ERA in losing a season-high three consecutive starts before throwing six innings of one-run ball in Wednesday's 4-3, 10-inning win over Boston.

The Yankees hope to see Phil Hughes (4-12, 4.97) get back on track in Game 2. The right-hander is looking to snap a career-worst five-game skid after yielding three runs in six innings in Thursday's 8-4 loss to the Angels.

Mark Buehrle (9-7, 4.29), meanwhile, has gone 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA over a five-start stretch. He allowed 10 hits but only gave up one run in seven innings in a 2-1 win over Boston on Thursday.

"I'm just trying to get on a roll right now," he said. "I'm going out there trying to compete and trying to win."

Buehrle has gone 1-10 versus New York while compiling a 6.28 ERA - his highest mark against any team. He was tagged for five runs in six innings in a 5-0 road loss May 17, dropping to 0-8 with an 8.01 ERA in his last 11 starts against the Yankees.

Rodriguez is 8 for 33 with just one extra-base hit against Buehrle.

While Yankees captain Derek Jeter, on the DL with a strained calf, won't be activated when first eligible Tuesday, Toronto's Jose Reyes (right knee) could return following a two-game absence.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Rockies (58-68) at Phillies (55-69)
Game: 2
Venue: Citizens Bank Park
Date: August 20, 2013 7:05 PM EDT


Jorge De La Rosa has been at his best pitching at home or during the day, but neither will be the case as he tries to end the Colorado Rockies' struggles in Philadelphia.

The left-hander attempts to lead the Rockies to their fourth regular-season win in 21 games there Tuesday night when he looks to beat the Phillies for the first time.

Since allowing 11 runs - eight earned - in nine-plus innings over two road starts, De La Rosa (12-6, 3.22 ERA) has gotten back on track by giving up three runs in 12 innings while winning his last two at home.

De La Rosa fanned six and yielded two runs over seven innings in a 4-2 victory over San Diego on Wednesday.

While he improved to 6-0 with a 1.58 ERA in eight day starts, De La Rosa is 6-6 with a 4.15 ERA in 17 at night. He's also 8-1 with a 2.58 ERA in 12 outings at Coors Field, but 4-5 with a 3.84 ERA in 13 on the road.

De La Rosa will attempt to reverse those trends and help Colorado (58-68) avoid its fourth straight loss in this evening start at Citizens Bank Park.

Although he has an 8.14 ERA while dropping four straight starts against the Phillies (55-69), De La Rosa pitched well the last time he faced them. He yielded one earned run and five hits over eight innings in a 2-1 loss at Philadelphia on May 18, 2011.

This time, De La Rosa faces a Phillies team that had totaled seven runs while batting .173 over its previous five games before showing signs of improvement in Monday's 5-4 victory.

Carlos Ruiz had two hits - including a home run - as the Phillies evened their record in four games under interim manager Ryne Sandberg. Ruiz has gone 9 for 18 with two homers and six RBIs in his last five games against the Rockies and is 4 for 7 when facing De La Rosa.

Teammate Jimmy Rollins has gone 5 for 13 with a home run versus the southpaw, but could be moved from the leadoff role after going 1 for 19 in his last six games overall.

"Now is a good time to try something," said Sandberg, who moved Ruiz into the second spot Monday and said he would consider dropping Rollins.

He's hoping to guide the Phillies to their first three-game winning streak since July 13-19, a run that bridged the All-Star break.

Tyler Cloyd (2-2, 3.41) is scheduled to make his first big-league start since June 12. He went 1-1 with a 1.45 ERA in his last three starts before being sent down, though he walked eight in his last two outings.

The right-hander was knocked around in his only career start versus Colorado, getting tagged for four runs and eight hits over four innings before the Phillies rallied for a 7-4 win on Sept. 9.

He might be able to fare better this time against the Rockies, who have averaged 2.8 runs while dropping 12 of 14 on the road.

Dexter Fowler (4 for 34), Todd Helton (4 for 28) and Charlie Culberson (2 for 21) are among those struggling away from Denver.

All-Star Troy Tulowitzki, however, is 10 for 23 during a six-game hitting streak.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Rockies at Phillies
Mon, Aug 19 Final 4 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Rockies at Phillies
Tue, Aug 20 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Rockies at Phillies
Wed, Aug 21 - 7:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Rockies at Phillies
Thu, Aug 22 - 7:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dodgers (72-52) at Marlins (48-75)
Game: 2
Venue: Marlins Park
Date: August 20, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Suddenly, the Los Angeles Dodgers are staring at the possibility of a three-game losing streak.

Facing Jacob Turner at Marlins Park may not help.

The Dodgers look to avoid their longest slide in over two months by dealing Turner his first home loss Tuesday night against the NL-worst Miami Marlins.

As recently as Saturday, Los Angeles (72-52) was riding the hottest stretch in baseball since the 1942 St. Louis Cardinals, winning 42 of 50 games to go from the NL West basement to first place.

The Dodgers, though, had their 10-game win streak snapped Sunday at Philadelphia before falling 6-2 on Monday in the opener of this four-game series.

They haven't dropped three straight since June 8-10, and will need to show improvement at the plate if they're going to avoid a similar fate.

Los Angeles was held to four hits in the first six innings by All-Star Jose Fernandez on Monday and went 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position overall.

"We didn't play bad," manager Don Mattingly said. "We didn't make any errors. We didn't get a whole lot of hits. We just got beat. At some point you have to say you got beat."

Another challenge awaits as Mattingly's club faces Turner (3-4, 2.89 ERA) for the first time.

The 22-year-old right-hander is looking to continue his dominance at Marlins Park, where he's 4-0 with a 1.89 ERA over his last eight starts dating to last season. That's a stunning contrast to the road, where he's 0-7 with a 3.57 ERA in 12 career games.

Those problems continued Wednesday, when he walked a career-high six with no strikeouts while allowing two runs - one earned - in five innings before Miami rallied for a 5-2 win at Kansas City.

The Dodgers are scheduled to counter with Chris Capuano (4-6, 4.66), who's 2-0 with a 3.82 ERA over his last six starts - all Dodgers wins. However, he's been reached for 10 runs over 9 1-3 innings in his last two only to have his offense bail him out with 12 total runs.

In the four games prior to those outings, the veteran left-hander had a 1.90 ERA, and pitched into the seventh inning three times.

Capuano, who turned 35 Monday, should be happy to see the Marlins, a team he's beaten in each of the last two meetings while allowing one run with 17 strikeouts in 14 1-3 innings. He won 5-0 in his only visit to Marlins Park on Aug. 12, 2012.

Yasiel Puig is 0 for 9 in the past two games and 3 for 23 over his last five, dropping his average from .373 to .351.

Juan Uribe may be back in the lineup after getting half of the Dodgers' six hits Monday. The third baseman is 16 for 31 (.516) in his last 10 games, and owns a .517 average over his past 13 meetings with the Marlins.

Miami's Giancarlo Stanton has homered in two of the last three games, hitting the sculpture in center field Monday. He's gone deep in four straight games against the Dodgers, but is 2 for 14 with no homers versus Capuano.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Dodgers at Marlins
Mon, Aug 19 Final 2 to 6
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Dodgers at Marlins
Tue, Aug 20 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Dodgers at Marlins
Wed, Aug 21 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Dodgers at Marlins
Thu, Aug 22 - 12:40PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Braves (76-48) at Mets (57-66)
Game: 1
Venue: Citi Field
Date: August 20, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


With his team maintaining its sizable lead in the NL East, the Atlanta Braves' Brandon Beachy can focus on continuing his recent resurgence.

Beachy tries to improve to 3-0 since returning from Tommy John surgery and help the red-hot Braves match their longest road win streak of the season in Tuesday night's series opener against the visiting New York Mets.

Atlanta (76-48) led its division by 15 1/2 games before going 6-3 during a nine-game homestand against NL East opponents that concluded as it took two of three from second-place Washington. In perhaps a preview of the rest of the regular season, the Braves kept four regulars out of the starting lineup in a 2-1 victory Sunday.

"It was just fun," backup catcher Gerald Laird said. "It's good baseball when you can give your starters a day off like this and go out and win a ballgame."

Beachy (2-0, 4.50 ERA) will try to help the Braves, winners in 19 of 22, in their pursuit of home-field advantage by adding to his string of promising starts. The right-hander is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in his last two outings after posting a 9.00 ERA in his first two games back.

He gave up two runs over six innings in a 6-3 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday.

"Each time I've felt like I've moved a little bit in the right direction," Beachy told the team's official website. "Coming off the first one, just to put some zeros on the board over the next few, now I feel like I'm starting to work on sequences, throwing pitches and breaking balls for strikes and things like that. Hopefully, I keep moving in that direction."

In this outing, he'll try to help the Braves improve their lackluster record against the Mets (57-66). Atlanta has dropped five of the last eight matchups and has split its 14 this season.

New York heads into this series after winning 6-1 at Minnesota in a makeup game Monday. The Mets next will seek a season-high fourth straight home victory while the Braves will try for a seventh consecutive road win.

Atlanta won its first seven games away from home.

Zack Wheeler (5-2, 3.43) will try to prevent the Braves from matching that streak with another dominant outing. The rookie right-hander has given up one run and pitched at least six innings in each of his last two games, striking out a career-high 12 before the Mets' offense scored three runs late in a 4-1 win in San Diego on Thursday.

"I think he's made a vast improvement since he's been up here," manager Terry Collins told the team's official website. "He's a very astute kid. You watch him, he pays attention. He's not walking around, enjoying his time. He's trying to get better."

Wheeler gave up four runs over six innings in a 7-4 home win versus the Braves on July 25 after shutting them out for six innings in a 6-1 win at Atlanta in his major league debut June 18.

Beachy did not get a decision in his only start against the Mets on Sept. 18, 2011, allowing four runs over 4 1-3 innings and striking out eight.

Marlon Byrd, batting .390 in his last 11 games, is 3 for 5 with a home run against Beachy.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Diamondbacks (64-59) at Reds (71-54)
Game: 2
Venue: Great American Ball Park
Date: August 20, 2013 7:10 PM EDT


Not only has the Cincinnati Reds' recent surge tightened the NL Central race, it also has helped create more distance between themselves and the Arizona Diamondbacks in the wild-card standings.

Cincinnati looks to stay hot Tuesday night with help from starter Tony Cingrani as he opposes Patrick Corbin, who has struggled on the road lately.

The Reds (71-54) have won 10 of 13 to move a season best-tying 17 games over .500 in their quest to overtake St. Louis and Pittsburgh in the Central. Brandon Phillips had three hits and Ryan Ludwick drove in his first run of the season in Monday's 5-3 win over Arizona.

"We've been playing pretty well since I came back,' said Ludwick, who returned from shoulder surgery Aug. 12. "We beat the team that's behind us in the wild-card standings, so that's a good start to the series.'

Manager Dusty Baker believes the defending division champs are more than capable of repeating.

"Like I've said, our best days are ahead of us,' Baker said. "We've just got to keep winning in the meantime.'

The Diamondbacks (64-59) had won five of six prior to Monday, but they fell six games behind the Reds for the league's second wild-card spot. They remained 7 1/2 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the West.

"We're hoping to win the next three (of this series). That's our goal,' catcher Wil Nieves said.

Arizona, which got two hits from Paul Goldschmidt and a pair of RBIs from Martin Prado on Monday, will look to get back on track as Corbin (12-3, 2.48 ERA) takes the mound.

Corbin allowed more than three earned runs for only the fourth time in 24 starts Wednesday, giving up four and a season worst-tying nine hits through seven innings before Arizona beat Baltimore 5-4 in 14.

"I just wanted to go out there and throw up some zeros and see how many innings I could go and try to stay in the ballgame as long as I could," Corbin told the team's official website.

The left-hander has pitched at least six innings in all but one of his outings, including when he gave up one run - a solo homer to Jay Bruce - and three hits in eight frames of the Diamondbacks' 4-3 win over the Reds on June 22.

Corbin, though, is just 1-2 with a 5.40 ERA in his last five road starts, but the Reds rank in the bottom third of the majors hitting .244 against left-handers.

The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, rank among baseball's leaders with a .266 average versus lefties, and they'll face another in Cingrani (6-2, 2.78).

Cingrani has been excellent since rejoining the rotation July 3 after five relief appearances, going 3-2 with a 2.12 ERA in eight starts. The 24-year-old gave up one run and struck out nine over 6 1-3 innings of Thursday's 2-1 win at Milwaukee, giving him 100 strikeouts in 86 2-3 innings over 15 starts on the season.

"He's confident. He's not intimidated by anybody,' Baker said. "This is how you want your players to be, especially rookies. He wanted to make this team out of spring training. He's full of determination and desire, and a lot of confidence.'

Cingrani has yet to face the Diamondbacks, who have dropped seven of the last nine meetings with the Reds.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Diamondbacks at Reds
Mon, Aug 19 Final 3 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Diamondbacks at Reds
Tue, Aug 20 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Diamondbacks at Reds
Wed, Aug 21 - 7:10PM EDT

GAME 4
Diamondbacks at Reds
Thu, Aug 22 - 12:35PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Astros (41-83) at Rangers (72-53)
Game: 2
Venue: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
Date: August 20, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


With the most productive inning in the major leagues this season backing their latest outburst, the Texas Rangers have been boom or bust at the plate during their homestand.

They might find a big inning a bit harder to come by against Houston's impressive rookie.

Jarred Cosart looks to continue his strong start on Tuesday night when he tries to lead the Astros to just their third victory in 19 games against the explosive Rangers.

A.J. Pierzynski had a season-high four hits and Leonys Martin added three as AL West-leading Texas (72-53) used an 11-run third inning to take Monday's opener 16-5.

The last team to score that many runs in an inning was St. Louis, with a 12-run seventh in a 12-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on July 21, 2012. The Rangers, who remain a half-game ahead of Oakland, topped their previous season high in runs set just two days earlier in a 15-3 win over Seattle.

"We went up and down the lineup,' manager Ron Washington said. "When we can do that is when we can be at our best.'

Pierzynski has gone 10 for 17 with two home runs and seven RBIs in his last four games versus the last-place Astros (41-83), while Martin is batting .368 during a 10-game hitting streak against them.

While they've totaled five runs and batted .196 in their three losses on this homestand, the Rangers have put up 36 runs and hit .327 in their three victories. Despite two outbursts in three games by Texas, Pierzynski's home run in the seventh inning Monday was only the team's second in the past eight.

Texas isn't likely to break out with the long ball against Cosart (1-0, 1.15 ERA), who has yet to allow a home run in his six starts.

Cosart is also the first pitcher in Astros history to begin his career with six consecutive starts of five-plus innings while allowing two or fewer runs, but he hasn't received a decision in his last five while being given a total of eight runs of support.

The right-hander put together another strong outing Wednesday, allowing three hits over six shutout frames in a 2-1, 11-inning win at Oakland. He struck out four and only walked one, an improvement after issuing 17 free passes over his previous five starts.

"I've been able to miss some more bats, too, so it's just keeping the ball down in the zone and trying to pitch more instead of just throw," Cosart told the team's official website.

Cosart has an 0.67 ERA in four road starts.

Now he'll attempt to end Houston's struggles against the Rangers, who have outscored the Astros 124-67 while winning 16 of 18 meetings dating to May 2012.

Texas plans to call up Travis Blackley (1-1, 4.89) to make the start after acquiring him from Houston on Wednesday. He'll fill in for Alexi Ogando, who has an inflamed nerve in his right shoulder.

Blackley, who made 42 relief appearances for the Astros this season, has gone 6-7 with a 6.00 ERA in 23 career starts. He'll make his first since allowing one run over six innings in a 3-1 win over the Rangers on Oct. 2 while he was with Oakland.

That came just five days after he was chased after allowing five runs in one inning in Arlington.

The Astros have been swinging the bats well as of late, averaging 6.3 runs while batting .320 over their last four games.

Jason Castro went 2 for 3 in Monday's opener, leaving him 13 for 25 in his last seven games against Texas.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Astros at Rangers
Mon, Aug 19 Final 5 to 16
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Astros at Rangers
Tue, Aug 20 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Astros at Rangers
Wed, Aug 21 - 8:05PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Nationals (60-64) at Cubs (54-70)
Game: 2
Venue: Wrigley Field
Date: August 20, 2013 8:05 PM EDT


The Chicago Cubs are already looking ahead to next season, and Nate Schierholtz is hoping to be a part of it.

The Washington Nationals are still trying to salvage something from 2012.

Schierholtz will try to continue his hot stretch at the plate Tuesday night, and help the Cubs to their first four-game winning streak over the Nationals in over four years.

Chicago (54-70) may be headed for a fourth straight losing season, but the club's rebuilding project has it hopeful of future improvement.

Schierholtz isn't one of those youngsters, but he continues to surprise in his first season with the Cubs. His 18 homers are tied with Anthony Rizzo for the team lead, while his 58 RBIs are second to the 24-year-old first baseman.

The right fielder is 7 for 15 with two homers, two doubles and nine RBIs over the last four games. He went 3 for 4 with a pair of homers and drove in a career-high six runs in Monday's 11-1 rout of Washington (60-64) to open this four-game set.

"I'm just trying to put up good at_bats and help the team out," Schierholtz said. "Just try not to do too much. Just trying to keep it simple and go out there and have fun."

"I'd like to be part of the future here."

Schierholtz is 7 for 13 over his last four meetings with Washington, but is 0 for 3 with two strikeouts against Dan Haren, Tuesday's scheduled starter.

Haren (7-11, 4.79) gets the start after earning his first career save in Saturday's 8-7, 15-inning win at Atlanta. The right-hander threw 23 pitches in one scoreless inning in his first relief appearance since 2004 with St. Louis.

Haren said he tossed 30 to 35 pitches in a bullpen session earlier in the day, but he's remaining on schedule for his next start despite the extra work.

He's 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA over his last four starts, and pitched well enough to win in a 4-3 loss to San Francisco on Thursday. Haren allowed one run and three hits in six innings before closer Rafael Soriano served up a three-run homer in the ninth.

He's 0-2 with a 7.06 ERA in four career starts at Wrigley Field, but hasn't appeared there since May 1, 2010.

The Nationals haven't helped their slim postseason chances lately, losing four of five to fall 10 1/2 games behind Cincinnati for the second wild-card spot.

In an effort to close the gap, the Nationals acquired outfielder David DeJesus from the Cubs on Monday. He popped out as a pinch-hitter in his debut.

Chicago is scheduled to turn to Chris Rusin (2-2, 3.06), who is 2-2 with a 2.48 ERA in five starts since being recalled from Triple-A Iowa last month.

The rookie left hander was the hard-luck loser Wednesday, allowing two runs and three hits in six innings of a 5-0 defeat to Cincinnati.

"I don't even think about what players could be coming up or what my role is next year or anything," Rusin told the team's official website. "I just go game to game, and that's what helps me. If I put too much pressure on myself, then that's when you start making mistakes and try to be too perfect."

Rusin made plenty of mistakes in his only start against the Nationals on Sept. 4, surrendering five runs and eight hits - two homers - before he was lifted with no outs in the second inning of an 11-5 loss.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Nationals at Cubs
Mon, Aug 19 Final 1 to 11
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Nationals at Cubs
Tue, Aug 20 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Nationals at Cubs
Wed, Aug 21 - 8:05PM EDT

GAME 4
Nationals at Cubs
Thu, Aug 22 - 2:20PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: White Sox (49-74) at Royals (64-59)
Game: 1
Venue: Ewing M. Kauffman Stadium
Date: August 20, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Ervin Santana's post-All-Star break pitching is a big reason why the Kansas City Royals are in the playoff hunt.

Alexei Ramirez has been on a tear lately, but the Chicago White Sox have little left to aim for other than to play spoiler.

Santana takes the mound for Kansas City against the visiting White Sox on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series.

The Royals (64-59) are all but out of the AL Central race after losing three of five to Detroit to fall 8 1/2 games behind the Tigers. Saturday and Sunday's losses were blown opportunities after Kansas City swept Friday's doubleheader.

"We had a chance to win the series," manager Ned Yost said after Sunday's 6-3 setback.

A wild-card spot is still attainable for the Royals, who haven't made the playoffs since 1985.

Santana (8-6, 3.19 ERA) has been one of the AL's best this year, posting a career-low ERA in his first season with Kansas City. He's been especially good since giving up season highs of eight runs and 10 hits over five-plus innings against the New York Yankees on July 11, going 3-0 with a 2.61 ERA in six starts.

The right-hander was in line for another win Wednesday, allowing one run in six innings, but a seventh-inning error contributed to a 5-2 defeat to Miami. It was just the second time in nine games Kansas City lost one of Santana's starts.

The White Sox (49-74) have been essentially out of postseason contention for weeks with one of baseball's worst records, but have won three in a row and nine of 14 since dropping 10 consecutive games.

Alexei Ramirez was a triple shy of a cycle and drove in three runs in a 5-2 win at Minnesota on Sunday. He's batting .379 while collecting a hit in 14 of his last 15 games, and has driven in 11 runs in 11 contests since being slid down to the No. 3 spot in the lineup.

"I still basically do the same thing," said Ramirez, whose .289 average is his best since he hit .290 as a rookie in 2008. "If I have a runner in scoring position, I'm doing whatever I can to bring him home. For me, it's a special place to hit."

Ramirez should feel comfortable versus Santana, whom he's 8 for 24 against.

Kansas City could use some better production after plating 16 runs and going 8 for 61 (.131) with runners in scoring position in losing five of seven. Billy Butler and Alcides Escobar have combined to go 1 for 18 in those situations.

Butler and Alex Gordon are a combined 9 for 52 with 12 strikeouts off scheduled starter John Danks, while Eric Hosmer is 4 for 8.

Danks (2-10, 4.54) is trying to end an eight-start winless streak in which he's 0-5 with a 4.70 ERA. The left-hander gave up six runs - four earned - and nine hits over 7 1-3 innings of a 6-4 loss to Detroit on Wednesday.

Danks is 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA in his last six starts against the Royals, but hasn't faced them since Sept. 24, 2011.

Santana, whose only appearance against the White Sox this season came in his 2013 debut, is 5-5 in 16 career games versus Chicago with a 4.06 ERA.

The Royals swept a three-game series at Chicago at the end of July, and have won seven of 12 meetings this year.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Cardinals (72-52) at Brewers (54-71)
Game: 2
Venue: Miller Park
Date: August 20, 2013 8:10 PM EDT


Beginning on Thursday, the St. Louis Cardinals will play a potentially season-defining stretch of 17 games in 18 days against other NL playoff contenders.

For now, they'll happily welcome a few more against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Cardinals look to continue their dominance of the NL Central's cellar dwellers with a sixth straight victory at Miller Park on Tuesday night.

St. Louis (72-52) didn't fare well in its last critical stretch, going 4-11 in a two-week span against Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Dodgers before dropping two more at home against the Cubs.

It's won six of its eight since, though, after Monday's 8-5 comeback victory at Milwaukee, where it'll face the Brewers (54-71) twice more before a stretch in which it plays four against the Braves and 13 more against the Pirates and Reds.

St. Louis follows that gauntlet by playing its final 19 against sub-.500 teams, including six more against a Brewers team it certainly won't mind seeing again. The Cardinals have outscored Milwaukee 65-36 in winning nine of 11 in the season series, and they have a 37-18 edge on the scoreboard in taking all five at Miller Park.

They'll try to keep that success going against former Cardinal Kyle Lohse (8-8, 3.17 ERA), who hasn't enjoyed facing the club with which he spent the previous five seasons. The right-hander is 0-3 with a 5.00 ERA in three starts against St. Louis as the Cardinals are hitting .338 against him.

Yadier Molina and David Freese are 5 for 9 off him in 2013, while Carlos Beltran has a 1.458 career OPS versus Lohse in 59 plate appearances. Molina went 4 for 5 Monday, Beltran homered among his three hits and Freese delivered a pinch-hit double that drove in two in the Cardinals' four-run eighth inning.

"They were relentless right there,' manager Mike Matheny said of his team. "It started with some hustle with (Kolten) Wong legging (out an infield single), and guys having some big, big at_bats for us.'

Lohse had a rough first few months in Milwaukee, going 1-6 with a 4.37 ERA in his opening 10 starts, but he's looked like an outstanding addition over his past 15 outings. Since June 1, his 2.40 ERA is the fourth-best in the NL.

He has a 1.66 ERA in his six starts since the All-Star break, though he suffered his first loss of the second half Thursday by allowing two runs - one earned - over seven innings while falling to Cincinnati 2-1.

"Lohse, he doesn't give you a whole lot to hit," Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco told the Brewers' official website. "He keeps the ball down, hits the corners, changes speeds. He's tough."

The Cardinals counter with Lance Lynn (13-6, 3.89), who for his second straight start was victimized by one shaky inning. He gave up three runs in the seventh in a 3-0 loss to the Cubs on Aug. 9, then allowed four in the fifth in a 6-5, 12-inning win over the Pirates on Thursday.

Lynn surrendered four runs and eight hits in five innings in his lone start against Milwaukee this year, a 6-4 home win in 10 innings May 18. He was 1-0 with a 1.32 ERA in a pair of starts at Miller Park last season, striking out 18 with just one walk in 13 2-3 innings.

Brewers center fielder Carlos Gomez remains day to day with a sprained right shoulder that's kept him out of the starting lineup since Friday.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Cardinals at Brewers
Mon, Aug 19 Final 8 to 5
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Cardinals at Brewers
Tue, Aug 20 - 8:10PM EDT

GAME 3
Cardinals at Brewers
Wed, Aug 21 - 2:10PM EDT

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mariners (57-67) at Athletics (71-53)
Game: 2
Venue: O.co Coliseum
Date: August 20, 2013 10:05 PM EDT


Sonny Gray has drawn plenty of comparisons to former Oakland Athletics' star Tim Hudson over the years.

That's perfectly fine with the A's rookie pitcher, especially if he goes on to have the kind of success Hudson has enjoyed throughout his 15-year career.

Gray looks to build on an outstanding performance and lead Oakland to its fifth win in six games Tuesday night against the visiting Seattle Mariners.

Brandon Moss helped the A's (71-53) remain one-half game behind Texas in the AL West with a walk-off home run in Monday's 2-1 victory. Moss has homered in consecutive games versus the Mariners (57-67) with four in his last eight against them.

"That's a strong man,' manager Bob Melvin said. "He gets into one and there's not a park around he can't hit it out of.'

Following Jarrod Parker's first career complete game in the series opener, the A's hope to get another solid effort from a rotation that has a 1.33 ERA over the last six games.

They'll give the ball to the 23-year-old Gray (1-1, 1.00 ERA), who says people have compared him to Hudson since he was in high school. Hudson, out for the season for Atlanta with a broken ankle, went 92-39 while helping the A's reach the playoffs four times from 1999-2004.

"If you compare me to Tim Hudson, he's one of my favorite pitchers, one of the greatest pitchers," said Gray, a right-hander with a similar slight build.

Since making a pair of relief appearances in July, Gray has given up four runs - two earned - and struck out 14 over 14 innings in two starts. He fanned nine and allowed four hits over eight innings in a 5-0 victory over Houston on Thursday.

Gray, however, could be monitored a little more closely after throwing 118 pitches.

"It was good for (Melvin) to have the confidence in me to leave me out there,' said Gray, who threw 94 pitches in his first big league start Aug. 10.

He appears to have an opportunity to continue his early success against a Seattle team that has averaged 2.7 runs and batted .218 while dropping four of six.

The top three in the batting order - Brad Miller (3 for 20), Nick Franklin (6 for 59) and Kyle Seager (4 for 32) - are among the slumping Mariners. Slugger Michael Morse could be out again after missing the past two games with a sore wrist.

Seattle will attempt to turn things around offensively for Joe Saunders (10-12, 4.86), who is 1-4 with a 7.77 ERA in his last five starts, allowing five home runs and 11 walks in 24 1-3 innings during that span.

He lasted 4 1-3 innings for the second consecutive outing Thursday, yielding five runs and seven hits in a 7-1 loss at Tampa Bay.

Saunders, though, is 15-6 with a 3.36 ERA in 23 career starts versus Oakland. He seeks his third straight win against them this season after allowing two runs over 13 1-3 innings in his last two meetings.

Yoenis Cespedes (2 for 9) and Josh Reddick (1 for 9) have both struggled against the lefty the past two seasons, but Josh Donaldson is 7 for 14 lifetime in this matchup.

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SERIES AT A GLANCE

GAME 1
Mariners at Athletics
Mon, Aug 19 Final 1 to 2
Boxscores • Recaps

GAME 2
Mariners at Athletics
Tue, Aug 20 - 10:05PM EDT

GAME 3
Mariners at Athletics
Wed, Aug 21 - 3:35PM EDT