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Left-hander Cole Hamels will make his third start since spending seven weeks on the disabled list when the Texas Rangers host the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night in the opener of a three-game series. It is the final series prior to the All-Star break for the two teams, who are jockeying for second place in the American League West. Hamels, is 2-1 with a 2.93 ERA in six career starts against the Angels, including seven innings of one-run ball in a no-decision at Los Angeles on April 11. Texas also averted a sweep and snapped a three-game losing streak  with an 8-2 win over Boston on Wednesday.

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Morton is expected to be activated following a six-week absence on the disabled list with a strained right lat muscle. The 33-year-old has been quite busy with his rehabilitation, making three starts - including one with Double-A Corpus Christi in which he threw 74 pitches. Morton traditionally has flustered Troy Tulowitzki (1-for-12, three strikeouts) and Darwin Barney (1-for-10). Toronto starter, Sanchez is also expected to return from the disabled list due to a pesky blister on his right middle finger that has plagued him throughout the season. The 25-year-old struggled in his second rehab outing with Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday, although the four runs he allowed in 4 1/3 innings matters little when compared to his overall health after the contest. Sanchez has been taken to task in small sample sizes against Carlos Beltran (4-for-8, homer, four RBIs) and Brian McCann (two solo homers).

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Foltynewicz’s had a rough outing in Washington on June 12, when Foltynewicz lasted just 3 1/3 innings after surrendering eight runs on 11 hits. Washington starter, Gonzalez enters the series with the fourth-lowest ERA among left-handed starters, as the 31-year-old is authoring his best season with the Nationals since winning 21 games in 2012. He has lost his past two starts despite allowing a total of one run on four hits with 17 strikeouts, falling to the Cubs and Cardinals after winning four consecutive decisions.

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Gaviglio is winless in his last three starts despite allowing three runs or fewer each time. The 27-year-old native of Oregon suffered his second straight loss Saturday, when he gave up three runs and five hits over a career-high 6 1/3 innings in a road game against the Los Angeles Angels in his ninth career turn. Gaviglio, who will be facing Oakland for the first time, has worked at least five innings in each of his starts.

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Montgomery has pitched at least six innings in three straight outings, but he has lost his last two starts. The 28-year-old recorded a season-high seven strikeouts last time out at Cincinnati, but he gave up four runs and nine hits over 6 2/3 innings in a 5-0 defeat. Montgomery has faced the Brewers four times in relief this season, going 0-2 and allowing four earned runs over eight innings.

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Koehler returned to Miami's rotation for the first time since May 16 on Saturday and was lit up for seven runs on six hits and a pair of walks in 1 2/3 innings. St. Louis starter, Wacha dominated in his last two turns, recording a pair of wins while allowing a total of one run and nine hits in 12 innings. The Texas A&M product struck out a season-high nine over six frames against Washington on Saturday while issuing one walk. Wacha, who has surrendered a total of one home run in his last five turns, is 1-0  in two career starts against Miami.

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Vargas, a first-time All-Star, defeated the Minnesota Twins in his last outing when he gave up one run and two hits over seven innings. The 34-year-old, who has rebounded superbly from Tommy John surgery, is just two victories shy of his career best - set for the Mariners in 2012. Vargas is 3-2 with a 1.70 ERA in five career starts against Seattle

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Colorado right-hander Jon Gray was superb in his first outing since returning from a broken foot and looks for another strong performance when the Rockies close a three-game series against the visiting Cincinnati Reds today. Gray struck out 10 batters in six innings while beating the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday after missing nearly 2 1/2 months. Gray showed promise last season while going 10-10 with a 4.61 ERA and his return provides much needed help for the rotation. The 25-year-old, who was selected third overall in the 2013 draft, has seven double-digit strikeout games in 42 career starts. Gray won his lone career start against the Reds last season when he allowed three runs (two earned) and four hits in six innings.

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J.T. Riddle has collected three straight multi-hit performances to make himself at home on the road halfway through the Miami Marlins' 10-game road trip heading into the All-Star break. Riddle looks to continue his torrid stretch today when the Marlins play the third contest of their four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Miami starter, Volquez owns a 4-1 mark in his last seven starts, but settled for a no-decision on Friday despite allowing just a solo homer among three hits in six innings at Milwaukee. The 34-year-old Dominican also permitted just two walks after issuing 14 free passes in his previous three outings.

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The Rangers (40-43) have lost five of their last six to fall three games under .500 and are struggling at the end of games, with the bullpen surrendering the go-ahead run in each of the last three setbacks.  While Boston starter,  Price is beginning to pitch well and is enjoying a string of four straight starts of allowing three or fewer earned runs. The Vanderbilt product matched season highs with seven strikeouts and seven innings pitched against Minnesota on Thursday and did not walk a batter in a win.

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Peacock has helped ease the burden of injuries to Houston's starting rotation, going 3-1 with a 3.51 ERA in seven starts since moving from the bullpen. The 29-year-old has pitched six innings in just one start, but has limited opponents to two earned runs or fewer five times. He beat Oakland on Wednesday striking out seven while allowing one run on two hits.

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Nelson has won four of his last five decisions and recorded at least 10 strikeouts in four out of seven outings. He fanned 11 and limited Cincinnati to two runs and three hits over seven stellar frames Thursday. The University of Alabama product, who has yet to face Baltimore, has a 2.64 ERA in nine home starts this year.

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Lynn made it through six innings for the first time in seven starts on Thursday at Arizona, picking up the victory by giving up three runs. The 30-year-old was hammered in his previous two outings, allowing seven runs each in losses to Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Lynn has been hampered by the long ball, surrendering a career-high 19 on the season, including seven in his last three starts.

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Kansas City (41-40) fell to 26-34 following a loss in San Diego on June 9 before winning seven of its last eight in California, taking series from the Padres, San Francisco and the Los Angeles Angels behind a revitalized offense that averaged 7.4 runs in its victories on the trip. The Royals won for the 15th time in 21 games Sunday against Minnesota, taking three of four in the series to pull into a tie with the Twins for second place in the American League Central - three games behind Cleveland.

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Mejia did not allow a run for the second straight outing Wednesday at Boston, recording the win after giving up five hits and a walk over 5 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old Dominican, who blanked Cleveland across five frames five days earlier, has yielded a total of two runs over his last three starts after surrendering nine (eight earned) on June 12 against Seattle. Mejia did not factor in the decision in his head-to-head battle with Meyer on June 1 despite giving up one run in six frames.

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Wainwright has yielded two runs in each of his last two turns, including a victory at Arizona on Wednesday in which he gave up eight hits and struck out eight over 6 1/3 innings. The 35-year-old Georgian has been superb at home this season, going 5-1 with a 2.64 ERA in eight outings while posting an 8.36 mark over eight road starts. Wainwright is 5-2 with two shutouts and a 2.37 ERA in 11 career games (nine starts) against the Marlins, including a no-decision at Miami on May 9 in which he allowed four runs over 5 1/3 frames.

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Stroman bounced back from a poor start with one of his best on Wednesday, when he scattered five hits and one walk while striking out eight in 7 2/3 scoreless innings to earn a win over the Baltimore Orioles. The Duke product was lit up for seven runs in four innings at Texas on June 22 but surrendered three or fewer runs in five of his last six turns. Stroman yielded two runs and five hits in six innings against New York on June 4 and is 5-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Yankees.

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Despite failing to record at least 10 strikeouts for the first time in seven outings Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs, Scherzer still earned the victory after yielding only one run and two hits while fanning six over six innings. The major-league leader in strikeouts (151) and WHIP (0.78) has given up only six earned runs and 22 hits over his last seven starts spanning 54 frames.

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Santiago lost his sixth straight decision Tuesday, even though he worked only two innings at Boston due to a rain delay. A two-run homer was the only hit allowed by the 29-year-old native of New Jersey, who even suffered a loss in relief against Tampa Bay on May 28 during his slide. Santiago is 3-3 with a 3.93 ERA in 17 career appearances (11 starts) against Kansas City. Kansas City starter, Wood will be making his first start since 2015 while with the Chicago Cubs after 25 appearances out of the bullpen in his first season with the Royals. The 30-year-old from Arkansas has thrown 9 1/3 scoreless innings over his last seven relief outings, giving up only five hits and issuing one walk in that span.

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Cobb took a no-hitter into the seventh inning at Pittsburgh on Tuesday but settled for a no-decision after allowing two hits over eight scoreless innings. The 29-year-old Boston native is 2-0 over his last four starts, yielding five earned runs over 27 2/3 innings with 18 strikeouts and six walks in that span. Manny Machado (2-for-17, one homer) has struggled against Cobb, who is 4-1 with a 2.00 ERA in nine career games versus Baltimore.

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Despite registering a season-high nine strikeouts and holding Texas to one run on two hits over six innings, Clevinger has to settle for a no-decision on Tuesday. He failed to pitch beyond five innings in each of his previous three starts - all on the road - while giving up eight runs and eight walks in 13 innings.

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The New York Mets are making a run at .500 in front of the All-Star break and are winners of four straight. The Mets will try to make it five in a row and eight of nine when they host the Philadelphia Phillies in the finale of a three-game series .  Philadelphia starter, Pivetta is coming off the worst start of his brief big-league career after serving up six runs on seven hits and five walks over 2 2/3 innings to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday.

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Pomeranz allowed one run (unearned) and four hits while striking out seven in five innings of a 9-2 victory over Minnesota on Tuesday. The 28-year-old Tennessee native is 4-1 in his last seven starts, yielding two runs or fewer in six contests and lowering his ERA by 1.16 during that span. Toronto's roster is batting only .194 versus Pomeranz. Toronto starter, Biagini permitted three runs, five hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings of a 3-1 loss to Baltimore on Tuesday. The 27-year-old Californian is 2-6 with a 4.93 ERA in 10 starts since coming out of the bullpen in his first 74 career games.

Rating: 2 Units

St. Louis improved to 38-41 with an 8-1 win in Friday's series opener and has won five of its last six games, with the last three of those victories coming over the Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington. A big reason for the surge is the strength of the pitching staff, which allowed four or fewer runs in each of the wins and yielded six hits on Friday to the Nationals, who lead the National League in runs scored. Washington might have a little trouble generating offense at the top of its lineup with Trea Turner (fractured wrist) on the disabled list along with Adam Eaton (knee), leaving the team searching for its third primary leadoff hitter of the season.

Rating: 2 Units

Bundy permitted three runs, five hits and four walks with eight strikeouts in seven innings to beat Tampa Bay 8-3 on Saturday for his second win in three outings. The 24-year-old Tulsa native issued 10 free passes in his last three games after averaging 1.77 over his first 13 starts, and has allowed at least one homer in 10 straight contests. Tim Beckham (2-for-4) and Evan Longoria (4-for-11) each have two homers against Bundy, who is 1-1 with a 5.40 ERA versus the Rays.

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Stephens is set to become the eighth Reds pitcher and the fifth starter to make his major-league debut this season. The 23-year-old was an 18th-round draft pick in 2012 and has put up pedestrian numbers in six seasons in the minors. Stephens was 4-4 with a 4.97 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) at Triple-A Louisville before getting the call to the bigs.

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Koehler's last start in the majors saw him give up eight runs in three frames against Houston before he was placed on the disabled list due to shoulder bursitis. The 31-year-old made three rehab starts in the minors, including a solid outing for Triple-A New Orleans last Saturday in which he allowed a run and two hits in 6 1/3 innings. He has been rocked for 30 runs in 26 2/3 frames in his career against Milwaukee and has a 13.11 ERA over three starts at Miller Park.

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Dickey looks to continue his strong work of late, after going 3-1 with a 4.02 ERA in five June starts – giving up one earned run or less in three outings. He held the Giants to three hits across seven shutout innings on June 19, and five days later gave up one run on five hits in seven innings to beat Milwaukee. Dickey has struck out 26 hitters across his past four starts, going 3-1 in that stretch.

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The Rockies haven't won since - getting swept in three games by the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers and division-worst San Francisco - to tarnish what was once an impressive 25-13 road record. The Diamondbacks boast the majors' second-best home mark at 30-12. Arizona starter, Ray continued to make his bid for an All-Star nod Saturday against Philadelphia, winning his sixth consecutive decision after allowing two runs on six hits and four walks across 6 1/3 innings. The 25-year-old Tennessee native is unbeaten over his last eight turns and has been particularly stingy over his last seven, permitting one run or less five times.

Rating: 2 Units

Bibens-Dirkx shut down the Yankees in his last turn, when he gave up one run and five hits over seven innings. It was the second time in three starts the 32-year-old allowed just one run over seven frames. Bibens-Dirkx is 2-0 with a 2.22 ERA and 0.82 WHIP in 24 1/3 innings on the road. Chicago starter, Pelfrey lost to Oakland in his last start as he gave up three runs and four hits over 4 2/3 innings. The 33-year-old served up two homers and matched a season high with five walks in the suspect outing. Pelfrey is 1-2 with a 5.97 ERA in five career starts against the Rangers and has struggled with Adrian Beltre (4-for-11, two homers).

Rating: 2 Units

Montgomery has posted back-to-back quality starts, and he has not allowed more than three runs in any of his four outings since moving into the rotation. The 27-year-old gave up three runs in the first inning of a loss Sunday at Miami before shutting out the Marlins for the next five frames and recording a season-high six strikeouts. Montgomery has made six relief appearances versus the Reds, including two this season, allowing three runs - all in his last appearance against them on May 17 - over 6 2/3 innings.

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Cole has given up exactly one run en route to victory in each of his last three outings, including at St. Louis on Saturday when he held the Cardinals to five hits and two walks in six frames. Outside of an uncharacteristic four-game stretch from May 22-June 8 when he allowed 23 runs in 19 1/3 innings, the 26-year-old UCLA product has posted a 2.44 ERA over his other 12 outings. Cole has been even more dominant in his career against the Giants, going 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA in four starts.

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Godley has a 2.13 ERA and 0.83 WHIP home this season, and is 6-1 last 7 overall team starts, and 9-2 career as a favorite. Cardinals starter, Wainwright has a 9.28 ERA away as opposed to a 2.64 ERA home this season, and is 0-3 the last three away team starts during June. In addition,  Godley has 32 Ks and only 5 BBs in his last five starts

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The Mets are 6-1 in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a losing record, 6-2 in their last 8 vs. a team with a losing record, and 6-2 in their last 8 games vs. a starter with a WHIP greater than 1.30. While the Marlins are 5-13 in their last 18 during game 2 of a series and 2-8 in their last 10 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15.

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The Brewers are 4-0 in their last 4 Wednesday games and 4-1 in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. While the Reds are 23-49 in their last 72 games vs. a starter with a WHIP less than 1.15, 4-12 in their last 16 when their opponent scores 5 runs or more in their previous game, 5-16 in their last 21 during game 2 of a series, and 3-14 in their last 17 overall.

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The Under is 7-3-1 in Mariners last 11 home games vs. a right-handed starter, and 7-3 in Mariners last 10 after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game. While the Under is 36-14-2 in Phillies last 52 vs. American League West and 5-2-1 in Phillies last 8 when their opponent allows 5 runs or more in their previous game.

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Samardzija has won only one of his last seven outings despite allowing fewer than four runs six times in that stretch. The lone turn in which he surrendered more was a loss at Colorado on June 16, when he was tagged for eight runs and 11 hits over six innings. That setback dropped Samardzija to 0-3 with a 9.33 ERA versus the Rockies this season and 3-5 with a 3.91 ERA in 14 career appearances (10 starts).

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Montgomery is 3-0 in his last four starts and picked up a win on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels while allowing two runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. The South Carolina product struck out five in that turn and owns 71 punch outs in 74 2/3 total innings. Montgomery made his second career start against Chicago on April 17 and earned his first win while yielding three runs in six frames.

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The Cubs are 35-17 in their last 52 Monday games and 7-2 in the last 9 meetings versus Washington. While the Nationals are 4-9 in Gonzalezs last 13 starts with 5 days of rest and 2-9 in Gonzalezs last 11 starts vs. National League Central.

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Leake turned in his finest effort in nearly a month Tuesday at Philadelphia but did not stay around long enough to get a decision despite allowing one run and three hits over six innings of an 8-1 victory. The outing halted a four-start losing streak for the Arizona State product, who was 5-2 with a 1.91 ERA through nine starts before posting a 6.20 ERA over his next four turns prior to Tuesday. Leake has fared well in 29 career starts against the Pirates, going 10-5 with a 3.29 ERA.

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The Kansas City Royals own a winning record for the first time this season and have no plans to go backward. The Royals will try to continue their climb above .500 and complete a three-game sweep when they host the Toronto Blue Jays in the finale of a six-game home stand.  Kansas City starter, Hammel is thriving along with the rest of his team this month and is 3-0 with a 2.30 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP in four June starts. The 34-year-old allowed two runs in seven innings to earn a win over Boston on Monday without walking a batter - the third time in four starts he did not issue a free pass. Hammel spent the last 2 1/2 seasons in the National League with the Chicago Cubs and is 4-2 with a 4.57 ERA in 15 career appearances against Toronto, with most coming as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles earlier in his career.

Rating: 2 Units

Holland permitted seven runs and eight hits in 2 2/3 innings of a 9-7 loss at Minnesota on June 20 and has allowed 22 runs in 15 2/3 frames while going 1-3 in his last four starts.  Holland is 5-5 with a 3.45 ERA in 21 games (15 starts) versus Oakland, including 0-1, 5.06 in three games (two starts) last season.

Rating: 2 Units

The Reds are 17-38 in their last 55 after allowing 5 runs or more in their previous game, 19-44 in their last 63 Sunday games, and 8-21 in their last 29 games after losing the first 2 games of a series. While the Nationals are 12-5 in Roarks last 17 home starts vs. a team with a losing record, 12-5 in Roarks last 17 starts after scoring 5 runs or more in their previous game, and 19-8 in Roarks last 27 starts vs. a team with a losing record.

Rating: 2 Units

Tomlin owns just one victory in four starts this month - allowing 15 earned runs over 19 1/3 innings - but held Minnesota to one run on six hits in eight frames despite taking the loss on May 12. The 32-year-old Texas Tech product has walked just two batters in the last seven games and six on the season over 75 2/3 innings. Joe Mauer is 11-for-29 against Tomlin, who is 5-5 with a 5.13 ERA in 16 games (13 starts) against the Twins.

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Tillman spun five scoreless innings in his 2017 debut but has struggled since while going 0-5 and has not lasted past six frames in any of his nine outings. The 29-year-old Californian, who won 56 games in the previous four seasons, has walked 22 and surrendered nine homers in 39 2/3 innings this year. Tillman has allowed 19 runs in his last three outings overall and is 8-10 with a 4.11 ERA in 25 career games against the Rays.

Rating: 2 Units

Perdomo lost to Milwaukee in his last turn even though he gave up only two runs and eight hits in six innings. The 24-year-old served up two homers in three of his last five starts - each of the multi-homer outings occurred on the road. Perdomo is 1-1 with a 5.31 ERA in seven home starts this season.

Rating: 2 Units

Tanaka's regression has been baffling since ripping off the five straight wins, as he is 0-6 over his last seven starts while watching his ERA rise by more than two runs. Tanaka struck out 10 last time out in Oakland but he lasted only four innings and gave up five runs while surrendering three homers. During his seven-start drought, Tanaka has coughed up 15 homers in only 33 1/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Cotton halted a drought of more than six weeks without a victory last time out against the New York Yankees, allowing three runs and six hits over 6 1/3 innings. Cotton was 0-4 in his previous five turns, allowing 20 earned runs in that span, and continues to have troubles with an inability to keep the ball in the park. Cotton has surrendered 12 of his 13 home runs in his last seven outings.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kansas Royals have won nine of 11 contests to move within one game of .500 while the Toronto Blue Jays are 0-9 this season in their bid to even their record. Kansas City starter, Happ has answered a slow start since coming off the disabled list with elbow inflammation to win back-to-back outings in sterling fashion. The 34-year-old scattered six hits and struck out eight over six innings in a 4-0 victory at Seattle on June 11 before fanning nine in 6 2/3 frames of a 7-2 triumph versus the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

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Nelson makes his 15th start of the season after firing the first complete game of his career, a victory over San Diego on Sunday in which he gave up one run and six hits while registering 10 strikeouts. The 28-year-old led the NL with 16 losses a year ago but has allowed fewer than two earned runs in five of his last nine turns, recording double-digit strikeouts three times while posting a 2.24 ERA. Atlanta starter,  Foltynewicz suffered a loss at Milwaukee on April 30, when he yielded four runs - one earned - and four hits in six innings.

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The Cleveland Indians are looking like the team that advanced to the World Series last year and aim for their ninth victory in 10 contests  Minnesota starter, Mejia has dropped back-to-back starts and lasted fewer than five innings in both outings. The 24-year-old lost to Cleveland on Saturday when he gave up two runs and five hits - including homers to Lonnie Chisenhall and Austin Jackson - over 4 2/3 innings. Mejia is 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA in 12 2/3 innings over three road starts.

Rating: 2 Units

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved into first place in the National League West on Wednesday and are playing like a team that could be there for a while. Los Angeles has won six straight contests and 12 of its last 13 heading into today’s series finale against the visiting New York Mets, who have been outscored 30-8 while losing the first three games of the set. Ryu is looking to record back-to-back victories for the first time this season after holding Cincinnati to two runs over five frames in a 10-2 win on Saturday. The 30-year-old owns a 2-0 record and 1.80 ERA in three career starts against the Mets.

Rating: 2 Units

Arrieta limited the Marlins to two runs and two hits over six innings in a win June 6 in Chicago, improving to 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three meetings with Miami. Miami starter, Locke is winless in four starts since coming off the disabled list June 1. The 29-year-old  has had a tough time getting out of innings and twice has failed to get through five frames. Locke lost to Arrieta and the Cubs on June 6, when he allowed four runs (three earned) in 4 2/3 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Clevinger's stay in Triple-A Columbus will be a short one as he is expected to start today. The 26-year-old is coming off a four-inning stint in a doubleheader at Minnesota on Saturday in which he allowed one run on two hits in a no-decision versus the Twins. Clevinger didn't fare well in his last outing versus Baltimore, permitting four runs on as many hits with three walks in four innings of a no-decision on May 29, 2016.

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Paulino is coming off his first major-league victory, a six-inning outing against Boston on Saturday in which he allowed one run and three hits. The triumph came in the fifth career start - and fourth this season - by the 23-year-old Dominican, who has registered 20 strikeouts and issued only five walks in 19 2/3 frames this year. Paulino will be facing Oakland for the first time as he makes his third start of 2017 on the road.

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Anderson did not factor in the decision against San Diego in his last turn, when he gave up three runs and five hits over seven innings. Prior to that outing, the 29-year-old gave up one run and 14 hits with 30 strikeouts during a 27 2/3-inning stretch over four starts. Anderson is 3-2 with a 3.43 ERA in eight career starts against Pittsburgh, including a 3-1 record and 2.16 ERA in five outings last season.

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Martinez has turned around his season since the calendar reached May, posting 6-2 mark in his last nine outings. The 25-year-old Dominican has posted back-to-back gems, striking out 11 and scattering four hits in a 7-0 romp over Philadelphia on June 10 before allowing one run in six innings in an 11-2 rout at Baltimore. Philadelphia starter, Nola fell to 1-5 in his last six outings on Friday after allowing five runs on nine hits in six-plus innings against Arizona.

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Fiers looks to extend his unbeaten streak, which reached five starts when he limited Boston to one run and five hits in seven innings of a no-decision on Friday. The 32-year-old Floridian has recorded three wins during the stretch, allowing a total of eight earned runs over 30 frames and two or fewer in each of his last four outings.

Rating: 2 Units

Carrasco improved to 5-1 over his last eight starts by limiting Minnesota to one run and four hits over 6 1/3 innings. Carrasco also boosted his road record to 5-1 with a 2.89 ERA in seven starts, allowing two homers in 43 2/3 innings and holding the opposition to a .190 batting average. Baltimore starter, Gausman continues to give up hits in alarming numbers (107 in 75 innings) and his WHIP of 1.92 is easily the worst in the major leagues. The 26-year-old has allowed at least eight hits in seven consecutive starts, including last time out when he was tagged for five runs in 5 2/3 innings versus St. Louis.

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Pivetta out dueled Chris Sale in his last encounter, recording career highs in strikeouts (nine) and innings worked (seven) while scattering four hits in a hard-luck no-decision against Boston on Thursday. The 24-year-old's long outing marked the first time in seven starts that he ventured past the fifth inning. Pivetta will be making just his third start at home Wednesday, where he has yet to record a decision

Rating: 2 Units

Gossett receives another chance after getting pounded by the Miami Marlins in his major-league debut. The 24-year-old native of South Carolina was tagged for seven runs - six earned - and six hits (two homers) in 3 1/3 innings of a loss at Miami on Wednesday. Gossett has made 11 starts for Triple-A Nashville this season, going 3-3 with a 3.41 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 60 2/3 frames.

Rating: 2 Units

Feldman's three-game winning streak came to an end Tuesday in San Diego, allowing four earned runs and failing to last more than five innings for the third time in four tries. The Hawaii native has been markedly worse on the road (2-3, 5.58 ERA) than in Cincinnati (3-2, 3.45). Evan Longoria (5-for-17) and Derek Norris (6-for-14) have each homered against Feldman. Tampa Bay starter, Odorizzi has done some of his best work at Tropicana Field this year, posting a 3-2 record with a 3.11 ERA and 1.01 WHIP while allowing hitters to bat only .213 against him. Odorizzi carries a 6-3 record with a 3.12 ERA in 15 interleague starts as he squares off against Cincinnati for the first time.

Rating: 2 Units

Nicolino left his last start May 30 against Philadelphia after bruising the tip of his left index finger on a bunt attempt, interrupting a solid start in which he had thrown three scoreless no-hit innings. He yielded one run in six frames in his one other home start this year but is just 2-6 lifetime at Marlins Park. The 25-year-old is 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA in four games (three starts) versus Washington.

Rating: 2 Units

Musgrove returned from a stint on the disabled list to suffer a loss against Texas on Monday after surrendering two runs on five hits and a walk in 4 2/3 frames. The 24-year-old enjoyed his finest turn of the season prior to his injury on May 26, throwing seven scoreless innings in a win versus Baltimore. Musgrove is only 2-5 with a 5.05 ERA at home in 2017 entering his first start against Boston - a far cry from the 3-1 record and 1.75 ERA he posted at Minute Maid Park in six late-season games (five starts) last year.

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Vargas won his fourth consecutive start on Tuesday against San Francisco, allowing five hits while striking out six over seven frames. The Southern California native owns a 65-to-18 strikeout-to-walk ratio and ranks second in the majors with a 2.10 ERA, trailing only Houston’s Dallas Keuchel. Vargas owns a 6-4 record and 3.02 ERA in 16 career games (15 starts) against the Angels while holding Yunel Escobar to four hits in 22 at-bats.

Rating: 2 Units

Blach followed up his first career shutout earlier this month with two starts in which he combined to give up 12 runs in 11 2/3 innings. The more difficult of the two was Tuesday at home against Kansas City, which got to the 26-year-old for seven runs and 10 hits in 5 2/3 frames en route to an 8-1 win. Colorado starter, Chatwood is 7-3 with a 2.81 ERA in 14 career games (13 starts) against San Francisco.

Rating: 2 Units

The Cleveland Indians attempt to match their longest winning streak of the season when they visit the Minnesota Twins today for the finale of their four-game series. Cleveland seeks its fifth consecutive triumph after outscoring Minnesota 15-5 while sweeping Saturday's doubleheader. Cleveland starter, Bauer has won each of his first two meetings this season, including a triumph at Minnesota on April 20 in which he allowed two runs over 6 1/3 frames. Minnesota starter, Gibson fell to 2-4 with a 6.26 ERA in 10 career starts against Cleveland when he allowed three runs over 5 1/3 frames on April 17.

Rating: 2 Units

Nelson did not factor in the decision at St. Louis on Tuesday, giving up four runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings. That outing snapped a streak of three straight quality starts -- all at home -- for the Alabama product, who gave up four runs and struck out 27 over 21 innings during that span. Nelson beat the Padres in San Diego on May 16 with six innings of two-run ball, striking out eight.

Rating: 4 Unit MLB Game of the Week

Colorado and the Los Angeles Dodgers refuse to lose, so the Arizona Diamondbacks are doing the same in order to keep pace atop the National League West. The Diamondbacks will go for their seventh consecutive victory and a three-game sweep when they visit the major league-worst Philadelphia Phillies for the series finale today. Colorado (45-26), Arizona (43-26) and Los Angeles (43-26) are turning the NL West into baseball's most hotly contested division, and the Diamondbacks are the hottest in the bunch with wins in six straight and nine of their last 10.  Arizona starter, Ray is enjoying a string of five straight dominant wins in which he allowed a total of one run over 37 innings while recording 48 strikeouts. The 25-year-old is well on his way to a second straight 200-strikeout season with 107 in 82 1/3 frames and is limiting opponents to a .184 batting average.

Rating: 2 Units

Arrieta put together two straight quality starts before giving up four runs in 4 1/3 innings in a no-decision against Colorado last time out. The 31-year-old matched his season-high with three walks and hit a batter as his command remained suspect. Arrieta is 9-3 with a 3.06 ERA in 16 starts against the Pirates.  The Pirates went 4-14-1 against the Cubs a year ago.

Rating: 2 Units

After halting their recent struggles against the Mariners to get back to .500 in the opener, the Rangers eye their seventh win in eight contests overall today when they continue a three-game set against their American League West rival in Texas. Since May 9, the Rangers (33-33) have posted a 10-game winning streak, immediately followed by a 4-12 stretch before they went 5-1 during a six-game road trip against division leaders Washington and Houston leading into this series. Texas mustered a total of 16 runs while losing five of its first six meetings to Seattle, but Carlos Gomez put an emphatic end to those struggles with a season-high four RBIs in Friday's 10-4 series-opening rout - his first game back since missing over a month recovering from a hamstring injury.

Rating: 2 Units

Godley is enjoying a string of six straight quality starts and has yet to allow more than three earned runs in seven outings this season. The 27-year-old held Milwaukee to two runs on two hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings while striking out four last Saturday to snap his four-start winless streak. Godley will be making his first career start against the Phillies after tossing a perfect inning of relief versus them last season. Philadelphia starter, Eickhoff is the first Phillies pitcher to go winless in his first 13 starts since Cliff Lee in 2012 and is coming off a no-decision at Boston in which he allowed four runs - three earned - and seven hits in six innings. The 26-year-old is not getting much support from Philadelphia's offense, which totaled one or no runs in four of his last six turns. Eickhoff is 0-1 with a 4.22 ERA and 16 hits allowed in 10 2/3 career innings against Arizona.

Rating: 2 Units

The Washington Nationals have laid to rest any concerns about the New York Mets using this week’s four-game clash to gain ground in the National League East race. Instead, the visiting Nationals have widened the gap with two comfortable wins over the Mets, and they’ll try to make it three straight today. Washington entered the series having lost five of six, while New York had won five of six and pulled within 8 1/2 games of the division-leading Nationals. The prospect of the Mets making a charge seemed plausible, but the Nationals have won the first two contests 8-3 and 7-2 as injuries continue to mount for the Mets. The Nationals belted three home runs in Friday’s victory and have 12 blasts in their last five games. Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg will be eager to take the mound at Citi Field, where he is 6-1 with a 1.97 ERA in eight starts and has not lost since 2013.

Rating: 2 Units

Lamet is making his fifth major-league start and has yet to last more than five innings. The 24-year-old has been roughed up for seven earned runs in each of his last two outings - both losses - and served up three homers to Kansas City in his last turn. Lamet has struck out 25 batters in 22 innings and has limited right-handed hitters to a .138 average. Milwaukee starter, Anderson has allowed just one run in 27 2/3 innings over his last four starts, registering 30 strikeouts during that stretch. He didn't allow a run in three consecutive turns before giving up one over six innings while losing to Arizona in his last turn. The 29-year-old Anderson yielded four runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings against San Diego on May 15 but did not factor in the decision and is 3-1 with a 4.02 ERA in seven career starts versus the Padres.

Rating: 2 Units

Wainwright has been struggling a bit of late but managed to post a win against Philadelphia on Sunday after surrendering two runs on six hits and a pair of walks in five innings. The Georgia native had his string of four straight victories in which he allowed a total of one run come to an end at Cincinnati on June 6, when he was lit up for nine runs on seven hits and three walks in 3 2/3 frames. Wainwright, who will be facing Baltimore for the first time in his career, is 13-8 with a 3.33 ERA in 33 career interleague games (27 starts). Baltimore starter, Miley followed his best start of the season - one run allowed in seven innings against Boston on June 1 - with two of his worst. The Louisiana native got knocked around for 10 runs and 14 hits in five frames combined by Pittsburgh and the Chicago White Sox in his last two turns. Miley, who has issued 36 walks in 65 2/3 innings this year, is 1-2 with a 4.13 ERA in four career starts against St. Louis.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kansas City Royals look to extend their season-best winning streak to six games on today, when they visit the Los Angeles Angels for the second contest of their four-game series. Kansas City racked up 15 hits in Thursday's 7-2 victory and has scored 42 runs during its string of victories. Los Angeles starter, Chavez gave up a season-high six runs against Houston in his last start but escaped with a no-decision after lasting only 3 2/3 innings. The 33-year-old has served up at least one homer in 11 consecutive appearances to set a dubious franchise record. Chavez is 0-1 in six career appearances (one start) against Kansas City.

Rating: 2 Units

Severino improved to 3-0 over his last seven outings with a victory against Baltimore on Saturday, when he allowed just one run and two hits in seven innings. The 23-year-old Dominican has given up more than two runs only once during his unbeaten streak and fewer than two on five occasions. Severino, who is 2-0 with a 2.17 ERA in six turns on the road this season, yielded two runs over six frames of a no-decision on April 21, 2016 in his only career start versus Oakland.

Rating: 2 Units

Samardzija lost to Minnesota in his last turn as he gave up three runs and four hits in six innings. Despite striking out 100 and issuing just 12 walks, the 32-year-old is tied for most defeats in the majors. Samardzija is 0-2 with an 8.03 ERA against the Rockies this season, dropping him to 3-4 with a 3.24 ERA in 13 career appearances (nine starts), and has struggled with Arenado (10-for-23, six RBIs). Colorado starter,  Senzatela has been a solid surprise for the Rockies as he is tied for second in the majors in victories. Senzatela is 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in two starts against the Giants this season and hasn't issued a walk in 14 innings.

Rating: 2 Units

Scherzer’s stuff has been electric of late, as he has reached double digits in strikeouts in four straight outings. The 32-year-old ace is 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA over that stretch with 48 strikeouts and five walks in 32 innings. Scherzer is 6-4 with a 2.39 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts) against the Mets.

Rating: 2 Units

t has been seven weeks since the Chicago Cubs won a series on the road, and they return to the site where they last did so when they begin a three-game set against the host Pittsburgh Pirates. Chicago took two of three in Pittsburgh from April 24-26. Pittsburgh starter, Williams had put together back-to-back quality starts before he was dinged for five runs and six hits over four innings Saturday in a no-decision against Miami. The 25-year-old has allowed just one run in three of his seven starts, but he hasn’t been able to consistently produce those results.

Rating: 2 Units

The Arizona Diamondbacks are riding an impressive wave of offense to win four in a row and seven of their last eight to remain in the thick of it in the competitive National League West. Manager Torey Lovullo's club looks to continue its momentum today at Citizens Bank Park as Arizona opens a three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies.  Arizona answered a three-game skid by erupting for 59 runs in its next seven contests before completing a two-game interleague sweep of Detroit with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday. Paul Goldschmidt has been integral in the power surge by going 17-for-40 with three homers, 14 RBIs and 12 runs scored this month and aims to build off last season's feast of Philadelphia in which he went 6-for-14 with two homers in the Diamondbacks' four-game sweep at Citizens Bank Park on June 17-19, 2016.

Rating: 2 Units

The Kansas City Royals have tuned up their sagging offense and look to post a season-best fifth straight victory when they open a four-game series against the host Los Angeles Angels today. Kansas City, which has scored the fewest runs (253) in the American League, has racked up 35 during its four-game winning streak. Los Angeles starter, Nolasco has dropped five consecutive starts - matching the longest skid of his career - and is winless in his last nine dating back to a victory over Oakland on April 27.  Nolasco is 2-4 with a 4.80 ERA in eight career starts against the Royals and has struggled with Salvador Perez (8-for-21, one homer) and Alcides Escobar (8-for-24).

Rating: 2 Units

Winners of eight of their last 11, the Rockies look to continue to flex their muscles against the visiting San Francisco Giants on Thursday when the National League West rivals play the opener of a four-game series at Coors Field. San Francisco starter, Moore didn't fare well against Colorado in a pair of starts this season, losing both decisions after permitting five runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings of a 5-0 setback on April 15 before being tagged for six runs on nine hits - including three homers - in a 12-3 rout seven days later. The 27-year-old fell to 0-3 in his last five starts on Friday after allowing four runs on seven hits in six innings of a 4-0 setback versus Minnesota. Moore looks to alter his fortunes on the road, where he owns an 0-4 mark with a gaudy 7.94 ERA in seven starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Gonzalez is well on his way to his eighth straight season with double-digit wins and has posted three straight quality starts. The 31-year-old didn’t get a decision last time out despite holding Texas to one run and three hits over six innings with a season-high nine strikeouts. Gonzalez has enjoyed pitching against the Mets, going 12-5 with a 2.96 ERA in 21 meetings.

Rating: 2 Units

Tillman was shellacked in his last outing as he surrendered nine runs in 1 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees on Saturday. The 29-year-old surrendered three homers for the second time in three turns and saw his ERA skyrocket from 5.59 to 8.01 after the disastrous outing in the Bronx.

Rating: 2 Units

Pineda bounced back from a rough outing against Toronto by allowing one unearned run over seven innings of a 9-1 victory over Boston on Thursday. The 28-year-old won for the fourth time in five starts.  Los Angeles starter,  Shoemaker, who leads the Angels with 67 strikeouts, has gone 0-2 with a 4.05 ERA in two career starts against the Yankees.

Rating: 2 Units

Santana threw a four-hit shutout at Baltimore last time out to go along with a two-hitter and a one-hitter over his last 11 starts. Ervin Santana won seven games in each of the past two years, a total he surpassed in his last start after tossing his third shutout of the young season. Santana goes for his ninth win tonight.

Rating: 2 Units

Kluber went on the disabled list early in May with a 5.06 ERA, but he has looked much more like himself in two starts since returning to the mound while surrendering three runs in 12 innings. The former Cy Young Award winner has 18 strikeouts against three walks in that span and he has gone 4-0 in four home outings this season. Kluber, who has faced the Dodgers just once and was solid through 6 2/3 innings, is 11-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 16 career interleague starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Harvey has been inconsistent through 12 turns, posting only four quality starts while allowing five or more runs four times. The 28-year-old was excellent Friday at Atlanta, allowing four hits over five scoreless frames, but threw 104 pitches before settling for a no-decision. Harvey is 1-0 with a 1.26 ERA in two career starts against the Cubs.

Rating: 2 Units

The Boston Red Sox have been heating up like the soon-to-be summer temperatures with wins in 15 of their last 22 contests, highlighted by two extra-inning victories over the Philadelphia Phillies. The visiting Red Sox look to continue their good fortune against the free-falling Phillies today when the four-game, home-and-home interleague series shifts to Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia starter, Hellickson fell to 1-4 with a 6.43 ERA in his last eight starts after allowing three runs on 10 hits in six innings of Friday's 3-2 setback at St. Louis. The 30-year-old continues to be plagued by the longball, as he was taken deep for the fourth straight outing against the Cardinals and has surrendered 14 homers in 13 starts.

Rating: 2 Units

Perdomo is making his 11th start of the season and still searching for his first win. The Dominican Republic native was not very sharp on Wednesday, when he was ripped for five runs on five hits and four walks in four innings to suffer a loss at Arizona. Perdomo faced Cincinnati once last season and took the loss. The San Diego Padres became the second team in the National League to reach 40 losses with a setback against Kansas City on Sunday and dropped seven of their last eight games.

Rating: 2 Units

The White Sox have sunk to the bottom of the American League Central after dropping two of three at Cleveland over the weekend, making them 2-9 over their last 11 contests. Wade Miley, who left his previous start against the White Sox on May 5 after getting struck by consecutive line drives in the first inning, gets the nod for the Orioles opposite veteran Mike Pelfrey.

Rating: 2 Units

Gallardo is enduring the worst season of his career and is 0-3 with a 10.42 ERA in his last four starts. The Mexico native faced the Twins at home on Wednesday and went a season-high seven innings but was ripped for five runs on six hits and two walks without factoring in the decision. Gallardo issued at least two walks in each of his last eight turns and is yielding a .291 batting average-against.

Rating: 2 Units

Freeland has worked at least six innings in eight of his last nine starts and allowed one run over 6 1/3 in a win over Cleveland his last time out. The 24-year-old is 4-0 with a 3.18 ERA in six road starts. Pittsburgh starter, Taillon allowed six runs on eight hits in five innings in his last start before surgery at Cincinnati on May 3.

Rating: 2 Units

It’s been feast or famine on offense for the Kansas City Royals lately and they hope to keep the bats hot one day after a big effort when they visit the San Diego Padres for the rubber match of a three-game set today. Lorenzo Cain’s grand slam highlighted a nine-run, eighth-inning rally Saturday in a 12-6 triumph after Kansas City managed just four runs total in back-to-back losses. The Royals, who belted five homers in a game for the first time since 2003 on Saturday, have scored 40 runs in their last four wins and seven in the past four losses during their see-saw season. Jake Junis gets the start for Kansas City in the finale and will oppose fellow rookie Dinelson Lamet, who is coming off the worst of his three major-league outings. San Diego has dropped six of its last seven games - giving up double-digit runs in four of the setbacks - after winning five in a row straddling May and June.

Rating: 2 units

Anderson has been brilliant over his last three starts, bouncing back from his first loss of the season to scatter 10 hits over 21 2/3 scoreless innings en route to a trio of victories. The 29-year-old Texan has registered 22 strikeouts during the streak while issuing only five walks. Anderson's stretch began with a triumph over Arizona on May 27 in which he allowed one hit and three walks with 11 strikeouts over seven frames to improve to 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in three career turns versus the Diamondbacks.

Rating: 2 Units

While Happ seeks his initial victory, Paxton hopes to remain unbeaten as he allowed three runs in five innings against Minnesota on Tuesday to win his seventh consecutive decision dating to last season. The 28-year-old Canadian has given up runs in only three of his eight outings this year and served up his first homer of 2017 in the triumph over the Twins.

Rating: 2 Units

After a dominant stretch in which he allowed one run in 26 1/3 innings over four straight wins, Wainwright fell apart last time out. The 35-year-old was tagged for nine runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings in a setback at Cincinnati on Tuesday - taking his first loss since April 16. Wainwright is 6-2 with a 2.85 ERA in 14 games (12 starts) against the Phillies.

Rating: 2 Units

As good as the results were for the New York Mets in sweeping a doubleheader Saturday at the Atlanta Braves, it is the impact two key players made that have the Mets surging heading into Sunday’s series finale. Yoenis Cespedes returned from the disabled list to slug a grand slam in a 6-1 victory in the opener, then Steven Matz made his season debut with seven strong innings in an 8-1 victory in the nightcap.  The Braves, who won Friday’s series opener, have scored just eight runs in their past four games. The Braves bullpen was torched for nine runs in 5 2/3 innings in the two games Saturday.