 |
|
|
|
|
|
ACCESS
PICKS FOR TODAY THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MLB |
 |
|
6/22/2017 |
|
FOUND
12
GAMES |
|
|
|
|
|
FINAL |
|
6/22/2017 1:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
-141
|
-1.5 (+118)
|
Over 8 (-101)
|
|
|
+127
|
+1.5 (-138)
|
Under 8 (-119)
|
|
|
|
|
|
VIEW ALL PICKS |
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 1:05 PM EDT Venue: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA, 19148 PHILADELPHIA -- Carlos Martinez is hoping his Thursday start against the Philadelphia Phillies goes a lot like his last. The St. Louis Cardinals right-hander shut out Philadelphia on June 10 at Busch Stadium. He will take the mound again Thursday afternoon, squaring off against Aaron Nola in the series finale at Citizens Bank Park. The Cardinals are looking for their second three-game sweep of the Phillies this month. Martinez (6-5, 2.86 ERA) silenced the Phillies less than two weeks ago, allowing four hits and one walk while striking out 11 batters in a 109-pitch complete game. Martinez has nine quality starts in his past 10 outings." This was one of my goals, one of my dreams," Martinez said after the shutout. "I just feel so happy with my performance." In his past six starts, the 25-year-old has a 1.77 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings, and he has held batters to a .159 batting average and .450 OPS. Martinez struck out eight and gave up one run in six innings in a win at Baltimore on Friday. Nola (3-5, 4.76) also faced the Cardinals when Philadelphia visited St. Louis earlier this month. However, he didn't fare quite as well as Martinez. Nola, the Phillies' first-round pick in the 2014 draft, gave up three runs on four hits in five innings during a 6-5 loss against the Cardinals on June 11. In his lone start since, Nola was charged with five runs in six-plus innings against the Diamondbacks on Friday. Nola was in line for the win until Arizona outfielder Gregor Blanco took him deep for a two-run homer in the seventh inning." After six innings, two runs, he pitched pretty well," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said after Nola's last outing. "Then in the seventh, he just hung a curveball to Blanco, which is a mistake, and he got burned." The Phillies are 1-5 in Nola's last six outings, but they have struggled regardless of who is on the mound since the end of April. Philadelphia has lost 13 of 14 and is 11-39 in its past 50 games. The organization made some changes Tuesday before the start of the three-game set against the Cardinals. The Phillies called up outfielder Cameron Perkins and left-hander reliever Hoby Milner while designating outfielder Michael Saunders and reliever Jeanmar Gomez for assignment. Perkins made his first major league start Wednesday night, going 2-for-6 with two singles, including his first big league hit, from the leadoff spot. Meanwhile, the Cardinals might not want to leave Philadelphia. They are 5-0 against the Phillies this season and haven't won a series against any other team since taking two of three from the Chicago Cubs from May 12-14. St. Louis won both of the first two games in Philadelphia in extra innings, including 7-6 on Wednesday when the Cardinals overcame a five-run deficit." It's kind of what we expect from ourselves," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "It's something our guys did a great job of last year, and it's carried over. We're not just going to roll over, we're going to keep playing the game."
 Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 1:10 PM EDT Venue: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN, 55403 MINNEAPOLIS -- If the Minnesota Twins are to complete a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox in Thursday afternoon's series finale, they will need a much different Nik Turley to step onto the mound than the one seen in his first two major league starts. Turley (0-1, 12.46 ERA) has struggled, allowing 12 earned runs on 17 hits in 8 2/3 innings against San Francisco and Cleveland. He allowed eight runs on nine hits and four walks over 4 2/3 innings against the Indians on June 16." You can't defend walk, walk, homer," Twins manager Paul Molitor said after the Cleveland start. "That's what gets you. ... It got out of control in a hurry." The 27-year-old left-hander, signed by the Twins as a minor league free agent in the offseason, is running out of chances with the return of fellow lefty Hector Santiago from the disabled list looming on the horizon. Thursday's start marks Turley's first appearance facing the White Sox. The White Sox collected just four hits in scoring a pair of runs off Twins starter Jose Berrios in a 4-2 loss Wednesday, and they must take advantage of the Twins' inexperienced starter to avoid suffering a fifth straight loss to Minnesota. Chicago starter Jose Quintana would certainly appreciate the support. The left-handed Quintana snapped a seven-start winless streak in his last outing on June 16, which was largely due to his receiving the lowest run support (2.65 per game) of any major league starter to that point. Quintana (3-8, 5.07) was relieved after allowing Toronto just two runs and five hits in seven innings of an 11-4 Chicago win." Every time is good when you get a lot of (run) support," Quintana said. "Wow, it was a lot of runs, though. I needed that outing to get my confidence high again." Quintana is 6-8 with a 4.28 ERA in 20 career starts against Minnesota but is 0-4 in his last four starts against the Twins. Twins first baseman Joe Mauer, who sat out Wednesday's game, is batting .318 with a pair of home runs in 44 at-bats against Quintana. Brian Dozier is batting just .224 but has four home runs in 11 career hits off the Chicago lefty. Quintana must count on players such as Melky Cabrera and Jose Abreu to rebound after both players saw eight-game hitting streaks end Wednesday. Chicago slugger Avisail Garcia remains hot, entering the game 5-for-8 in the series, with three RBIs, a double and a home run. Minnesota's win over Chicago on Wednesday, combined with Cleveland's 5-1 win over Baltimore, leaves the Twins 1 1/2 games behind the Indians for the American League Central lead. Minnesota hopes to cut that lead to a half-game while the White Sox are looking for a win to help vault them past Detroit and out of the division cellar. To do so, Chicago must snap a four-game losing streak to the Twins, who have won seven of 10 meetings in 2017.
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 2:05 PM EDT Venue: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Tex., 76011 ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers left-hander Martin Perez finally got back into the win column in his last start, pitching 5 1/3 innings in Texas' 6-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday. It was his first "W" since May 18. The key now is to see whether Perez can put together back-to-back solid performances, something that has eluded him all season. Perez (3-6, 4.72 ERA) will have his work cut out for him Thursday when the Rangers host Toronto in the series finale of a four-game set. The Blue Jays will counter with right-hander Marcus Stroman (7-3, 3.15), who is riding a hot streak. The only streak Perez has been on this year is an inconsistent one. He has won just one game in each of the first three months and has just one quality start in his past four outings." I just want to use all my pitches, attack and make my pitches," Perez said. "That's it. (The Blue Jays) have a different approach because I'm a lefty. I have to be on the attack every time and not try to give too much credit to the hitters. And try to have a good tempo, too." At least Toronto should offer Perez a good chance at stabilizing things, if history is an indicator. He faced the Blue Jays twice last year. While he was 0-1 in those appearances, he posted a 0.79 ERA. Perez also will be pitching in a day game in the Texas heat for a second consecutive start. In his last start, it was so hot that he changed uniforms between innings. He knows that goes with the territory pitching in Arlington." It's going to be hot, but if you play baseball, you're going to have early games," he said Wednesday. "It doesn't matter. I know I'll have to drink a lot of water tomorrow. I'm fine. It's part of the game." Stroman also has success against the Rangers, but his sample size in the regular season is even smaller than his Perez's. Stroman pitched six shutout innings in 2014 against Texas. He also has a 3.46 ERA in two postseason starts against the Rangers, with both of those coming in 2015. Stroman's pitching hasn't been the issue for Toronto recently. He has lasted at least six innings in seven of his past eight starts, and he yielded more than three runs just once in that span. The problem for Toronto has been the offense, which led to manager John Gibbons to shuffle the batting order. Thursday's game will mark the first for the new-look Jays with Jose Bautista leading off and Russell Martin, Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak completing the top four spots. Bautista batted leadoff for the first time this season Wednesday and went 0-for-3 with two walks and a run in Toronto's 7-5 victory over Texas (35-36). Thursday's game will mark the first time Martin has batted second all season for a Toronto team that ranks 14th in the American League in runs scored. The revamped offense will give the Jays a chance to reach .500 for the first time this season. Toronto (35-36) is 0-8 this year when trying to get to .500." We'll see how it works," Gibbons said. "We put (Bautista) up there last year, and it kind of sparked us a little bit."
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 2:10 PM EDT Venue: Miller Park, Milwaukee, Wis., 53214 MILWAUKEE -- Ivan Nova will take the mound Thursday as the Pittsburgh Pirates look to win a third consecutive series at Miller Park. Nova has recorded quality starts in each of his last four outings and taken the victory in his last two. He has lasted at least six innings in all 14 of his starts this season." I do think he's matured on the mound now that he realizes strikeouts maybe aren't what they used to (be) to him seven years ago," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "Then there's times when I think he's got the stuff where he knows, 'I've got to strike out,' and he'll go get it. More often than not, his focus is on soft contact, early outs. He's been able to follow that plan really well so far." Milwaukee counters with right-hander Chase Anderson, who has been tearing up the National League over the last few weeks, posting a 1.78 ERA with 18 strikeouts over his last three starts. The Pirates, though, have given him problems. They have recorded 39 hits, including six home runs, in 113 at-bats against Anderson. Still, this is a different Chase Anderson. He has added several ticks to his fastball, which has gotten up to 97 and averages 92.6 mph." Chase probably came into spring training throwing a little bit harder," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "We noticed it right away in spring training. For Chase, really, he's just kind of in a sweet spot where his training, his mechanics and his experiences and what he's worked on with (pitching coach Derek Johnson) has got him in a good place." It's the best version of yourself. He's really comfortable in his delivery right now. He's got a lot of confidence. You're seeing a little bit of an uptick. It's certainly part of the difference for him this year." Milwaukee will have an extra arm in its bullpen as left-hander Brent Suter returned to the Brewers for the fifth time this season Wednesday. He was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs to replace Wily Peralta, who landed on the disabled list with a strained left calf. The move comes two days after the struggling right-hander was knocked around again as he transitions from a starting role to the bullpen." Yesterday, he felt it tighten up a little bit during his conditioning," Counsell said. Hopping back and forth between Milwaukee and the minors hasn't been an issue for Suter, who Counsell says has embraced the opportunity." He talked about it the first time he got sent down," Counsell said. "He kind of set it in his head that he's going to have to be open to this and expect this and plan on this as part of my season. I thought that was a very astute comment to say, 'This is what my season could look like and can't be questioning every single thing that happens. I just have to roll with it.' That puts him in a better spot. No matter where he's pitching, just be present and do your job."
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 3:10 PM EDT Venue: Coors Field, Denver, Colo., 80205 DENVER -- Nolan Arenado bailed out the Rockies in consecutive games before Wednesday night, when there was no drama in Colorado's 16-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, the Rockies have shown a knack for putting losses behind them and racking up wins in bunches this season. They will need a good outing from rookie right-hander Antonio Senzatela, who faces Arizona's Zack Godley in the rubber match of a key National League West series on Thursday afternoon. Senzatela (9-2, 4.10 ERA) is tied for second in the major leagues for wins; Los Angeles ace Clayton Kershaw and Kansas City's Jason Vargas have 10 apiece. Senzatela will try to match that total in his first career start against the Diamondbacks. Senzatela has been one of the pleasant surprises for the young Colorado staff. He is 2-0 in June despite a 6.61 ERA, thanks to some nice run support from the Rockies' offense. Colorado (47-27) and Senzatela have a tough task in taming the red-hot Diamondbacks (45-27). Arizona has won 11 of 13 and would be riding a nine-game winning streak if Arenado had not hit a two-run triple in the eighth inning on Tuesday to give Colorado the win. The Rockies were dominated Wednesday, but unlike the past few years, it was the exception and not the norm." A couple of guys there had a tough night, but we'll turn the page," Colorado manager Bud Black said. "We've shown that in the past." Senzatela has been a good weapon to stop losing streaks. Five of his wins have come after Rockies losses, and that will be the task against the Diamondbacks on Thursday. Godley (2-1, 2.34 ERA) has been stellar since joining Arizona's rotation in late April. He hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start, and Arizona is 6-2 in games he has pitched. He has two career relief appearances against Colorado, both last season, and will make his first start against the NL West rival. Arizona has shown it is just as resilient as Colorado. A tough loss on Tuesday hovered into Wednesday, but the bats woke up and now the Diamondbacks are looking at a chance to take the last two of the three-game series." We've got some momentum going into (Thursday)," said second baseman Brandon Drury, who had four hits and a career-high six RBIs on Wednesday. "We're trying to win every game we play. We're both hot; hopefully we win the series." It might not take another big inning like the 10-run fourth Wednesday, but Arizona knows it has to be ready for a hungry Rockies team looking for payback before hitting the road for nine games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants and the Diamondbacks." We're strong. We're ready to go tomorrow," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said Wednesday. "The guys are rested and ready." The Thursday game will be played without umpire Andy Fletcher, who left in the middle of the seventh inning Wednesday after taking a pitch off his mask. He was placed in Major League Baseball's concussion protocol.
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 3:35 PM EDT Venue: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, CA, 94621 OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Oakland Athletics have had a decided home-field advantage against most teams they have faced at Oakland Coliseum this season. Then there are the Houston Astros. Houston improved to 5-0 against the A's at the Coliseum on Wednesday night with a 5-1 victory, the Astros' ninth consecutive win in Oakland. The A's haven't defeated Houston at the Coliseum since July 19, 2016, when they needed 10 innings for a 4-3 win. The Astros have won the first three games of the series and will go for a sweep on Thursday afternoon." I think it comes and goes," Astros manager A. J. Hinch said before Wednesday's game. "Not too long ago, we would come to this place and something crazy would happen and they would win a lot of close games. I don't really have the answer, other than we've played well against them in the last stretch." But we've got a few games in this ballpark before the season ends. We've got to keep playing well, keep putting pressure on them. We've played from ahead a lot, which is good, a good way for us to win because our 'pen's pretty good." The Astros took a 3-0 lead in the sixth inning Wednesday, then rolled to their 14th victory in the past 15 games between the two teams. A's right-hander Jesse Hahn will make his 12th start of the season when he faces Astros rookie right-hander David Paulino in the series finale Thursday. Hahn (3-4, 3.56 ERA) is 2-0 with a 2.81 ERA in three starts since returning to the rotation after a stint on the disabled list with a strained right triceps." I feel good about everything," Hahn said. "I feel confident right now. Every start I'm just looking to go out there and build and put zeros on the board. That's just my mindset right now: Try to go out there and win." Hahn is 1-3 with a 6.05 ERA in four career starts against the Astros. He took the loss in his lone start against them this year, a 7-2 defeat on April 30 at Houston. He gave up four runs (three earned) on eight hits over six innings, striking out six without issuing a walk. Hahn is well aware of the challenge he faces against an Astros team that has George Springer, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa at the top of its batting order." They're incredible," Hahn said. "They have a great team. Those guys are so good at the top of their lineup. They make that team so much better. I think you have to try to do as best you can to keep (Springer and Altuve) off base at the same time. One of them is OK, but when they both get on base, they're very dangerous." They like to run, they like to hit and run. And then you've got Correa and other guys coming up after them that also have power. For me, you've got to try to limit the top of the order from getting on base." Paulino, a 6-foot-7 Dominican Republic native, is coming off his first major league victory, in his fifth start and seventh appearance. He allowed one run on three hits over six innings in a 7-1 victory against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday at Minute Maid Park. Paulino, 23, struck out four and walked one." He looked great," Astros catcher Brian McCann said. "For somebody that tall to have four pitches, what stands out to me most is how he can control (them). He pounds the strike zone." When you have his kind of stuff and you can locate, there's no reason he can't build off that. I think the more experience he gets, the better he's going to be."
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
COMING
UP
7:05 PM EST |
|
6/22/2017 7:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
-122
|
-1.5 (+126)
|
Over 10 (-120)
|
|
|
+111
|
+1.5 (-146)
|
Under 10 (+100)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 7:05 PM EDT Venue: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Md., 21201 BALTIMORE-- Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona said his team is tougher to beat when they can find help from many places. That's a big reason they've won seven of their last eight, including two of the first three games of this series with the Baltimore Orioles. Cleveland will try to wrap up the series in the finale Thursday. The Indians (38-32) won 5-1 Wednesday thanks to good pitching, plus some timely hitting, even though Baltimore (35-36) found some better pitching." We're a better team when we get contributions all over the map," Francona said. "It's a good way to play." Francona will send out Mike Clevinger (2-3, 3.89 ERA) against Baltimore's Wade Miley (3-4, 4.29) on Thursday. Clevinger has experienced trouble at times lately. In Cleveland's 6-2 win over Minnesota last Saturday, he lasted just four innings -- giving up one run on two hits. This will be just his second appearance vs. Baltimore (0-0, 9.00 ERA in one four-inning stint). Miley has battled high pitch counts this season, which often have limited his innings. He won his last start Saturday -- a 15-7 victory over the Cardinals -- but allowed six runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. The left-hander has a 1-1 career record and 4.30 ERA against the Indians. Baltimore finally got some good news on the injury front, especially when it comes to the bullpen. Darren O'Day (shoulder) felt good after throwing in a simulated game Wednesday, and manager Buck Showalter said the pitcher will be activated Friday if everything is fine Thursday. Zach Britton (sore forearm) also felt fine, one day after throwing an inning at short-season Aberdeen on Tuesday night. He is scheduled to pitch Thursday and Saturday at Class A Delmarva and could return to the Orioles around July 5, according to Showalter. Also, Chris Davis (right oblique strain) had a PRP shot Tuesday. Showalter said they're hoping this could push his recovery along. Showalter said he'll be going back to Dallas for the birth of his first grandchild and will miss Thursday's game. He's also hoping catcher Welington Castillo (sore shoulder), who sat out Wednesday, will be able to play for interim manager John Russell." (Castillo) needed a day off," Showalter said. "I wasn't going to broadcast it. Hopefully he'll be ready for John." The Indians went without closer Cody Allen on Wednesday night as he went back home for the birth of a baby. His status was unknown after that Wednesday win. A big question will be whether Jose Ramirez can keep up his hot streak. He became one of just four Indians ever to get at least two hits in nine straight games by going 2-for-5 in Wednesday's win. The major league record belongs to Shoeless Joe Jackson (10 games in 1911 and 11 in 1912). Outfielder Brandon Guyer (left wrist sprain), on the disabled list for over a month, was hit in the ankle during a rehab game with Triple-A Columbus Tuesday. Francona said X-rays were fine, and Guyer was scheduled to play Wednesday. After this, he'll come back to Cleveland, where they will decide on what comes next. The Indians found out on Wednesday that they will be playing a road series in Puerto Rico vs. the Twins on April 17 and 18, 2018. Francona said he's played at that stadium (Hiram Bithorn in San Juan), and he thinks it will be a good experience." I think it's pretty cool," Francona said. "It'll be a piece of cake, and it'll be fun. I think it's good for the game."
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
COMING
UP
7:05 PM EST |
|
6/22/2017 7:05 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+230
|
+1.5 (+115)
|
Over 9 (-115)
|
|
|
-260
|
-1.5 (-135)
|
Under 9 (-105)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 7:05 PM EDT Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY, 10451 NEW YORK -- More than a week of frustration and disappointment ended for the New York Yankees on Wednesday. And because it ended with an 8-4 victory, the Yankees will not be facing the prospect of a ninth straight loss Thursday night when they host the Los Angeles Angels in the finale of a three-game series at Yankee Stadium." It's nice," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "It's been a frustrating week, no doubt about it." After getting its first win since June 12, New York (39-30) will get a chance to go 10 games above .500 after getting 12 hits and numerous contributions. The Yankees ended their longest skid since April 20-27, 2007, on a night when Aaron Judge went 1-for-4 and did not hit his major-league-leading 25th homer. Matt Holliday and Didi Gregorius homered and Austin Romine added a two-run double in a three-hit night. Romine also was part of the most important development of ending the skid as the Yankees' bullpen righted itself after allowing 16 runs in the seventh inning or later during the slump. The lone exception was Tyler Clippard, who allowed two more runs in a low-leverage situation. Clippard has given up five runs in the first two games of the series, and his ERA is up to 3.77." We have to keep fighting through it. We've had a tough stretch in the 'pen and obviously in the rotation side," GM Brian Cashman said before Wednesday's game. The Angels lost for the third straight time when getting to .500. Los Angeles has not been more than four games above or below .500 this season, and it was unable to follow up a productive 14-hit showing in the series opener." Nobody's content with .500," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said before Wednesday's game. "We've managed to keep our heads above water, but we know there's a long way to go for us to reach our goal." Martin Maldonado homered twice, but his first career multi-homer game was about the only highlight for the Angels. Cameron Maybin saw his season-high 10-game hitting streak end, and the first five hitters were a combined 3-for-16. The Angels are 11-11 since losing Mike Trout to a thumb injury on May 28. They may be getting closer Huston Street back from the disabled list Thursday -- he has not pitched all season due to a strained lat. The Yankees used Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman in the same game for the time since the 18-inning win at Wrigley Field on May 7. They hope Luis Severino can do enough to hand the ball to the late-inning duo again. Severino is 3-0 with a 2.40 ERA in his last eight starts, and the Yankees are 7-6 when he pitches as he heads into his first appearance against the Angels." His arm slot, he just couldn't seem to find," Girardi said. "Then he found it about the fourth inning and was really pretty good after that. That happens, too. Can't really tell you why it happens, but it happens." Jesse Chavez takes a dubious streak into Thursday's series finale with the Yankees. He has allowed at least one home run in 12 straight starts to set a team record. The previous mark was set by Don Sutton and matched by Jarrod Washburn, Dan Haren and Joe Blanton. Chavez last started Friday against the Kansas City Royals and took the loss after he allowed two runs and nine hits in seven innings. Chavez is 4-1 with a 2.97 ERA in 10 career appearances (four starts) against the Yankees." He's pitched this deep before in games," Scioscia said. "Tonight, he had good rhythm and good tempo and made pitches. Jesse keeps trying to evolve as a pitcher, and I think he did some things tonight that will continue to move him forward."
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
COMING
UP
7:10 PM EST |
|
6/22/2017 7:10 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
-140
|
-1.5 (+120)
|
Over 9 (-105)
|
|
|
+126
|
+1.5 (-140)
|
Under 9 (-115)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 7:10 PM EDT Venue: Marlins Park, Miami, FL , 33125 MIAMI -- Chicago Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta, the 2015 National League Cy Young Award winner and a World Series champion last year, is in an undeniable slump. Arrieta, who pitched a no-hitter in each of the past two seasons, enters Marlins Park on Thursday with a 6-5 record and a 4.64 ERA. He will be opposed by left-hander Jeff Locke in the opener of a four-game series between the Cubs (36-35) and Miami Marlins (32-38). Arrieta's pedestrian numbers are coming from a pitcher who went a combined 40-14 the past two years. Arrieta's decline, though seemingly stunning, has been visible for a while now. He was dominant in 2015 with a 1.77 ERA. Last year, he was merely very good with a 3.10 ERA. This year, the 31-year-old has failed to pitch at least five innings on four separate occasions, including each of his past two starts. He has allowed seven runs (six earned) in his past nine innings, and the Cubs are 7-7 this year when he pitches. That's a long way from the dominance Arrieta showed in the second half of the 2015 season, when he posted a 0.75 ERA. His ERA was 4.44 in the second half of 2016, so, again, this trend is not a sudden occurrence. So what's wrong?Arrieta has pointed a finger at his workload, a career high 248 2/3 innings in 2015 and 219 2/3 last year." As much as we don't want to say that it carries over from season to season, I think it did have some effect," Arrieta said recently. "I threw almost 500 innings the past two years." I'm not hurt or injured, but my body has reacted accordingly. It's taken me longer to regain my form than I would like." Arrieta has also dealt with a hand injury for most of the season, and that has affected his grip. His fastball velocity is down from 93.8 mph last year to 91.8 mph. Commanding his pitches has been the biggest problem, according to Arrieta, who has also been dealing with a serious family issue -- his mother-in-law had a brain operation two weeks ago. Locke, meanwhile, would love to have six wins. The lefty, who was on the disabled list to start the season and was only activated on June 1, is 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four starts. His career numbers against the Cubs are not good -- 1-5 with a 5.98 ERA in 13 games (11 starts). In contrast, Arrieta is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three career starts against Miami. The Marlins, though, are surely feeling confident after taking two of three games from the NL West-leading Washington Nationals. That series win included a Monday game in which the Marlins rallied from a 6-0 deficit and a Wednesday contest in which they defeated ace Max Scherzer 2-1 after he was five outs from a no-hitter. Chicago, meanwhile, is opening an 11-game road trip, desperately trying to find its championship form of 2016. Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward has missed three straight games because of an injury to his left hand. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo had his 14-game hit streak ended Wednesday in a 3-2 loss to the San Diego Padres, and left fielder Kyle Schwarber is hitting .171. Marlins manager Don Mattingly hopes Miami is catching the Cubs at the right time. He also hopes his team has turned a corner from a 6-18 stretch to start May." May was so tough," Mattingly said Wednesday, still trying to shake off the disappointment. "For a while now, we've been playing pretty good baseball. I feel good about our guys. I just want to build some momentum."
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
COMING
UP
7:35 PM EST |
|
6/22/2017 7:35 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+149
|
+1.5 (-139)
|
Over 9 (-110)
|
|
|
-165
|
-1.5 (+119)
|
Under 9 (-110)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 7:35 PM EDT Venue: SunTrust Park, Atlanta, GA, 30339 ATLANTA -- Jamie Garcia got the best of the Giants' Matt Cain in a pitching duel at San Francisco on May 26, the decisive seventh-inning hit in the 2-0 victory coming from the Atlanta Braves pitcher himself. The two veterans will be matched again on Thursday night as the teams conclude a four-game series at SunTrust Park. Cain will try to get a little payback. The loss by Cain to the Braves is part of a five-game losing streak for the right-hander, who is 3-6 with a 4.99 ERA." It was definitely a tough one to go back and forth scoreless with Garcia and lose it," said Cain, who is 4-3 with a 3.16 ERA in his career against the Braves. "It stings to give up a hit to the opposing pitcher that ended up winning it." The RBI is the only one Garcia has this season, and the left-hander is just 3-for-19 (.158) at the plate. Garcia has been the Braves' most consistent starter, his 3.59 ERA deserving better than a 2-5 record. Garcia, who held the Giants to four hits over 6 2/3 scoreless innings at San Francisco, hadn't allowed more than four runs in any start before a five-run fifth inning against Miami in his most recent outing. He had a 1.49 ERA in his previous five starts. The left-hander spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals before being traded to the Braves in the offseason, in part because he will become a free agent after this season. Being at the end of his contract also makes Garcia a trade possibility now as the July 31 non-waiver deadline draws nearer." I really don't think about a trade," said Garcia, who is 4-1 with a 2.54 ERA in his career against the Giants. "I would love to call Atlanta home for my future, but that's out of my control right now." Another former St. Louis player, Matt Adams, is settling in with the Braves, too. Freddie Freeman, due to return to the Braves in mid-July from a broken left wrist, has begun working out at third base, a position switch that would allow Adams to stay at first base. Despite not playing at third base since high school, Freeman said, "I'm 100 percent go on it. My mindset is coming back as a third baseman." Freeman, who had 14 homers when injured, said he first mentioned the possible switch about two weeks ago and then began thinking more seriously about the move as Adams continued to post big numbers. Since coming to Atlanta in a trade with St. Louis on May 21, Adams is among the leaders in the majors with 11 home runs and 29 RBIs." It says a lot about (Freeman) that the best player is going to do anything he can to make this team better," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. The Braves hit three homers Wednesday against the Giants, including a walk-off blast by Matt Kemp in the 11th inning for a 5-3 victory. The Giants (27-47) won two of three vs. Atlanta in San Francisco, but the Braves (33-38) have won two of the first three games at SunTrust Park going into the series finale.
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
COMING
UP
10:10 PM EST |
|
6/22/2017 10:10 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+151
|
+1.5 (-145)
|
Over 8.5 (-105)
|
|
|
-168
|
-1.5 (+125)
|
Under 8.5 (-115)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 10:10 PM EDT Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, 90012 LOS ANGELES -- The New York Mets can wonder what their season might have looked like if Steve Matz had been available from the start, before injuries overwhelmed the rotation. The left-hander, who will start Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, is one of five Mets starters who have spent time on the disabled list this season, joining ace Noah Syndergaard, Seth Lugo, Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey. Los Angeles, riding a six-game winning streak, will be looking to complete a four-game series sweep. Matz returned two weeks ago and put together back-to-back seven-inning outings, something only Syndergaard had managed for the Mets this season. Matz is the first Met to do so in his first two outings of a season since Harvey went seven innings in four straight games in 2013. Matz was sidelined in spring training with elbow tenderness that lingered into the season. He finally returned for a June 10 start at Atlanta, and he went seven innings and allowed five hits, one run and one walk in an 8-1 win. He came back with seven more innings in a Friday loss to Washington in which he allowed eight hits and four runs without a walk. He is 2-0 lifetime against the Dodgers in regular-season play, with a 1.50 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 12 innings. Matz started and took the loss in Game 4 of the 2015 National League Division Series, a 3-1 decision. He was 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA in 2015, when the Mets advanced to the World Series, and 9-8 with a 3.40 ERA in 2016." This is what we thought we were going to get from guys we thought we were going to have," manager Terry Collins said of Matz. "Unfortunately, we haven't, and we have had to play without them. We've just got to make sure we work very hard to make sure Steven goes out there every five or six days." Matz said after his 2017 debut, "It just feels really good to get back out there and compete. I didn't really have my greatest, sharpest stuff today, but I was able to execute my pitches when I did." His opposition in the series finale against the Dodgers knows about injuries. Hyun-Jin Ryu was 28-15 in his first two seasons with the Dodgers (2013-14) before a shoulder injury shut him down for all of 2015. He returned in 2016 long enough to make one appearance before an elbow injury ended that season. He has been inconsistent in 2017 (3-6, 4.35 ERA), losing his first four starts and rarely going deep. Ryu had a breakthrough in a 7-2 win over Miami in mid-May, going 5 1/3 innings before hitting his pitch count. Soreness led him to miss his next turn, but he threw four shutout innings in a relief appearance against St. Louis, picking up his first career save. Ryu balked at being used in relief, but the Dodgers have indicated starting pitching is a fluid exercise in the era of five-inning outings and the beneficial 10-day DL. Manager Dave Roberts told Ryu the Dodgers consider him a starter but that he has to understand the nature of the game." I told him it wasn't permanent," Roberts said. "We have an excess of quality starting pitchers, so getting innings for all of our guys is tough. I know he was excited when he got back in the rotation. It's what he's known throughout his career." Ryu is 2-0 with a 1.80 ERA in three career appearances against the Mets, with a 1.80 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 20 innings. All of those outings, however, came before his injuries.
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
COMING
UP
10:10 PM EST |
|
6/22/2017 10:10 PM EST (TODAY) |
MONEYLINE |
SPREAD |
TOTAL |
|
|
|
|
+123
|
+1.5 (-170)
|
Over 9.5 (+100)
|
|
|
-136
|
-1.5 (+148)
|
Under 9.5 (-120)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GAME PREVIEW
Time: 10:10 PM EDT Venue: Safeco Field, Seattle, WA, 98134 SEATTLE -- Detroit's Brad Ausmus was sitting in the visiting manager's office at Safeco Field, talking with reporters. He was asked what sort of scouting process a team goes through when an opponent calls up a rookie pitcher to make his major league debut the next day. Ausmus looked confused. It was at that point he learned the Seattle Mariners had promoted right-hander Andrew Moore to start Thursday in the finale of a four-game series against the Tigers." Tell (Mariners manager) Scott Servais he's supposed to let me know first," Ausmus said in mock anger. "We used to be teammates, after all." Ausmus then turned to a member of the Tigers' communications staff and said, "Tell them we're 'to be announced' (for Thursday's starting pitcher)." The Detroit manager then began typing on his laptop, searching for details on Moore." Pitching pretty well in (Double-A) Arkansas and (Triple-A) Tacoma. Not a lot of walks," Ausmus said. "We'll get little more advanced with video. In a half-hour, we'll have everything we need." Moore, 23, was a second-round draft pick in 2015 out of Oregon State. He was the Mariners' minor league pitcher of the year in 2016, going 12-4 with a 2.65 ERA in Class A and Double-A. He was 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA in 14 games this season, striking out 77 in 82 2/3 innings." We're going to give Andrew Moore a chance," Servais said. "He's been on our radar for a while. He pitched in some big spots in college, so I think he'll handle it." The Mariners (37-37), who have won four in a row, will try to move over .500 for the first time this season. The Tigers (32-39) will attempt to snap a five-game skid that includes the first three games at Safeco Field. Seattle's Mike Zunino said he caught Moore "a couple of times" when Zunino was sent to Tacoma last month to work on his swing." He's got good stuff," Zunino said. "He's not an overpowering-type guy, but he's got command of four pitches and throws strikes. That's what you want from a starting pitcher, to be able to have command and move the ball around for strikes." Servais said Moore's fastball is generally clocked in the 88-91 mph range." I'm not a guy who can run it up there 95 (mph) and blow it by people," Moore said. "I've just got to keep executing my pitches." Moore said he was told of his promotion after the Triple-A Rainiers completed a homestand Tuesday night against Salt Lake." (Tacoma manager Pat Listach) called me and told me I wasn't going to be going to Reno. I was like, 'What?'" Moore said. "I wasn't sure what the situation was. Once you get to Triple-A, anything can happen." Moore will replace veteran right-hander Yovani Gallardo (3-7, 6.30 ERA) as the Seattle starter Thursday." I talked with Gallardo. He understands where we're at right now," Servais said. "If you look at his raw stuff, I think it's ticked up some from last year, but he hasn't been able to stay away from the big innings." Whether Moore stays in the rotation has yet to be determined. The Mariners are scheduled to get ace Felix Hernandez back from the disabled list to start Friday against the Houston Astros, and they are idle next Monday and Thursday." We're getting healthier and getting younger," Servais said. "We've got weird off days next week, so we don't need a fifth starter." Moore is not worried about anything beyond his first start." I watched the Tigers last night and am sure I'll get a good scouting report," Moore said. Detroit is scheduled to start right-hander Daniel Norris, who took the loss April 26 against Seattle at Comerica Park, allowing four runs on nine hits in four innings. Norris (4-4, 4.42) is 0-1 with a 5.19 ERA in four career appearances against the Mariners. Moore, a native of Springfield, Ore., said he had already fielded about 40 ticket requests from friends and family for his Safeco Field debut." I grew up going to games here (in Seattle)," Moore said. "I'm happy to be able to take the mound."
Game
Preview from The Associated
Press (AP).
Copyright
© 2017 The Associated
Press, All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TENNIS |
|
| 6/22/2017 |
|
FOUND 22 PICKS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER |
|
| 6/22/2017 |
|
FOUND 3 PICKS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
** IMPORTANT
NOTE ** All service picks revealed 15
minutes after each game starts for 100% transparency.
Services cannot fabricate, alter, hide, or delete any picks
nor can records or units be tampered with or forged on CapperTek.
Services cannot fabricate, alter, hide, or delete any reviews
on their service profile on CapperTek. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RECENT
SPORTS BETTING NEWS / BLOGS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RECENT
GAME PREVIEWS / RECAPS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Is your sports
handicapping service website listed in the
directory? You can
click here
to claim your website by selecting your
website domain name and creating your account
password. If your sports handicapping service
website is not already listed in the directory,
please
click here
first to submit a new website to the directory.
Please note, we must verify that you own
the specific website you are trying to claim
before your account is activated and you
are able to log in. Once verified and activated,
you can log into your account and post and
sell your sports picks as well as edit your
service info. You can also respond to any
reviews that may have been submitted for
your sports handicapping service. A valid
PayPal account is required to sell picks
in the directory.
Do you want
to post and sell your picks but do not have
a website? Not a problem! We can setup a
new website for you in the directory absolutely
free! Just
click here
to get started. Once you register your new
website, you can access your account and
post and sell your sports picks as well
as edit your service info. A valid PayPal
account is required to sell picks in the
directory.
Attention,
we need your help! Do you know of any other
sports handicappers or sports handicapping
service websites that are not listed in
the directory? Please
click here
today and let us know so we can add them
to the directory. Help us build and maintain
the largest and most trusted Sports Handicapping
Service Directory on the web. Thank you
to all of our current supporters!
Do you
own or operate one of the sports handicapping
service websites listed in the directory
and want to get it verified?
Click here
today to get your website verified in three
easy steps to document and sell your sports
picks as well as protect against negative
reviews that can ultimately ruin the reputation
of your service. Best of all it's free!
Learn more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Why
Use CapperTek to Buy Sports Picks?
View
Only Sports Handicapping Services
with Picks Available
(159)
